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Growth in the light middleweight sector

Most commercial vehicle interests at the Motor Show will be attracted by the lighter end of the market. As more lightand medium-weight vehicles are being used for longer deliveries, several lightmiddleweight rigids have been introduced. Bryan Jarvis looks at the new introductions in this area, where more sleeper cab options, improved drive-line specifications and increased scope for bodybuilders are now being offered

Bedford 535 BEDFORD has carried out extensive improvements in specification levels to its medium-duty TL range. The most notable are the inclusion of power-assisted steering as standard and a wide range of cab refinements.

One model from the TL series on show is the 4.24m (13.9ft) wheel base TL 1260 fitted with 8.2/130TD turbocharged diesel engine. This version is adapted for drawbar operation at 19,310kg gcw and is equipped with the Eaton two-speed 5.57/7.75:1 ratio rear axle, reinforced chassis cross-members and two-line trailer braking.

The TL2440 6x4 chassis-cab is intended for heavy-duty work such as carrying pre-mixed concrete. Its 8.2/210TD turbocharged diesel which is the most powerful of Bedford's Blue series is matched to a Fuller nine-speed overdrive multi-mesh range-change gearbox and Eaton single-speed spiral bevel bogie axles. A differential lock and Norde rubber suspension are also specified.

In all, Bedford has added 21 new, longer wheelbase models to the middleweight range taking the TL's body length capa

bility on rigids up to 7.32m (24ft).

OAF Trucks (GB) Stand 592 WITHIN sight and sound of DAF's spectacular laser and multi-screen presentation are two exhibits from its medium rigid vehicles.

The top end of the middleweights is represented by an FAS 2100 DHT three-axLed rigid, a model which has become well-established for drawbar operations.

Appearing with top sleeper cab trim, the show model is fitted with a lower drawbar coupling, lifting rear axle and air suspension.

Power is supplied by the 8.25-litre DHT six-cylinder turbocharged diesel unit which develops 1 60kW (215bhp) at 2,400rpm and 753Nm (555 Ibft) of torque at 1,300rpm. It drives through a 12-speed synchromesh ZFS6-80 gearbox with two-speed splitter to a DAF 2255 reduction axle with limited slip differential. The non-driven axle is independently suspended with a lifting axle.

Included on the 6x2 rigid exhibited are a number of styling feature options similar to those seen on the 3300 and 2800 tractive units. DAF's line-up at the show includes one of the lightest of its UK range, an FA2100DH 4x2 16-tonne with the optional air suspension. The model pictured has an Airwing 2000 roof deflector from Hatcher Components.

ERF 537

AMONG the vehicles on ERF's stand are two chassis-cabbed rigids from the C-series and M16 middleweight stables. The C31G eight-wheeler has the higher-powered 201 kW (270bhp) version of the new 12.7-litre 6LXDT range from Perkins.

Despite a very durable looking driveline specification of Fuller RTX1109A nine-speed constant mesh gearbox and Kirkstall KFD66-11-1 drive axles on Norde suspension, the 8x4 weighs in at 8,185kg in chassis cab form. This includes oil and water, but no fuel.

The M16P2 on show has a similar specification to the 16tanner road tested by CM last September when, with an 11.1tonne payload, it returned over 11mpg around our demanding Welsh test route.

It is powered by the Perkins T6.354 turbocharged diesel engine driving through a Spicer 16-400 six-speed synchromesh gearbox to a Rockwell R144 single reduction axle.

Ford Motor Co 438 FORD's 154kW (206bhp) Deutzengined 2420(D) tipper chassis scores high marks on payload potential and makes its second appearance at the NEC.

The model shown is similar to the one tested in May this year which performed so well around our tipper route, combining fast journey times with a most useful 16.23-tonne payload.

Standard transmission is the ZFS6-80 six-speed unit, but, like the vehicle tested, the model shown has the Eaton Fuller RT6609 nine-speed constant mesh-box. Hendrickson two

spring suspension is also fitted.

Middle of the five basic Cargo 16-tonners, the 1617(P), is on display powered by the 134kW (180bhp) V8.540 Perkins engine. With a 5.0m (16.4ft) wheelbase, bodies of up to 6.2m (20.3ft) in length can be fitted.

