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DRIVERS' VIEWS
Page 26
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Ian Buffett drives a MercedesBenz 1834 out of Milton Keynes for the House of Fraser. "Access is nice and easy," he told us. "I can just reach the door to pull it closed. There's lots of space, for a small cab, and I'm not cramped around my legs. Door pockets aren't very deep but there are plenty of other places to put things. The drinks holder is In a good position. Driving feels strange at first, with nothing for my left hand to do. The engine could do with more oomph to get up to speed quicker and it would help if the auto transmission held onto the gears a bit longer. There isn't much cab roll but the cab suspension moves side to side even when running straight ahead. I can't see the top of the speedo, rev counter and gear display from where I am sitting but otherwise visibility is fine".
John Haynes from Kingswinford in the West Midlands drives a Daf 85 430 for UFD. "The steps are well placed," he noted as he climbed into the cab. "But take care of these big doors in a strong wind. The seat controls are simple but I would miss the lumbar support. A foot release for the steering wheel adjustment leaves both hands free. All of the usual displays light up with the turn of the key. Can I dip the oil manually?" We told him that the cab had to be fitted to reach the dipstick. This engine pulls as well as mine does with 44 tonnes up and the gearbox changes up at the top of the green sector. Keep it rolling up to a junction and it doesn't need to change down."
Nigel Rogers drives an ERF EC14 425 for C Pike out of Newport. 'lean just hear the gears go in," he said, "but it is so smooth. I can't feel it. The engine sounds pretty powerful but at 360hp it is underpowered at 40 tonnes—but with this gearbox it must be practically impossible to stall it. The kick down brings in a lower gear quickly and smoothly. The cab is a lot quieter with the window closed. It's a lovely truck to drive. Steering column stalks are hidden below the cross bar. Braking response is excellent and the pedal is firm. I like the way the gearbox changes down to lift engine revs and increase retardation when using the exhaust brake."