[v1kram]

I have opened this thread specifically for TATA Motors Buses (Standard Versions) since Indian Bus Scene thread is closed and we have been asked to open separately for each commercial vehicle so that it doesn’t get diluted.

To start with, I will share the recent experience of our fellow BHPian Dr. Madhu (userid: madhuperiasamy), who was looking forward to replace his mofussil bus (running between Mettupalayam – Pollachi via Coimbatore). He finalized on LPO1512 model with specifications as mentioned below.

Model: LPO 1512TC/55 QFD BS-3
Engine: Cummins 6BTAA 5.9 Euro-III, water cooled direct injection turbo charged diesel engine with viscous fan
Maximum Power: 99Kw at 2200 rpm
Maximum Torque: 490 Nm at 1400 rpm
Gear Box: G600 with OD, 6 Forward 1 Reverse
Clutch Diameter: 352 mm Spicer Pull Type
Suspension: Weveller Spring type at front & rear, Hydraulic double acting telescopic type at front & rear
Tyres: 10R20 Radial tyres
Steering: Integral hydraulic power assisted steering, with ergo pack arrangement
Brakes: Dual circuit, full air S-CAM brakes (Front and rear)
Wheelbase (mm): 5545 mm
Front Overhang: 1775 mm
Rear Overhang: 3325 mm
Overall Length: 10645 mm
Maximum Width: 2560 mm
Ground Clearance: 276 mm
Maximum Speed: 87 kmph
GVW: 16200 kg
Electricals Battery: 2 X 12 V, 150Ah, 21 plates
Alternator Capacity: 75 Amps

The chassis has been sent to AE Coach for body building and expect the work to be completed by Mid October.
Now the picture taken during delivery.

[promit]

I've always wondered how much a bus costs? How much does it work out to be after coachwork?

[v1kram]

Originally Posted by promit

I've always wondered how much a bus costs? How much does it work out to be after coachwork?

The above shown model is approximately 11 lakhs after discounts (huge).
For body building it costs around 7 lakhs for mofussil kind (3x2) seating arrangements and then you may need to spend additional for audio/video systems.

[madhuperiasamy]

Originally Posted by promit

I've always wondered how much a bus costs? How much does it work out to be after coachwork?

Costs 10.75 lac after discount for the chassis + 6.95 lac for the standard AE body.
Additional work on body, Tax and Insurance Extra as per your state regulations

[smashnerd]

Could you please share with us why your friend went with a TATA chassis when most mofussil buses in South India prefer AL?

[v1kram]

Originally Posted by smashnerd

Could you please share with us why your friend went with a TATA chassis when most mofussil buses in South India prefer AL?

I will ask him to explain since he can put more points being an operator.
Moreover, few operators based in Coimbatore have shifted to TATA in the past 6 months mainly due to better fuel efficiency and low chassis cost (when compared to BS3 Leyland).

[madhuperiasamy]

Originally Posted by smashnerd

Could you please share with us why your friend went with a TATA chassis when most mofussil buses in South India prefer AL?

Simple reasons

A lot of fellow operators have switched to TML
Good feedback on quality of the vehicle
Lower operating costs
A more reliable Cummins engine than AL H series engine ( not HINO engine)
Fuel efficiency is better than AL ( AL as of today gives me only 3.3km/litre)
Costs 2.5 lac lesser than the AL compatriot (222)
Very bad service backup by AL - TVS in Coimbatore

and hopefully better service back up which has been ramped up by TML lately.

We have been using AL for 30 years and this is my first TML chassis so lets see

[v1kram]

Originally Posted by madhuperiasamy

Simple reasons
A lot of fellow operators have switched to TML

Below are the pictures of few 1512TC buses added recently, the last two being 12m buses.
Photos Courtesy : Ramesh Smr

[smashnerd]

Originally Posted by madhuperiasamy

....

A more reliable Cummins engine than AL H series engine ( not HINO engine)
Fuel efficiency is better than AL ( AL as of today gives me only 3.3km/litre)

...

How does TATA compare on the mileage front? Aren't maintenance costs higher with TATA or something?

[teamveevee]

Note from Mod: There are several spelling & grammatical errors in your posts. This negatively affects the board experience for other readers.

Kindly ensure that you proof-read your posts prior to submission. Also, it would be a good idea to use spell-checkers.

[download2live]

Do not know about KL buses but mofussil buses in Karnataka are painted vivid!!!
With a mandatory Aishwarya or Kajol on rear glass. And some crocodiles or Tigers prancing around on side body. Wonder how much that kid of paint job on buses costs.

[dhandapanik]

Few more TML LPO1612s that are running in Coimbatore area.

PKM running in Coimbatore-Udumalpet route via Pollachi. Its earlier one was also a TML bus.




RVS SVS running as city bus in Coimbatore city. Looks like this got added very recently.


One more from Vee Vee. This guy has 3 such buses running in Coimbatore city. It is running in R.No S7 Kovaipudhur-Ondipudhur via Ukkadam, Gandhipuram, Singanallur.


Wide front door with two partitions. Similar one is there in rear also.

[madhuperiasamy]

Originally Posted by download2live

how much that kid of paint job on buses costs.

The art work costs 15 k labour. It would come to around 75k inclusive of all

[dhandapanik]

Not a TML. Since Madhu is going to replace his current bus with new TML, i thought of adding this here. It is running in Pollachi-Coimbatore-Mettupalayam route. One of the most crowded routes we have in TN.

[v1kram]

Originally Posted by smashnerd

How does TATA compare on the mileage front? Aren't maintenance costs higher with TATA or something?

Though i would reserve my comments until Dr. Madhu's new bus comes into operation, the operators who opted for the new BS3 Leyland (160HP version) are reporting increase in daily fuel consumption between 10 to 20 liters (based on the route) whereas the operators switched over to BS3 LPO1512TC are saving 10 or more liters/day.

In general, maintenance for TATA buses are bit higher when compared with Leyland but considering the savings in fuel and initial investment (some even consider better tyre mileage in TATA) few operators preferred TATA. Need to wait and see how it performs in the long run.