TEST DRIVES

> MAN with a mission the TGL 150 4x2 rigid

MAN tell us they developed the TGL with one aim in mind: maximum customer benefit. And they claim it is a truck that combines “excellent economy with outstanding transport performance, built to the highest standards of comfort and convenience, reliability, safety and environmental acceptability.”

> New Magnum lights up the gloom!

The arrival on our roads of a new truck is always an ‘event,’ credit crunch or not, and despite the current gloom, the new Renault Magnum, available from September, will undoubtedly bring some much needed and appreciated cheer.

> DAF LF the delivery truck that delivers

It’s all about economy these days, and consequently fuel consumption is one of the first areas we explore now when taking a truck out on to the road. In the real world, it’s expensive, and increasingly so, and operators will make decisions taking that into account.

> Mercedes-Benz Actros gets a face lift

It’s called the ‘New’ Actros, but, in truth, ‘revised’ is a more appropriate description. When Daimler launched version three of its high end tractor unit earlier this year, it claimed that a total of 37 changes had been made, but, with very few cosmetic differences aside, version three looks very much like version two.

> The New Eurocargo A Driver’s Delight!

Iveco’s new Eurocargo has certainly set the sector buzzing, and here at Export & Freight, we were buzzing too, being the first to climb behind the wheel of the new model during a recent testing trip to Turin in Italy.

> High Class Hino - A Tough & Powerful Performer

New Hino Dealer, Northern Truck Centre in Mallusk recently invited Export & Freight’s Garfield Harrison to try out the new Hino 700 Series Tipper, so we took the opportunity to put it through its paces, including a tough, testing session in Boyd’s Quarry.

> Majestic Magnum Delivers the Goods

Renault’s long distance range of trucks – the Magnum and Premium – were renewed in 2005 and 2006, underlining the manufacturer’s continuing focus on both the future and the changing needs of the operator.

> The Mercedes-Benz Econic: Safe, Smooth and Simple to Operate

The Mercedes-Benz Econic Refuse Collection vehicle has become something of a dominant force in the sector. Having been purpose designed for its application, it’s a firm favourite with operators across the country.
Export & Freight’s Garfield Harrison was invited by Northern Ireland Dealer Mercedes-Benz Truck & Van to put this much acclaimed Econic through its paces around the busy streets of Belfast to find out what all the fuss is about...

> The Volvo FH16 A stylish and powerful workhorse

At the heart of the Volvo FH16 is the potent D16E engine producing a record beating power output of 660hp. Add to this exceptional torque and low-rev capability, and you’ve got a truck that is hard to beat.
That’s what we’ve been told, so, courtesy of Volvo dealers Dennison Commercials at Ballyclare, Export & Freight’s Garfield Harrison climbed behind the wheel to find out if that is indeed the case...

> Renault Premium Lander gets overhaul

At its most fundamental, construction vehicle design comes down to a very simple question. Is the vehicle to spend more time on road, or off road? If it is to be the latter, then durability and ruggedness are the primary considerations. If it is to be the former, conversely, then it is payload that counts for most. Inevitably, an increase in payload will eventually result in a decrease in ruggedness – metal, after all, is heavy stuff – and so the point at which the demands of both on and off road operators can be met and made manifest in a single vehicle is a very precise one.

> Fast Selling DAF Tipper does the business

DAF have taken the plunge and have not only fitted an automated gearbox box to the new CF Tipper but have also gone straight to Euro-5 emission levels. Export & Freight’s Garfield Harrison recently had the pleasure of testing it through the Glens of Antrim.

> Mercedes Benz make Powershift available on Axor

Mercedes-Benz launched the 12-speed Powershift automatic transmission some months ago for Actros customers. Now it is to be made available for certain Axor models, and Export & Freight has had a chance to put the new combination through its paces.

> The Volvo FH16 A stylish and powerful workhorse

At the heart of the Volvo FH16 is the potent D16E engine producing a record beating power output of 660hp. Add to this exceptional torque and low-rev capability, and you’ve got a truck that is hard to beat.
That’s what we’ve been told, so, courtesy of Volvo dealers Dennison Commercials at Ballyclare, Export & Freight’s Garfield Harrison climbed behind the wheel to find out if that is indeed the case...

> Renault Premium Lander gets overhaul

At its most fundamental, construction vehicle design comes down to a very simple question. Is the vehicle to spend more time on road, or off road? If it is to be the latter, then durability and ruggedness are the primary considerations. If it is to be the former, conversely, then it is payload that counts for most. Inevitably, an increase in payload will eventually result in a decrease in ruggedness – metal, after all, is heavy stuff – and so the point at which the demands of both on and off road operators can be met and made manifest in a single vehicle is a very precise one.