Tata LPT 709 EX

February 21, 2017: Tata LPT 709 EX is one of the leading trucks available in the seven tonne category. It is powered by TATA 497 TC 92, 3783 cc engine. Tata Motors offer this truck in four different wheelbase options of 3400 mm, 3800 mm, 6150 mm and 6750 mm. Maximum power of 121.5 bhp @ 2400 rpm generated by the engine ensures lag free hauling sessions. The top torque standing at 400 Nm is available at 1300-1500 rpm. LPT 709 EX offers a maximum payload of 3800 kg in contrast to the GVW of 7490 Kgs. The truck's fuel tank has enough space for holding a maximum of 160 litres of fuel at one time.

Expert Review – Tata LPT 709 EX

Overview

Available in 3400 mm and 3800 mm wheelbase options, Tata LPT 709 EX is a leading 7 tonne variant in long platform design with augmented loading span to lodge extensive applications. The truck is best suited for carrying general application goods and domestic supplies ranging from gas cylinders, beverages, bricks, processed and non-processed foodstuff, light machinery and hardware material. This truck really has been a first choice of business operators and channel suppliers with the size and configuration perfectly designed to suit varied marketplace requirements. The truck knows how to cater to the busy-city challenges and to perfectly match with the diverse transportation needs of Indian market.

Specs

Engine & Displacement: TATA 497 TC 92, 3783 cc

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): 7,490 kg

Wheelbase & Turning Radius: 3,400 mm/3,800, 6,150 mm/6,750 mm

Engine and Performance

The truck comes with Water-cooled Direct Injection Diesel Engine with Inter-cooler TATA 497 TC 92 engine, which is one of the best fits for a vehicle of this capacity. The max power of 125 PS @ 2400 rpm allows the truck to go delectably smooth with any type of load carrying situation. The torque of 400 Nm @ 1300-1500 rpm is decent enough to drive you across with a top speed of 110 kmph and 25% of gradeability gives you all the confidence to keep the vehicle up on the track. Further, with GBS40 Synchromesh 5F+1R gearbox, you get the fluid transmission to keep you going without skipping a beat.

Vehicle Built and Load Capacity

LPT 709 EX is available in three body-types – Cab, CLB and High Deck. The basic built of the truck is compact and load-oriented and is based on a ladder type frame with riveted/bolted cross members. The side members are channel sections with 200 mm (max depth) and 60 mm (max width). In the wheelbase of 3,400 mm you get the kerb weight of 2,760 kg while the another wheelbase option of 3,800 mm has 2,820 kg of kerb weight. The weight is distributed conventionally along the base with strong Heavy Duty Forged I Beam, Reverse Elliot axle managing load effectively on front and Single Reduction Hypoid Gears, Fully Floating Axle Shafts doing the rest of the job on the back.

Handling and Suspension

The heavy-duty suspension keeps it fully engrossed and committed to serve with responsive handling no matter how grilling the turf gets. Semi-elliptical Leaf Springs & Hydraulic Double Acting Telescopic suspension on the front and Semi-elliptical Leaf Springs with Auxiliary Springs & Hydraulic Double Acting Telescopic suspension on the rear, take off that lumpiness quite acquiescently. The bad side is, there’s no option for power steering which makes it a bit difficult to turn around across the busy roads and edgy tracks of a city.

Braking and Safety

LPT 709 EX comes with Dual Circuit Full Air S-Cam Brake which makes it easy to drive on different surfaces along with that load. The Spring Actuated Parking Brake acting on Rear Wheels further make it a great buy for safety. Even taking it further, the vehicle comes with Engine Exhaust Brake mated with Service brake, making it even better on the safety front. Right up on the base, the 7.50X16 16PR tyres (Front - Rib, Rear – Lug) let you enjoy the grip you need for a safe drive on grumpy roads.

Design and Comfort

Furnished with Ex2 delighters (as they call it to denote their own range of high performance and superior quality trucks), LPT 709 EX comes with a host of options with its interior to keep your drive comfortable. The frontal exterior looks good with the angled windshield that extends to the top gaining a base of the painted elevated body rising from the acrylic striped head bulb pane. The bumper looks quite contemporary and the plastic based lower panel suits the whole idea of design quite well – winning LPT 709 EX decent aesthetics score.