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that Pirelli which were originally specified as the famous Italian tyre brand was recently taken over by ChinaChem. Operators will take a look at the disc brakes in the front and traditional drums in the rear and also the generously sized bunk if rest is required. Visibility is excellent all around the cabin, especially from the large exterior mirrors. As we have found with the other Chinese imports, spec levels are high even down to Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) fitted. CNHTC is China’s third largest heavy truck manufacturer. State owned, its Sinotruk brand, which meets ISO 9001:2000 Quality Certification, currently enjoys over 20% market share in its home-market while its overseas sales are conducted in Russia, Angola, Brazil, Argentina, Turkey, India, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria and Vietnam – now Ireland and the UK have been added. “What you get is proven quality components that make Sinotruk 8x4 range reliable and easy to drive,” explained Liam O’Neill, Vice President at Harris Group at the Sinotruck A7’s debut at the NEC. “Sinotruk vehicles operate and are sold in some of the world’s harshest environments… places our competition only use to test vehicles!” he quipped. “Further refi nements to the cab and chassis will be made to make it more European like,” he added. Interest in the new Chinese import was very satisfying, according to Liam. Within minutes of the unveiling of the new A7s, a fleet order of three new 8x4 Mixer units were sold to an Irish owned construction company based locally in Birmingham. Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie
Spec Check Make/Model
Sinotruk A7 Construction Series
Chassis/Configuration Ladder frame 8x4 GVW
32 tonnes
Axle loads
Front: 9,000 kg – Rear: 26,000 kg (Max permissible 7,500/19,000) X2
Engine
Steyr (MAN) D.10 (10 litre)
Power
380hp X 2,000 rpm
Torque
1,560Nm @ 1,200 – 1,500 rpm
Transmission
ZF 9-Speed Manual
Suspension
Front: 4 Leaf Springs – Rear: 5 Leaf Springs
Brakes
Front: Disc – Rear: Drum + Wabco ABS + ASR + Engine Brake
Wheels/Tyres
315/80R22.5 or 295
Cab
High Roof Sleeper: Air Suspension
Wheelbase
1,950 + 3,200 + 1,400 = 6,500m
Dimensions
Length: 9.4m – Width: 2.496m – Height: 3,050m
Fuel Tank
300 litre (Alloy)
Standard
Air Con, Stoneridge tacho, Cruise Control www.fleet.ie