Foden, what a terrible truck!

[4_Series_Scania]

Alas, the clutch slave cylinder failing on my beloved Scania, as this job involves the removal of the gearbox (!) I've had the misfortune of a brand new Foden Alpha as a temporary replacement. 420 BHP (as is my Scania 124 420) plated at 44tonnes , but, instead of a 14 speed manual, this has a fully Automatic 12 speed box (clutchless) with semi-auto option.

It is hateful!! Extremely slow on pull off, alas, its computer controlled transmission seems hellbent on fuel consumption over driveability, the thing seems to either give far too little throttle in to high a gear or vice versa!

Its strange to think, a 2000 model truck with currently 450,000km under its wheels is far superior to a 2004 model with all the computer controlled gizmo's and a mere 7000km with its modern ultra "green" engine.


My Scania averages between 8.9 and 9.7 Miles per gallon, the Foden averages 8.0.

Its a fleet "demonstrator", I sincerely hope my employers don't decide on the far cheaper Foden!!!

If they do, I'll be after a different job, I've driven most makes of truck over the years, I live away most of the week, my "Home from Home" remains my Scania.


Roll on Monday when I get her back!!!!

http://www.scania.com/

http://www.foden.com/default.asp

[chomp_rock]

Poor you! Stuck with a bum truck!

[ozzy72]

Just pop some sugar in the tanks, that'll sort it

[Omag 2.0]

Hmmm... can't you restrict the gearbox to first gear and then go for a 400 km drive? Or perhaps one of the members could "tune" the gearbox a little... with a hammer and chisel for instance...  ;D

Makes me remember a conversation I overheard recently. 2 British truckdrivers discussing the quality of truck and built-in beds. They claimed nothing could top the comfort of a Volvo-truck, but the beds are a joke. One of the guys wasn't to excited by Scania... I couldn't tell... I have no experience with trucks... darn insurrance-firms won't let me, after all, that drivers license is just a formality right?  

[4_Series_Scania]

Its gone back! I'm reprieved!

My Scania's coming with me 'round Devon & Cornwall Monday & Tuesday, Woodlouse,  watch out!  ;D

[Woodlouse2002]

[quote]Its gone back! I'm reprieved!

My Scania's coming with me 'round Devon & Cornwall Monday & Tuesday, Woodlouse,

[eno]

I'm suprised to hear that about Fodens ..... it must be since the Americans took it over. I got my HGV licence in a Foden, all be it nearly 20 years ago and they were the best out there at that time.

[Hagar]

Alas, the clutch slave cylinder failing on my beloved Scania, as this job involves the removal of the gearbox (!) I've had the misfortune of a brand new Foden Alpha as a temporary replacement.

I'm surprised that a little job like that involves removing the gearbox. Reminds me of a similar problem with the Morris Minor. I would have thought technology might have improved somewhat since then.

[Jared]

Bah! You know darn well that technology only slides stuff backwards in the automobile industry! :-)  ::)