Ford's 112kW (151bhp) sixlitre turbocharged engine powers the Cargo 1615 dropframe chassis on show. The chassis conversion has been carried out by York Truck Engi

neering at Corby and is intended for brewery deliveries. A six-speed gearbox replaces the standard eight-speed unit.

Smallest of Ford's medium rigids exhibited and popular among local authorities is the 1313 tipper chassis. This is shown with the 6.2-litre 98kW (131bhp) engine.

Regal, Remits 541 THE LATEST addition to Hestair Dennis' Delta range of rigids on show at the NEC is part of a contract for five outside broadcast vehicles for the BBC.

Designated the Delta 2222, the 6.5m wheelbase chassis has a 6x2 twin-steer arrangement to meet the bodyweight distribution requirements and is plated at 22 tons.

Power is supplied by a Perkins TV8-5 4 0 1 6 OkW (2 1 5bhp) engine driving through an Allison MT643 auto matic transmission with torque converter.

Although the vehicle exhibited has the normal Dennis cab with hydraulic 70 degree tilt facility the contract calls for a fixed cab and bodywork.

Ivaco (UK) 515 IVECO's newest challenger in the medium weight market, the 135.14 chassis cab, is on show at the NEC for the first time. It is aimed at the 13-tonne sector.

The stand model which is powered by the 8060.04S 99kW (135bhp) naturally-aspirated diesel engine is intended for local distribution work, while the more powerful 13-tonner has the 123.5kW (168bhp) turbocharged version of the same engine and should suit longer distance work.

Standard transmission on the show model is the ZFS6-36 sixspeed synchromesh gearbox driving through a 5.12 to 1 final drive and giving a maximum governed speed of 102km/h (63.5mph). For the faster 135.17 with a 4.09 to 1 differential, the top speed is 108km/h (67mph), Five wheel bases are available beginning with the 3.2m small tipper chassis version up to the longest 5.5m model. The 5m version exhibited will accept bodies up to 6.9m (22.7ft).

Going up a weight is Iveco's range of 16-tonners. One of them, the 159.17 can be seen in chassis cab form on a 5.55m wheelbase. It has the 126kW (169bhp) 8360.05 naturally-aspirated engine, ZFS6-36 six-speed gearbox with optional splitter and, like all the latest 16-tonne models, the suspension now has parabolic springs.

Completing Iveco's medium vehicle line-up, the 300.23 eight-wheeler has a 5.64m (18.5ft) wheelbase and is designed for 30.49 tonnes tipping operations. Power is supplied by the 170kW (228bhp) F8L.412 aircooled Deutz V8 engine driving through a ZFAK6-80 six-speed constant mesh gearbox. A splitter is optional.

The rear bogie is the doubledrive lveco unit which has cross and inter-axle differential locks.

Leyland Trucks 531 ALTHOUGH Roadrunner dominates stand 531, Leyland is making maximum use of its 2,000sqm of stand space to highlight developments across its entire vehicle range and sales support.

One of the most striking exhibits is the Cruiser 16.23 drawbar unit, powered by the TL11B 177kW (238bhp) engine. It has a Lohr transporter body fitted and this is displayed carrying four Roadrunner 8.12 chassis, each on a 3.65m wheelbase.

Four Freighter models are shown including the 16.17 announced earlier this year. This vehicle, which is fitted with the new Leyland 420 134kW (180bhp) engine, has a sleeper cab and 6.06m (19ft10in) wheelbase that allows a 7.13m (24ft) internal length body to be fitted. Like all 16-ton Freighter models, new Rollercam brakes are specified.

Other Freighters exhibited are an 11.1 model fitted for the first time with a sleeper cab, and 14.14 and 16.14 versions fitted with low profile tyres. ZF gearboxes become standard across the range and sleeper cabs and are available from the lightest Freighter upwards.

Only one 6x4 Constructor is shown, a 24.21 model with a newly available 5.99m (19.7ft) wheelbase and sleeper cab, but Leyland uses the occasion to announce another version. It is the 24.17 equipped with the new 420 engine driving through a six-speed ZF gearbox. Operating at 24 ton gvw, this gives a power to weight ratio of 7.5bhp/ton. Kerb weight of the six-wheel chassis is below 6 tonnes. A Constructor 2 eight-wheeler is shown fitted with an RR265 Li engine, for the first time with an optional sleeper cab. Because of its low kerb weight the vehicle is labelled a 'high oayload' package.

