Capital Equipment News July 2017

TALKING POINTS • Comes in 13 variants • Can offer up to 21 customisable configurations • Six basic wheelbase choices ranging from 3 450 mm to 5 500 mm • 5% more fuel efficient

Raising the bar The new Croner is said to raise the bar high when it comes to fuel efficiency, and is up to 5% more fuel efficient than its predecessor, the Condor, according to Michel. Key to improved fuel efficiency is the new GH E engine series with common rail fuel injection technology. The regulation of fuel quantity and injection timing are electronically controlled via the Engine Control module. With a maximum torque range of up to 1 050 Nm, the engines offer high torque over a wide speed range, translating into a broad economy band. The GH E engines are also able to operate efficiently without excessive revving outside the economy band, gener- ating sufficient pulling power with less fuel consumption, which also translates into less component wear. “A new aerodynamic cab design for all the Croner models, together with an optional air deflector for the PKE model, reduce coeffi- cient of drag (CD) by 5% and improve fuel ef- ficiency at highway speeds,” says Odawara. In the interior, the vehicle allows for a variety of fuel efficiency control features. The cruise control, for example, reduces driver workload on longer journeys and helps reduce fuel con- sumption by maintaining a constant speed. All Croner models also come equipped with an on-board fuel coach. “It’s clearly dis- played at the centre of the instrument cluster to guide drivers to use optimal revs or reduce unnecessary acceleration in real time,” says Odawara. Like the Quester, which has enjoyed a high level of success since its launch local- ly in 2014, the Croner also comes with UD Telematics Services as standard. Customers can make use of this service to obtain fuel reports, which can encourage better driving behaviour and protection of fuel assets. “Fuel Utilisation Reports help customers understand how the truck and driver are performing, while Fuel Advisory Service helps customers improve driver behaviour and fuel loss alerts to prevent theft or misuse,” says Odawara. In the event that UD Telematics are unavailable, a cable- connected follow-up tool serves as backup to provide analysis and optimisation of driver and vehicle performance. b

The MKE, with GVW ranging from 9,5 to 11 t, is a compact sized heavy duty mod- el optimised for urban usage, with better manoeuvrability in narrow roads and ide- al for inner-city deliveries. “It is powered by a GH5E engine which comes in two options of 180 hp/360 kW (Euro 3) and 210 hp/157 kW (Euro 3 & Euro 4). Custom- ers can choose between a manual 6-speed and automatic 6-speed transmission,” says Swanepoel. The LKE – with GVW ranging between 12 and 14 t – is a multi-purpose model for in-city and city-to-city distribution. It is powered by the same engine as the MKE and comes with the same transmission options. The PKE has a GVW range of 15-17 t to cater for heavy-duty applications such as construction. The powerful 6-cylinder GH8E engine complements the truck’s long haul and heavier load capabilities. It comes in two

options of 250 hp/186 kW (Euro 3 & Euro 4) and 280 hp/209 kW (Euro 3 & Euro 4), com- plemented by three transmission options of manual 6-speed, manual 9-speed and auto- matic 6-speed. Swanepoel believes the automatic trans- mission is a game changer for the truck in- dustry in the local market as it helps lower cost and downtime, bearing in mind that the traditional manual transmission is more sus- ceptible to wear-and-tear, especially to its clutch in the long run. “Croner’s automatic transmission option can be crucial for markets such as South Africa where there is an acute driver short- age due to strenuous demands placed on drivers, especially in long haul driving,” says Odawara. “Croner can help custom- ers attract drivers as this option provides ease of drive and reduces fatigue for both experienced and inexperienced drivers.”

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