MAU 1 LSI
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MERCEDES
IITEGO TIPPER =3:13
,r We met up with SIMON STORER at Premier Aggregates' Finrnere Quarry near Buckingham. lie drives an ERF EC11 eight-wheeler for Grundon's. He immediately commented on how smooth the engine felt as we pulled away. Once an the road he said: "This seat is a little more basic than mine which has lumbar adjustment. The gear change isn't any lighter though and with my Eaton Twin Splitter I don't need to use the clutch, This steering and these pedals are so light; the clutch is not anything like as heavy as I had expected—it's like a car. The A-post and the mirrors on the nearside create a bit of a blind spot. Mounting the exhaust brake on the steering column seems a bit strange at first but it works quite well. The engine has plenty of pull to deal with the hills. The dash looks a bit cheap and the shelves above the screen are too shallow to hold paperwork and maps. The trim is practical. The blank switches won't harbour the dust in summer and the rubber floor looks easy to clean."
• CHRIS SIMPSON works for Rake Choice out of Waddesdon and was driving a very powerful Scanla 113 320 4x2 tipper. "It's an ex-Tesco unit and It gives us 11.25mpg," he explained jumping up into the cab, "That's a good industry standard. The hand rails and steps are just where you want them. This is a heavy box, It takes a strong push to got into gear which is something you can do without if you drive all day. The brakes are on top of the pedal. Just a touch and they are there. The weight of the truck pushes on into the bends and there is a feeling of understeer on the way out. But it's not a roller. The seating position is comfortable. This is just as quiet as my Scania. Visibility is acceptable. Electric mirrors are a good idea but expensive to replace. Engine power puts you right on top of the jab but you have to drive it. It's a good idea to take the exhaust brake control off the floor where it gets covered in muck. I'm used to having the radio above the screen but down here on the dash you don't have to take your eyes off the road. This Mercedes cab is much better for the driver. It's roomier with space for stowage. You can never have too much. And I like the extra bits like the lunch tray. I could work with it."