Scammell medium vehicles 3re represented by a 6x6

mili:ary DROPS lorry, which is Ailed as a medium mobility lolistical support vehicle. Leyland's recently confirmed iecision to discontinue the 9-12 :onne Landmaster export range Bathgate when the Scottish 31ant closes in 18 months time pins prominence with the ap)earance of a 12.12 model ilongside a 6x4 Landtrain.

IAN-VW 542

ilAN-VW's largest show lisplay to date includes two of :s newly introduced 16-tonne nodels.

The 16.170 has been deigned specifically for the Iritish market and has several lutstanding features, such as DW chassis kerb weights of beseen 4.77 and 5.03 tonne (delending on wheelbase), a iower-to-weight ratio of Obhp/ton and a completely flat hassis for ease of bodybuild

Both 16.170s exhibited are lowered by the 5.6-litre D0226 /IKF/170 turbocharged and airo-air charge-cooled engine yhich has the same tuned inluction resonance system hared by larger MAN models. It has a maximum power rating of 125kW (168bhp) at 2,800rpm, while its maximum torque is developed between 1200, and 1,70Orpm.

Four wheelbase alternatives, 4.3, 5.15, 5.6 and 5.9m (14ft1in, 16ft11in, 18ft4in and 19ft4in) are offered with the day-cabbed 16.170 and a twin-bunk sleeper cab option is available with the longest one.

MAN-VW's two show exhibits are a 5.6m version with standard cab and a 5.9m wheelbase with the optional sleeper.

Bodybuilders are not expected to meet problems with the new model. The longest 5.9m wheelbase and day cab will accept a 7.9m (26ft) body and the 5.6m model the popular 7.3m (2 4ft) body length. Transmission is the ZFS6-36 synchromesh six-speed box driving through a standard 4.86 to 1 final drive with 4.65 or 6.17 to 1 offered as optional rations.

An exhibit from the lighter, 10 tonne end of MAN's heavy goods vehicle range, the 10.136 has a similar specification to the one tested over a year ago with a dropside body.

Whereas the test vehicle has conventional suspension the show model has the now optional air suspension on the rear axle.

Completing MAN-VW's medium weight show line up is the 30.281 VKF eight-wheeler first shown at Tipcon earlier this year. It is similar to the existing 30.240 vkf model, but, rated at 206kW (276bhp) at 2,200rpm, offers more power.

Mercedes 538

THREE new light-middleweights are shown by Mercedes-Benz at the NEC for the first time. The top load carrier is the 1114 displayed in the chassis cab form.

Plated for gross weights up to 11 tonnes, the 1114 shares the same 5.96-litre Mercedes 0M366 power unit as the nonhgv 814 model. This naturally aspirated engine develops 100kW (134bhp) at 2,8000rpm and 402Nm (2961bft) of torque at 1,400rpm.

Three wheelbases are available for this model — 3.7, 4.25 and 4.9m (12ft2in, 13ft11in and 16ft1in). The largest one is designed for bodywork of around 7.3m (24ft) in length.

Full air brakes, power steering and a comfortable roomy cab are key features of the range which Mercedes believes will help it to increase its market share of Britain's 7.5 to 16tonne sector. A model from the top end of this range, the popular 1617 four wheeled rigid is also seen on the stand in chassis cab form.

Mercedes has carried out a weight trimming exercise on its latest 2421K six-wheeler chassis giving it a corresponding increase in payload capacity. This has been achieved by using as standard HD4 /2 1 DG1 0 through-drive and HD4/22D-10 second bogie axles, parabolic springs and standard 7.50 wheel rims.

As well as being 320kg (7051b) lighter, the 2421K tipper chassis shown, is said to offer five per cent more power and nearly 10 per cent extra torque than the previous 2419 model, with its 10.96-litre V6 engine.

Ground clearance has been increased by 25mm (0.98in) by reducing the new bogie axles' crown wheel diameter.

Renault Truck Industries 538.

RENAULT has marked this year's show by adding a more powerful V8 engine option, available early next year, to three Dunstable-built Dodge vehicles.

One of the three medium weight models on show is a Commando G13 4x2 chassis, designed specifically for use as a fire tender.

