Debut for Kerax ti
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by John Kendall • Renault launched its Kerax tipper range at TipCon last week (see show report, pages 24-29) to replace its Maxter 6x4 and 8x4 models.
The Kerax cab is based on the Premium distribution 17-tanner day cab launched a year ago but mounted higher on the chassis for improved offroad ground clearance.
A folding bottom step is fitted to avoid damage on rough terrain and the cab gains a steel three-piece bumper for ease of repair. Inside, the rubber floor covering replaces the Premium's carpets.
Renault will offer its 9.8litre Euro-2 engine range to power both six and eight-wheeler chassis—for heavy-duty applications it might also offer its 11.1litre engine. If so, it could power a Kerax tractor which could be offered for heavy haulage and other heavy-duty tractor applications. Renault built a
Maxter heavy-duty tractor which was not sold in the UK.
It is not clear if the 6.2litre 247hp (184kW) engine will be available in the six wheeler.
Although it is close in output to the 9.8-litre engine's lowest rating, it could power a lightweight 6x4 chassis to compete with Iveco Ford's
SuperCargo, Foden's 3000 Series, Volvo's FI,626 and MAN's 26.264, also launched at TipCon.
Other features of the Kerax include a vertical exhaust system and allround drum brakes in place of the Premium's front discs.
The two models displayed at TipCon had twospring bogie rear suspension with three-leaf parabolics on the 6x4 and nineleaf parabolics on the 8x4. Rubber suspension may be available as an option.
Renault will reveal full details of the Kerax range in June; sales are due to begin in the autumn. KERAX ENGINE OPTIONS Renault 9.8 litre in-line six-cylinder charge-cooled direct-injection diesel. ITC electronically controlled fuel injection is fitted to all variants except the 252hp model.
Max power hp (kW)/rpm 252(188)/2,100 294(219)/2,100 334 (249)/2,000
Max torque Ibft (Nm)/rpm 738 (1,000)/1,400 900 (1,220)/1,200 1,180 (1,600)/1,200