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OPERATOR EXPERIENCE
Page 133
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SEDDON ATKINSON R30 L25 301 8x4. ORIGINALLY TESTED: 17/5/86.
ENGINE: CUMMINS Lb. 241hp. GEARBOX: FULLER RTX 7609 9-speed. BACK AXLE RATIO: 5.37:1.
TESTED GVW: 30.49 tonnes.
OVERALL RESULTS: 8.38mpg/37.0mph. ORIGINAL TEST REPORT PLUS POINTS: Good fuel consumption/lightest eight wheeler (at time)/improved sound insulation/smooth braking/simple diff lock system/good exhaust brake/even ride/little body roll.
ORIGINAL TEST REPORT MINUS POINTS: Fuller 9-speed gear changes slow in low ratios/turning circle needs improvement (required adjustment)/instrumentation untidy.
Operator 1 is engaged on national distribution of various bulk mineral powders. The 13 vehicle fleet is mixed and comprises of Seddon Atkinson's, ERF's and Volvo's.
Operator 2 is engaged on sand and gravel deliveries. His work is mainly local and middle distance. The 15 vehicle fleet consists of Seddon Atkinsons, ERFs and Fodens.
Operator 3 is an owner driver under contract to a large national quarry operator. His work is mainly local delivery of sand and gravel. All agreed with the plus comments with the exception of fuel consumption and cab noise. The larger operators found that the 241hp Cununins was inadequate for top weight operation and was subsequently heavy on fuel. The 13 vehicle operator had run into engine problems with cylinder head gaskets, engine timing, water leaks and fuel injection. The other 15 vehicle operator had a snapped crankshaft and clutch problems. In fairness, however, he stated that quarry work was very hard on clutches. Both of the above operators ran their Seddon Atkinsons at below top weight and, at an average 8.75mpg, gained better consistent fuel results than those achieved on the roadtest.
The owner driver was quite happy with his vehicle and had no major problems. He put this down to driving style and the extra care and consideration he gave to his only vehicle. All three agreed that the Cummins engine had to work hard and would specify, or have specified, a larger engine for any replacement vehicles.
Cab noise was rated as 'very intrusive' and steering described as poor. All three operators would prefer a larger steering wheel and described the standard steering wheel as something better suited to a small car. Resale values were expected to be good and, despite some problems, all three operators would choose Seddon Atkinson and Cummins again.