It has the Perkins TV8-540 turbocharged diesel which develops 171kW (229bhp) at 2,600rpm, and 755Nm (556Ibft) of torque at 1,800rpm. Together with an Allison IVIT643 automatic transmission, it is built to meet Home Office requirements on performance.

Two wheelbases, 3.70 or 4.35m (12ft2in or 14ft3in), are available.

Although the turbocharged Perkins V8 is also available on the Dodge Commando G24 6x4 rigid model introduced earlier this year, the show exhibit has the standard 127kW (170bhp) naturally aspirated version with a Fuller RTO 609 nine-speed gearbox.

Three wheelbases; 4.31, 5.11 and 5.71m (14ft2in, 16ft9in and 18ft9in) are available with this model.

Completing Renault's medium weight range is a Commando G16 chassis cab fitted with the standard Perkins 16.3544 turbocharged, charge cooled 110kW (149bhp) six-cylinder diesel unit.

Scania 543

SCANIA has two of its latest P92 series of vehicles on display, both fitted with the latest 8.5-litre DSC9-01 202kW (275bhp) turbocharged and airto-air charged engines. The P92M 4 x 2 RC58, which is intended mainly for drawbar operations up to 38 tonne gcw, is shown with the Computer Aided Gearshift (CAG) for easier and more economical driving. The system which will be available next year 'reads' and electronically recommends the most economical gear to the driver, who then only has to press the clutch to select it. The driver still retails overall control with the provision of a manual overide.

Although Scania's first eightwheeler was shown two years ago, the new P92M 8 x 4 RC50 with DSC9-01 power unit is claimed to offer even greater potential for tipper operators. The show model includes a re: bunk, alloy wheels and 1( speed range change gearbo; all of which are optional. A 4.3 to 1 double drive bogie an 300-litre (66 gal) fuel tank al also fitted.

The P82M 4 x 2 RS06 54 11 tanner on show has the re bunk cab.

Seddon Atkinson 53

THE SMALLEST vehicle in ft Seddon Atkinson range, 201, reappears at the Mot( Show, but this time with lighter, more powerful engir — the Perkins T6.3544. It r places the now optional Inte national D358 as the standal power unit, developing 111k' (149bhp) at 2,600rpm ar 486Nm (358Ibft) of torque 1,60Orpm.

Driveline specification of ti show model consists of ti five-speed Eaton direct tc synchromesh gearbox matcht with the optional Eaton 182: two-speed axle. Ratios a 5.14/7.02:1.

Fitting the Perkins engine h meant carrying out a number detail changes to the chass SA has altered the clutch actu tion to a hydraulic operation allow a lighter pedal effort ai a change to a large-diamei clutch pedal. The original pro shaft has also been replac with a sturdier one.

Kerb weight of the 201 ex bited is 6.68 tonne (6.55 tc which is why it is popular w municipal authorities. Seddon Atkinson's other medium-weight show vehicle is a 301 six-wheeler R34 L22 chas5is cab model with a typical 5pecification to suit tipper Dperations.

The Cummins LT10-250 is 3oupled to the Fuller RTX6609 iix-speed gearbox with the SA 3A472 bogie on Norde rubber iuspension.

Volvo 516 VOLVO is well established in the heavy rigid market and exhibits one of its Irvine-built best sellers, the F7-31 eight wheeler.

Power is supplied by the same engine as that used in the F7-20 4x2 traxtive unit, the turbocharged and charge cooled TD 70FS 6.7-litre engine producing 180kW (243bhp) at 2,400rpm and 825Nm (607 lbft) of torque at 1,400rpm.

The drive train consists of Volvo's R62 eight-speed with range-change synchromesh gearbox driving through the fully articulating double drive bogie.

Traction under the worst conditions is virtually assured by its three air-operated differential locks.

Smallest of Volvo's rigids on display is the F6-16 4x2 chassis, plated at 19.76 tonne and shown on a 5.6m wheelbase.

It shares the same driveline as the F6-16S tractive unit, a 130kW (178bhp) TD6OB turbocharged engine matched to an eight-speed range change R52 gearbox and 5.43 ratio RAEV80B single reduction final drive. The show model also has the benefit of Volvo's own under drive guard which has an aluminium extruded crash bar and adjustable brackets.

A similar model is also shown on the WeIford stand with a Welford tipper body and Hiab grab crane. This is as supplied by Volvo distributor, Heathrow Commercials.