Half a Day with TATA LPT 3118c

[The King]

Originally Posted by Ashley2

No 8X4's offer in AL/AMW. only 8X2's are in offer - AL : 3116,3121.
AMW - 3118

Not heard of AL 3135 before - correct me if I am wrong.

Sirjee,

AMW has 3123 which offers 8X4

AL has 3135 which offers 8X4

Check karlo

Originally Posted by julupani

@The King,

I dont think that the turning circle of the 3118 is any worse than the 2516 model.

Also as far as I know the latest 3118c models do come with a sensor which causes the lift axle to automatically lift whenever reverse gear is engaged.

How old are your 3118s??, as a lot of improvements have been made between the launch and the version on sale today.

Having driven 2213, 2416, 2516EX and now 3118, latter has worst turning radius if third axle is engaged, the vehicle doesn't steer well, its more like a skidding feel it gives.
Both 3118C in our depot are FEB 2010 ones, in muddy/slushy areas they are hell to drive, active axle keep on spinning the wheels while the vehicle is standing still you need well paved roads for them.

[The King]

MOTORINDIA ONLINE EDITION: AMW to stay focussed on heavy truck segment

Truck Photos - ASHOK LEYLAND 3135, India's First 8x4 Tipper

[Ashley2]

Originally Posted by The King

Sirjee,

AMW has 3123 which offers 8X4

AL has 3135 which offers 8X4

Check karlo

Thanks for the update!
By seeing the photo it seems that AL has launched 3135 , but the sour truth is that the J series engine which was powering this model was stopped long back and so this product never picked up. Its only in photos and not for sale anymore.
I was aware of the launch of 3123 but mistook as 8x2 and ignored.
Still I feel only 3118 is produced and 3123 is only concept from AMW.

[Transsenger]

Originally Posted by Ashley2

Thanks for the update!
By seeing the photo it seems that AL has launched 3135 , but the sour truth is that the J series engine which was powering this model was stopped long back and so this product never picked up. Its only in photos and not for sale anymore.
I was aware of the launch of 3123 but mistook as 8x2 and ignored.
Still I feel only 3118 is produced and 3123 is only concept from AMW.

AFAIK, the AL 3135 model shown in that photo was only a concept / demo displayed during the autoexpo. There were no reports of any commercial production of the same. And the 3135 displayed was powered by a Cummins ISLe engine (same as the one used in FAT6x6) and not J series. (correct me if wrong!)

From what you said, now i understand why AL Luxura did not takeoff...it was powered by J series engine, right!

[julupani]

Well the 3118s are meant to be highway vehicles and not meant for off-road use purposes.

And yes there are no 8x4 models in regular production in India as of now, except probably with Volvo or Mercedes. The Prima range of trucks will get a new addition in a few months with the introduction of the 3128 and probably even the 3138 models, which will be primarily targeted at the mining sector.

[The King]

Originally Posted by julupani

Well the 3118s are meant to be highway vehicles and not meant for off-road use purposes.

And yes there are no 8x4 models in regular production in India as of now, except probably with Volvo or Mercedes. The Prima range of trucks will get a new addition in a few months with the introduction of the 3128 and probably even the 3138 models, which will be primarily targeted at the mining sector.

I am not talking about off-roading, even in slightly muddy link roads 8X2 pose traction problems, the truck tends to give jerks + skidding in such condition.

AMW 3123 is now under production, costing nearly 22lac......

[Ashley2]

Originally Posted by Transsenger

.....the 3135 displayed was powered by a Cummins ISLe engine (same as the one used in FAT6x6) and not J series. (correct me if wrong!)

You are right on that part!

[SirAlec]

Originally Posted by julupani

@The King,

I dont think that the turning circle of the 3118 is any worse than the 2516 model.

Also as far as I know the latest 3118c models do come with a sensor which causes the lift axle to automatically lift whenever reverse gear is engaged.

How old are your 3118s??, as a lot of improvements have been made between the launch and the version on sale today.

Its not the turning circle, but the axle is non-steerable one. There is no sensor as such to lift the axle but a manual switch. This truck is relatively new.

[julupani]

SirAlec,

The 3118 model is already about 2years old, and has evolved quite a good bit over time. The older models had only a manual switch for lifting the axle. While the newer ones are completely electronically controlled. Now a load sensor automatically lower the extra axle when the load exceeds 25tons GVW. Also the axle is automatically lowered when the vehicle comes to a complete stop with the engine shut down, so as to prevent theft of the wheels.

The only thing that the driver needs to manually do, is to raise the axle while reversing. This cant be automated easily, as it would require electronic feedback from the gearbox.

And these are only the developments, related to the lift axle.

[SirAlec]

^^
thats news to me. These truck that i tested is 2009 registered.

[veeren76]

Originally Posted by julupani

SirAlec,

The 3118 model is already about 2years old, and has evolved quite a good bit over time. The older models had only a manual switch for lifting the axle. While the newer ones are completely electronically controlled. Now a load sensor automatically lower the extra axle when the load exceeds 25tons GVW. Also the axle is automatically lowered when the vehicle comes to a complete stop with the engine shut down, so as to prevent theft of the wheels.

The only thing that the driver needs to manually do, is to raise the axle while reversing. This cant be automated easily, as it would require electronic feedback from the gearbox.

And these are only the developments, related to the lift axle.

This is my first message, so please go easy on me.
I think the easy way is to detect the reverse gear is to use the same circuit/switch which is used for lighting up the reverse indicator at the back of any vehicle.

[julupani]

Not a bad idea at all. But I think in Indian conditions, the lighting circuit is almost destroyed in half the trucks within days of their use. Also many a times the circuitry is wrongly wired up by the local mechanics.

Considering these factors, I would much rather not risk using this method, lest the truck is stuck with either a permanently raised or lowered lift axle.