ERF DOWN UNDER-THE COMMANDER CABOVER
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When Western Star bought ERF in 1996 it finally got the one thing it needed to reinforce its attack on the Aussie market—a forward control (cabover) tractor. Using a modified version of the SMC cab from ERF's EC artic, Western Star launched the Commander in Australia in 19 97. Its arrival challenged Paccar's long-standing stranglehold on the Australia B-Double tractor market.
But why didn't Western Star, a company with plenty of experience building bonneted heavy trucks, simply develop its own cabover? Speaking in Brisbane soon after the takeover of ERF, Western Star boss Terry Peabody explained the economic sense of using a product that's already there: "We were looking for a cabover, but knew the cost of developing our own would be at least Sworn. Paying SG om for a company showed a lot more logic."
The Commander is built at ERF's Sun Works, alongside UK EC models. However, in Australia it's strictly badged Western Star.
To meet Australia's relatively modest steer axle weight limits, the Commander's front axle has been moved forward by 20omm compared to a normal EC. That's meant changing the entry steps which now sit behind the front axle, to the style of a UScabover—you climb up the steps using two hand-rails and shuffle forward along a foot plate before swinging into the cabin—rather like getting into a Renault Magnum.
Power is from an Mn Cummins, or more commonly a 525hp N14, and you can also get a Detroit Diesel Go Series. That engine lineup will soon be extended by Cummins' latest 15-litre DOHC Signature engine—currently creating a stir down under with ratings of up to Goohp(CM 3-9 June)—as well as the big 3406E Caterpillar. Standard gearbox is Fuller's legendary IS-speed Roadranger.
Aussie eleetries
The Commander is aimed squarely at Australian B-Double work (see next page) and it's had a positive reception, especially for its European ride quality and interior finish. But Aussie operators don't get on with 24 volts, so the Commander's electrics are stepped-down to 12V on the trailer connections.
Drivers also want separate lockers and compared to the Kenworth 1(104—the benchmark for B-Double tractors—they want a deeper cab. That presents a problem for ERF as the Olympic version of the EC sleeper is taller, but it doesn't make a bigger cab.
"It's a huge issue for us, says ERF's MD John Bryant, "but we can't get a wider bunk in the short term." However, there's talk that the replacement for the EC cab, which will be used on the Commander, will provide the long-term answer—though when is anybody's guess.