Ford Cargo Trucks new generation: closer to Europe

[kscarbel2]

JcNews.ru  /  August 11, 2016

Ford Otosan in Antalya, Turkey has showed a new generation of Cargo heavy trucks.

Following the 1846T (Russian market N566) 4x2 tractor, Ford has now launched a newly designed vocational range for construction applications. And there is a new 13-liter engine meeting Euro-6, aimed at the European market.

Two-axle tractors Ford calculated on the total weight of 18 tons, three-axle 6x2 - up to 25 tons, three-axle 6x4 - up to 35 tons, and four-axle 8x4 -. to 41 tons. An 8x2 version for the Russian domestic market should have a rating of 35 tons.

Ford Otosan said it is still planning a 6x6 chassis as well.

Last fall, Ford began assembling Cargo heavy trucks in the Russian city of Kaliningrad.

Let me remind you, the 460 horsepower Cargo 1846T 4x2 tractor took third place in the competition Truck of the Year 2013 (the Iveco Stralis Hi-Way took 1st placce, and the Mercedes-Benz Antos took 2nd place).

Now, Ford wants to offer trucks for the construction and public utilities segments that offer the same high level of design.

The Cargo’s competitors are the Mercedes-Benz Axor, MAN TGS, Renault Premium, Iveco Stralis Active Time and Volvo FM, and in Russia - KamAZ.

The latest generation of Cargo heavy trucks are intended for the broader European market, so the need for Euro-6 level engines.

Ford first launched the 9-litre Ford Ecotorq in 2012, but its rating (330 hp, 1300 Nm) is insufficient for truck gross weights of 41 to 44 tonnes.

The 9-litre diesel, purchased from Fiat Powertrain, was called it a temporary solution.

Now, Ford is offering a 12.7-litre engine which it will also produce in China with joint venture partner JMC. The engine features overhead camshaft design, four valves per cylinder and timing gear located on the flywheel side.

The new engine’s compression brake capacity of 340 kW, and a transmission-mounted retarder retarder with 600 kW capacity can be fitted.

Flywheel-driven power take-off is rated at 130 kW and 650 Nm. The gear ratio of 1.18.

Standard solution for diesel engines Ford Ecotorq - filter with corrosion inhibitors in cooling system. Instead of the usual heat exchanger "air to air" intercooler type, a more efficient, but rarely used the “air to water” heat exchanger is fitted. The engine features wet cylinder liners for easier repair.

The water pump is driven by an electromagnetic coupling, which provides two fan speeds for enhanced fuel efficiency.

The air compressor has completely disable the function: for keeping the pressure in the pneumatic system monitors electronics.

Ford’s new Ecotorq 13 has two power ratings: 420 hp (2150 Nm) and 480 hp (2500 Nm). European competitors offer more powerful 500 to 530 horsepower ratings.

Like many global truckmakers, Ford is featuring manual and AMT transmissions supplied by ZF.

We observed with the 12-speed ZF AS Tronic AMT, the mode controller is located on the tunnel near the joystick rather than the steering column switch or dashboard. Not a good place. ZF AS Tronic transmissions are not only fitted to Ford Cargo on road tractors, to its new vocational range as well.

The Cargo’s instrument panel has become more interesting in appearance, with better materials. The top is made from a soft, pleasant to the touch plastic, which does not creak. Ford calls the interior door panels ergonomic, and it really is comfortable, with a good armrest and a pocket for small items.

Ford Otosan originally offered several vocational spec axles from Meritor, as well as Iveco, Volvo and Renault. Now, Ford-branded planetary hub reduction axles, possibly produced at a joint venture in China with FUWA.  

Ford designers have developed a new look for the Cargo. Gone are the rounded arches over the wheels steering axle on which the former Cargo recognizable from afar.

The cab feels roomier with richer interior trim, and has greater overhead storage capacity above the windshield. But the cab width can not be increased without changing the basic structure. Nevertheless, the ceiling is no longer presses on the back of the head, and the bunk is not as narrow. Previously, the width of the mattress bottom shelf was 59 cm. It is now 67 cm (due to changes in the roof and rear wall). Sorry, the engine tunnel is still high.

While tractors use a four-point cab air suspension, vocational trucks are fitted with four spring struts. The trucks sound insulation has been improved, it was noticeably quieter.

It seems that this is the last upgrade of the current generation Cargo. Ford representatives in Russia say a new, wide cabin will arrive within three years.

.