Hi all.
Does anyone out there drive or work with the ERF version of the MAN TGA. I am looking mainly at the olympic but any info will help. My boss wants to know what they are like (as he runs a all ERF fleet and the newest ERF we have is a ECX) and wants to know if the TGA ERF is worth investing in or is the MAN better (even though they ae based on the same truck) or are they both the same except branding.
Thanks in advance
Andy
I’d love to give my answer to that one. 
Sorry someone must like them. 
They’re both the same truck. Been driving 04 plates with roughly 250,000 on.
Some issues with the plastic trim. On a couple, the rocker switches for the electric mirrors are a bit ropey. Problems with the curtain rail clips packing up at the slightest pull. Occassional random error reports regarding the tachograph which still seems to operate OK.
Main thing is the longevity of the plastic interior which doesn’t appear to be all that.
They drive OK. The clutchless gearchange isn’t the smoothest but it works. Fuel economy not bad.
Thanks both for the reply. You think he should go with something other than ERF/MAN for value for money? The only other wagons he has mentioned in the past are a FH12 Globe XL, Daf XF Super Space, Scania Topline, and Merc Actros MSC (all the main brands and HIGH cabs. What you think is the best value for money, reliable and good MPG?) I personally like the new Renault Premium. He dont seem to keen though.
one not mentioned the new renault magnum vovlo engine and driveline but cheaper than the volvo,scania,daf and merc .the 480 magnum is a good truck and pulls well plus youv got a flat floor
I have put this to the boss and he is after the cabs with roof extensions (ala. Scania Topline, Daf Super Spacecab etc).
Thanks for the comment and idea though
I drive the ERF TGA on a regular basis for one of my agency’s customers,and in line with the points that Conor makes,the only thing to bear in mind,is that ■■■■■■■ are not going down the Euro 4 route for new spec engines,so that may mean the death bell for ERF in the heavy sector range.
When Euro 4 comes in,MAN’s D20 common rail engine will be all you can have.
I personally like them,and have had no problem in the past,when the MAN TGA first come out,having a couple of nights away in a standard height cab.The bed is comfy as anything.
Pros.
Comfy bed
Comfy heated seat
Comfort shift (Although it can be slow when fully weighted and using the clutch maybe better to keep the truck moving.)
All mirrors electric
Electric windows
Quiet nightheater
Coolbox (I think you can have a fridge instead,although I’m not 100%)
Air Con (On certain models)
3 type lumber support on seats
Good fuel economy
Auto weight sensor on mid axle,but you have to switch it back off when the weight drops.
Cons.
Bus size steering wheel
Curtain rails are flimsy
Radio speakers in the dash front so sound tinny
Could really do with suzies on an A frame,although I’m probably being picky,as they tend not to get that dirty.
■■■■■■■ M11 appears lazy and underpowered at take off.
These are just some of the findings in my personal useage of the ERF TGA,and you have to remember that things like trim,and non mechanical items,are more or less universal,whether it’s an ERF or a MAN.but if I had the money,would I buy one?
Yes I would.
As for the Premium.Well Volvo have a big stake in Renault,and the Premium has a lot of Volvo components on,so I read at the weekend,so it’s kind of a Volvo with a Renault badge,to a degree,and having driven a Premium long term at my last employer,on a 53 plate,I found it to be a very nice motor,with the auto box.
At the end of the day,you could do a lot worse,and if it’s a motor that you want,but without the cost of a Merc/Volvo/Scania,then the Premium has got to be worth a look.
After all,it’s going to do the same job,but without the price tag.And they’re good on fuel too.
Ken.
Thanks for the info guys. My boss has nearly come to a final decision (see bottom of post).
Here is what he had to say:
Quinny:
I drive the ERF TGA on a regular basis for one of my agency’s customers,and in line with then points that Conor makes,the only thing to bear in mind,is that ■■■■■■■ are not going down the Euro 4 route for new spec engines,so that may mean the death bell for ERF in the heavy sector range.When Euro 4 comes in,MAN’s D20 common rail engine will be all you can have.
‘‘So does MAN have more engine choice in its range than what it gives ERF. Is there any for euro 5 yet? I think (correct me if i am wrong) that scaina have some of thier engines and Euro 5 spec already.’’
Quinny:
I personally like them,and have had no problem in the past,when the MAN TGA first come out,having a couple of nights away in a standard height cab.The bed is comfy as anything.Pros.
Comfy bed
Comfy heated seat
Comfort shift (Although it can be slow when fully weighted and using the clutch maybe better to keep the truck moving.)
All mirrors electric
Electric windows
Quiet nightheater
Coolbox (I think you can have a fridge instead,although I’m not 100%)
Air Con (On certain models)
3 type lumber support on seats
Good fuel economy
Auto weight sensor on mid axle,but you have to switch it back off when the weight drops.Cons.
Bus size steering wheel
Curtain rails are flimsy
Radio speakers in the dash front so sound tinny
Could really do with suzies on an A frame,although I’m probably being picky,as they tend not to get that dirty.
■■■■■■■ M11 appears lazy and underpowered at take off.These are just some of the findings in my personal useage of the ERF TGA
‘‘Interesting reading.’’
Quinny:
you have to remember that things like trim,and non mechanical items,are more or less universal,whether it’s an ERF or a MAN.but if I had the money,would I buy one?Yes I would.
‘‘Good point on the parts idea. Would be handy.’’
