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t gives the final verdict We were surprised to find
Page 61
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a top-spec lveco among the ranks of Hill Hire's fleet tractors. Presumably this is a reflection of the low standing the marque has in the UK tractor market but, as a result, rental customers and drivers benefit from a luxury model at fleet prices. On this evidence it's a bargain that's too good to miss. You get decent economy, adequate performance and a driving experience that will suit agency newcomers as well as hardened pros.
The Stralis doesn't score highly in every area, however. We were disappointed by the creaks and rattles from the overhead trim and the wind noise through the top of the door around the A-pillar. Both are indications of build-quality issues, which none of the other three older trucks exhibited. That is one of the reasons why the Stralis hasn't made the leap into the elite bracket of high-spec tractors occupied by the likes of Daf's XF and the Mercedes Actros.
In this company, the top build-quality award rests with MAN. Well put together, devoid of rattles and with a level of luxury that most drivers will find adequate, the TGA is also challenging the Stralis for the top comfort award. If pushed, we'd opt for the Stralis, simply for the extra living space but it's a tough call. Lack of an air deflector inevitably hampered the TGA at the pumps, so it would be unfair to condemn the truck's efficiency on that basis. The same holds true for performance, and new TGAs at this rating will be equipped with the new 430hp D20 engine, which has 2,100Nm of torque on tap.
Both the Daf and Mercedes had the edge on performance, romping up the timed hills in double-quick time. The Axor, however, was badly let down by atrocious handling, particularly in the wet where it suffered far too much understeer for our liking. The Oaf, on the other hand, is a far superior all-round truck, combining decent performance with superb handling. Its Achilles' heel appears to be at the fuel pumps, where it came third out of four. It's ironic that the Axor and CF come across as the two 'fleet-spec' trucks in this company. In contrast to the lveco, it shows the high esteem in which these two marques are held -but it means you can get higher-spec machines fo' the same money from elsewhere in the Hill Hire portfolio.
On this basis, our preferred rental opffon would be the Straffs. It's the most fuel efficient, the easiest to drive and offers the best driver comfort. And hey, if it rattles too much, send it back and get a new one...