We are in the process of renewing our fleet of Fodens. It got me thinking what a great piece of kit considering the punishing operating conditions they are used in. I would be interested to hear if your trucks are up to the job they have been bought for.
Our trucks are six wheelers, double drive, 420 ■■■■■■■ engined, ZF 16 speed manual, Jacobs brake fitted, the engine pulls and pulls, the jake brake practically negates the need for service brakes at times and the box gives you great access to all the engine sweet spots.
The trucks are run day and night by different drivers 365 inc Xmas and New Year only off road for service, maintenance or MOT. They spend their time on the worst road surfaces in the country in tight high gradient roads on slippery surfaces constantly. The diff lock and cross lock are engaged daily, and for instance one of my collections as you exit the property onto the access road there is 6 inches of daylight under BOTH steer wheels !
They are being replaced by 460bhp Volvos one of which has arrived, and drivers given the option will take a 800,000 plus k 7 year old Foden over the new Volvo.
I have driven every marque out there unit and rigid and not alot stack up against them.
I suppose if you spec your truck correctly for the kind of work it will pay dividends in the long run.
Great bit of kit will be missed.
I ain’t cab happy and not big on bling but I will look after a truck that looks after you so well.