NEC Commercial show
Discussion
Anyone else go ? I went today because I am in the market for a new 6 wheeler and I was impressed by the quality of the stands and the general atmosphere of this years event.
I think I am leaning toward the new MAN but the Iveco is in the running too.
Oddly enough today was the first time I have ever been to the NEC and not spent money on food or drink, We were given nice treats and things to eat at many of the stands by some very lovely young ladies.
A fun day out looking at new lorries beats actually driving the f
king things !
I think I am leaning toward the new MAN but the Iveco is in the running too.
Oddly enough today was the first time I have ever been to the NEC and not spent money on food or drink, We were given nice treats and things to eat at many of the stands by some very lovely young ladies.
A fun day out looking at new lorries beats actually driving the f
king things !Whatever your choice,make sure of a good r&m contract. I'm seeing MAN in particular costing lots of money on a fairly regular basis. Current issues seem to be EGR/coolant related,big bucks not to mention downtime. Iveco seem to be O.K. if you are prepared to bin them after three years. Euro 6 engines are coming on stream and are even more complex. One major fleet around here changed before end of term specifically to avoid them. Most of what i see works 24/7 on fuel delivery.
Charge coolers, high and low pressure (2 turbos ) low pressure radiator
( 2 rads also) EGR valve (known as modine vave in the network) all trouble, and expensive. Warranty covers these systems but. MAN have introduced a new spec of antifreeze as they have decided that it will cure all. Pink in colour and to be mixed 50/50 with water. It doesn't mix with other antifreeze , is expensive and is only available from your local dealer or so i'm told. Warranty will get all forensic and deny any claims if they decide the correct coolant has not been used. As for availability, i'm not sure, these are all big ticket items and bulky. We seem to be able to source from Swindon reasonably well and if the customer shouts loud enough will get them same day. In summary, watch the coolant levels like a hawk and get it sorted early doors. Complex? sure and this is only euro 5, euro 6 probably even more so.
( 2 rads also) EGR valve (known as modine vave in the network) all trouble, and expensive. Warranty covers these systems but. MAN have introduced a new spec of antifreeze as they have decided that it will cure all. Pink in colour and to be mixed 50/50 with water. It doesn't mix with other antifreeze , is expensive and is only available from your local dealer or so i'm told. Warranty will get all forensic and deny any claims if they decide the correct coolant has not been used. As for availability, i'm not sure, these are all big ticket items and bulky. We seem to be able to source from Swindon reasonably well and if the customer shouts loud enough will get them same day. In summary, watch the coolant levels like a hawk and get it sorted early doors. Complex? sure and this is only euro 5, euro 6 probably even more so.
Problems with the EGR cause exhaust gases to pressurise the cooling system in a similar way a blown head gasket would, once the water level drops inside the EGR it suffers heat cracks internally allowing gas and water to mix, Exhaust gas pressure is higher, forcing coolant out of the system via the header tank. Good news is the majority of the jobs we've done have been covered under warranty.
bigwheel said:
We have a fleet of 4 month old 440hp Ad-Blu tractor units.(with EX III spec, shouldn't affect it). Is it just EGR variants or do we need to monitor something specific?
Why would coolant systems need topping up?
The ad blue models don't have EGR or chargecoolers , just a conventional intercooler and single turbo set up so you won't have those problems.Why would coolant systems need topping up?
AF1 said:
bigwheel said:
We have a fleet of 4 month old 440hp Ad-Blu tractor units.(with EX III spec, shouldn't affect it). Is it just EGR variants or do we need to monitor something specific?
Why would coolant systems need topping up?
The ad blue models don't have EGR or chargecoolers , just a conventional intercooler and single turbo set up so you won't have those problems.Why would coolant systems need topping up?
However, we've noticed the Ad-Blu tank is rather small and requires topping up at the same rate as the 450 lt. diesel tank, if you get my drift. Our problem is that a very large number of our depots that we re-fuel at don't stock Ad-Blu. We now carry 10 lt tubs of Ad-Blu as a get-you-home standby and re-fill them at the home depot.
Edited by bigwheel on Saturday 13th April 22:32
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