Smoother cab from Sandbac
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• Foden has replaced its long-running S10 Series with a new range called the 4000, which features a new cab on the existing chassis. The latest range was seen for the first time at TipCon and at Truckfest this week.
The 4000 Series is so called because it is the fourth generation of models built by Foden since the takeover by Paccar in 1980. The new designations of 4250, 4300, 4350 and 4400 denote engine power ranges in horsepower with their last three digits, but chassis are still defined (for type approval reasons) on the old S104, S106 and S108 lines.
As before, operators can specify either Cummins (10 and 14-litre), Perkins (Eagle 800s), Caterpillar (ATAAC) or Gardner (6LXDT) engines, while there are gearboxes from Eaton (including the Twin Splitter) and Spicer.
The big change, however, is in the cab. Although it is based on the old S10 shell, the 4000 is very different. The windscreen has been moved forwards by some 150mm, to eliminate the vestigial bonnet' of the old model. The screen is some 15% larger than before, and is raked at 20°. The corner radii have also been opened out from 89mm to 254mm, giving a much more aerodynamic line which is assisted in its smoothing of the airflow by large cab-corner wind deflectors.
The latest Foden cab is still made of glass-reinforced plastics, and yet, despite the increased room inside, is said to weigh no more than the old one. The driver sits some 150mm further forward, and there have been major improvements in ergonomics. The fascia now has clear instruments on hinge-out panels, the steering column is adjustable for reach and rake, and the dashboard curves round slightly to improve access to heater controls without obstructing cross-cab access.
There are storage lockers under the bunk (on sleepers), both seats, and externally at the back of the cab. Unusually with a new m( there is no price increase Foden claims that the new models are cheaper than rn mass-produced trucks of similar power outputs. The 4000 Series will be the firs benefit from the launch of Paccar's finance company Paclease — which is offere through the Foden dealer network.
• Driving Impressior
We have carried out a preliminary assessment of Foden 4000 Series in Yorkshire, first driving a 6 tractor version of the 4400 fitted with the 300kW Cummins Super E400 engi: and 13-speed Fuller Roadranger gearbox. This pulling a high-sided 38t tips trailer.
The most impressive fea of the new cab is its quiets even with such a powerful engine. Cross-cab convers; is easy even when the eng is pulling hard, and there little wind noise at speeds up to 80km/h.
The pendant pedals and adjustable steering column make the driving position comfortable, and the new point ventilation system provides a lot of air, althou the eyeball vents above th( driver's head seem the mu effective. Outward vision if. excellent, especially with g in the rear side panels: insi the perfectly-placed revcounter could do with mudl clearer calibrations.