OUR VIEW
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CM'S test team
Factory produced six-wheelers are still a relatively recent innovation for MAN. In 2001. its third year in the market, sales grew to 352 chassis but dropped back to 193 units during the following year.A similar pattern was experienced with the company's long established eight-wheelers, which might be the result of operators waiting for the replacement TGA cab.That's not the case for the 6x4. however.
The six-wheeler looks to have all of the right credentials and convincingly outsells its heavier stablemate. Operators who run it seem to like the more basic specification it offers. There is no denying that it has a good payload and, rated at 280hp, it should have power to spare.The driveline has proven to be reliable and most operators will be content with a nine-speed gearbox. The small cab is good for confined residential sites where access can be tight. but from a driver's point of view it might be just too small to provide adequate stowage for equif ment and protective clothing. With driver retention becoming a major issue is the smal cab the MAN six-wheeler's Achilles' heel?