Quinny:
As for the Premium.Well Volvo have a big stake in Renault,and the Premium has a lot of Volvo components on,so I read at the weekend,so it’s kind of a Volvo with a Renault badge,to a degree,and having driven a Premium long term at my last employer,on a 53 plate,I found it to be a very nice motor,with the auto box.At the end of the day,you could do a lot worse,and if it’s a motor that you want,but without the cost of a Merc/Volvo/Scania,then the Premium has got to be worth a look.
After all,it’s going to do the same job,but without the price tag.And they’re good on fuel too.
Ken.
‘‘I wont be getting a Premium as i dont find Renaults after sales to be all that good (personal opinion).’’
He then said:
‘‘After reading this if i can find out that MAN have more engine choices at Euro 4 then i will go, Believe it or not, for a MAN TGA. If they, like ERF only have the one engine at Euro 4 i will go for the ERF as i am a true ERF fan. Thanks everyone.’’
And thanks from me too. If anyone else has a opinion please feel free to let us know.
Andy
Sorry this is a bit late. But thought I ought to tell you of my dubious pleasure driving a 52plate 350000km ECT
Suspended recovery twice / 2 new turbo’s / 1 intercooler / to many electrical fault code’s to list / Clutch pack fell off / Intermittently locks out all gears when changing from low to high range / Comfort shift only useable in high range ( gear change to slow to use in low ) / crap on fuel 5½ to 6 to the gallon ( working in the Derbyshire Dales )
On the plus side the bunk is large and comfy and the next truck can only be better
Thats ok Gat.
So what would you recommend?
I would recommend DAF or Volvo myself, cuts all the other wannabees out then. 
Here’s just a thought…
Why doesn’t your gaffer go to the various dealers,and ask them for a demonstrator for a few days?
That way,he can see if the truck that your driving on demo,is going to be suitable for your particular type of job,and may also get an idea of what the fuel consumption is going to be.After all,fuel is probably going to be the biggest expenditure that he’s likely to have during the life of ownership. (Or is he leasing■■?)
Not only that,he seems to be taking on board,your input,which to be fair,not many do these days,so it will also give him an insight into the truck from you,the driver’s,point of view.
Ken.
I forgot to add…
There is also an automatic version available as well as the comfort shift 16 speed version,but the only problem with automatics in general is,they tend to be all or nothing on the revs when reversing,and take a bit of getting used to.
Ken.
Quinny:
Here’s just a thought…Why doesn’t your gaffer go to the various dealers,and ask them for a demonstrator for a few days?
That way,he can see if the truck that your driving on demo,is going to be suitable for your particular type of job,and may also get an idea of what the fuel consumption is going to be.After all,fuel is probably going to be the biggest expenditure that he’s likely to have during the life of ownership. (Or is he leasing■■?)
Not only that,he seems to be taking on board,your input,which to be fair,not many do these days,so it will also give him an insight into the truck from you,the driver’s,point of view.
Ken.
I think he will be getting demonstrators. He also will consider buying but will see how finaces are at the time. The reason he wanted to ask is that he feels that having a demo for a few days dont really tell you much about how reliable it will be a few months down the line and what they are like from a drivers point of view for longer than just 2 days just to name a few points. Makes sense. Also the vehicle will be mine and another drivers so it will be a split truck. He wants to stay loyal to ERF as like i said earlier he has never run anything else. But he is open to opinion because he is finding out the new ERFs are not like they used to be
Thanks everyone again. It is really helping all this information.
Andy
I have only been driving class 2 for 10 months and class 1 for 5 months all for an agency and in that time have driven DAF CF, Actros auto, Axor manual, Old ERF, Scania on a 53 plate auto, Scania manual, Strallis, MAN TGA auto, MAN TGA manual with the button change and I have to say that my favourite is the manual MAN, not quite sure why but the package as a whole seems to suit me although I have spoken to someone who said that after a couple of hours it did his back in despite the lumbar support so obviously not everyones cup of tea
Hello again all. He had a demontrator of a MAN TGA, Volvo FH, Scania R topline and Merc actros MP2 (MSC), and he has decided to get a TGA XL (not XXL… BTW its the XLX out in the UK yet?). He has ordered it and it should be here within the next 2 weeks. Cant wait (as it will be my motor). The only thing i am not looking forward too is the downscale of in cab space (going from a ECX Olympic). But never mind.
Thanks everyone for the help.
Andy
Best of luck Andy, Umm do you happen to know why he went for MAN’s in the end ■■ 
I’m guessing it was initial price.
Well done Andy. No doubt see you this week. Am working around Leicester and Loughborough so no doubt will pop into the services on J23. Will text you when i know more. Once again, well done and good luck.
Tom
DAFMAD:
Thanks DafMad. All he said is he got a good deal on one (thats why its only a XL not a XXL). Not looking foward to the step down in cab size from my ECX.
Tom:
Well done Andy. No doubt see you this week. Am working around Leicester and Loughborough so no doubt will pop into the services on J23. Will text you when i know more. Once again, well done and good luck.Tom
Thanks Tom. Yeah, no doubt will see you this week. I have got no nights out this week and am on days until next week so will deffo be around… I hope today goes alright for you (with your early start (see ‘‘Who goes where’’ post)). Im off to work now myself. No idea where off too though.
See you later Tom
And thanks everyone
Andy
A nice choice nevertheless in my opinion.
And when you get it,before it gets dirty,get a pic posted on this thread!!!
Enjoy.
Ken.