Comparison: Tata Motors Signa 5530.S and Ashok Leyland 5525
Modified On Dec 14, 2020 12:27 PM
We take a look at the top end of the Indian haulage segment-the 55T tractor-trailers. The two contenders come from traditional rivals: Tata Motors Signa 5530.S and Ashok Leyland’s 5525. Both the powerhouses now are equipped with the all-new modern BS6 powertrain and a list of contemporary features.
The 55T long-haul cargo segment has been growing rapidly as the Indian trucking industry is going through an evolution. The increasingly growing network of highways, expressways has substantially surged the daily average speeds of the long-haul trucks, implementation of Good and Service Tax (GST) has fostered a hub-and-spoke model of transportation.
The strict enforcement of rated load also means control over the overloading of trucks, and trucks allowed to carry only legally permitted cargo. This has provided an impetus to the organized fleet operators who are now looking for more efficient trucks to carry bulk cargo on long-haul routes.
We take a look at two top-end products in the HCV category from two traditional rival OEMs. Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland, both leaders for decades in the HCV segment. Each one of them has now modernized its truck portfolio with the introduction of BS6 trucks.
55T GVW segment
The 55T GVW 6x4 configuration tractor-trailer is the highest tonnage category, and these trucks are fitted with a colossal trailer to carry large, bulk cargo across the length and breadth of India. Before the new axle-load norms came into effect, the maximum GVW for the tractor-tailers was capped at 49T. However, now this has been moved to 55TGVW, and Ashok Leyland-5525 and Tata Motors Signa 5530.S have introduced their respective products in this category with BS6 powertrain.
The 55T tractor-trailers are deployed in applications including over-dimensional cargo, LPG/chemical tankers, construction aggregates, steel, and coal-carrying trailers among others.
Engine
Ashok Leyland’s 5525 tractor-trailer comes with the A series 5.3L iGen technology BS6 engine. It produces 250HP of power at a maximum torque of 900 Nm at 1200-2000 rpm. While the Tata Motors Signa 5530.S get the more powerful 300 HP Cummins ISBe 6.7L BS6 engine which produces a maximum torque of 1100 Nm at 1100-1700 rpm. Clearly, Tata Motors offers a more powerful tractor-trailer in this segment.
Axle, Suspension and Transmission
The Signa 5530.S gets the heavy-duty 7T reverse Elliot type front axle and the rear axle comes with single reduction 21T RA109 SRT Tandem Axle, the suspensions are parabolic leaf at front bogie suspension and bell crank suspension at rear. The gearbox is in-house G1150 8F +1C + 1R manual synchromesh.
Ashok Leyland 5525 gets the front axles in forged I section, reverse Elliot type and optional unitized wheel bearings or anti-roll bar, the rear axle is fully floating single speed rear axle, RAR: 6.17:1 and optional: Unitized wheel bearings. The front suspensions are semi-elliptic multi-leaf optional parabolic springs and the rear NRS. It is equipped with 9-speed synchromesh gearbox.
The 5525 comes with full air dual line brakes with ABS and auto exhaust brake with a maximum speed of 80 kmh. The fuel tank is 300 and 375 liter capacity in cross-link polymer. It gets the premium cabin with air-conditioning as an option. Ashok Leyland is retailing this truck in cabin and chassis configuration.
The Tata Signa 5530.S comes in two variants CX and LX and some of the value features offers on both the variants includes engine brake, 3-mode fuel economy switches, low rolling resistance tyres, new generation telematics, twin fuel tank, modern instrument cluster, hill start assist, tilt & telescopic steering. The fuel tank capacities of 365L & 565L (365+200) with anti-fuel theft made in a polymer, and available in both cab and cowl and gets Signa sleeper cabin.
Both the OEMs promise a modern and contemporary tractor-trailer with the latest features along with the highest productivity and reliability. Given the trucks are often deployed on the long-haul routes, the 24x7 support and breakdown assistance is important to the customers to run these powerhouses efficiently.
Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland being the market leader offers the advantage of an extensive network and nationwide support to the customers.