Tata Motors 16-tyre rigid truck explored
Published On Nov 12, 2020
The giant six-axle truck is the largest gross weight rigid truck in the company’s portfolio that caters to the top-end of heavy niche applications of the long-haul transportation needs. Read to understand the segment, the applications and key characters of the truck.
Market leader Tata Motors is the only full-range truck maker with a portfolio comprising from 5T to all the way 55T, none of the truck makers claims such an expansive range. A strong producing blitz with deeper market understanding offers an inherent advantage to the company that is certainly envied for the rivals. This also means the market leader continues to offer not only the mainstream high volume trucks but also those used in niche applications with tiny volumes as it has the resources to cater to such customers too.
After the new axle-load norms and the stringent BS6 emission norms has a profound impact on Indian truck industry. The first visible change occurred in the traditional GVW that OEMs offer to customers, with the 25-30% increase tonnage means trucks have to be bigger, better and stronger. This regulatory reform has altered the portfolio of all the truck makers with totally new GVW categories that have emerged.
49T GVW Category
The most significant impact of the new axle load norms has been undoubtedly on the high tonnage multi-axle rigid trucks. This segment now starts from 28T GVW to all the 49T GVW covering all sub-segments in between that caters to India’s heavy-duty industrial, agriculture and infrastructure cargo transportation requirements across the length and breadth of India. Truly running the wheels of India’s vibrant economy.
The demand for heavy-duty multi-axle trucks has been on the rise as the Indian economy continues to expand on a relative basis. This provides a growing opportunity to the truck makers to cater to this segment by offering tailor-made, high performance, reliable trucks that can take on Indian operating conditions with ease offering a faster return on investment, remember these trucks cost a big deal of money to buy and operate.
The 49,000 kg gross weight rigid segment is one such segment, the top-end segment where market leader Tata Motors offers trucks in multiple configurations. This segment isn’t a high volume one, yet certain key applications need such a colossal truck and nobody knows it better than the market leader.
LPT 4925 & Signa 4925.T
The 49T GVW trucks are used for several key heavy-duty applications such as market loads, coal, industrial goods, cement, etc. And also special applications like bulker, the trailer for special purpose applications.
Tata Motors now bring two strong products in the 49T GVW category-namely the LPT 4925-a cowl version and Signa 4925.T a fully-built, factory fitted modern cabin. Both the trucks are available in CX, and CL trims. As the name suggests, both models cater to two distinctive customers segments. The more traditional buyer who prefers a chassis and built cabin & body privately. There is a shift taking place in the market where now increasingly customers are open to buying a fully-built heavy truck-that is often expensive but comes with the advantages of OEM built quality, safety and reliability.
Value Features
The 4925 trucks are equipped with some of the most vital features to boost safety, performance and comfort. The long list includes electronic anti-fuel theft telematics that enables fuel theft monitoring and savings in undue fuel expenses from pilferage, essentially reducing the operational cost. The 3-mode fuel economy switch that is for load, terrain & speed based fuel economy management.
A gear shift advisor for optimal fuel mileage. The low rolling resistance tyres help in higher fuel economy and longer tyre mileage, thus reducing the cost of running the truck. Likewise, new generation telematics advanced features for fleet, trip & business management. Reverse parking assistance system, an advanced instrument cluster and driver information system for self-diagnostic signalling and trip mileage indicator, and LED tail lamps, hill start, assist, etc.
Signa Cabin
Tata Motors Signa cabin designed and developed for the M&HCV segment is another highlight of the truck. It is strong, rugged, safe and quiet comfortable for drivers ensuring minimal fatigue over long trips and enough space to sleep and take rest during trips. The Cabin has tons of features and utilities to make the driver feel at home. The cabin has a lot of space, improved ergonomics and lower night vibration and harshness levels for a pleasant in-cabin experience. The cabins also come with AC and ventilation options, enabling drivers to operate fatigue free over long hauls, leading to better productivity and trip efficiency.
Superior Powertrain
Besides the feature, a robust powertrain is the most important aspect of this massive truck. To win the customer confidence in the truck and help him run an efficient fleet, the truck gets modern engines and aggregates. The Signa 4925 gets Cummins ISBe 6.7L BS6 producing a maximum 250hp of power at 950 Nm of torque. It is tuned to Tata’s 9-speed gearbox for smooth driving experience and higher mileage.
The aggregate includes a 430 mm single plate dry friction organic lining clutch. A heavy-duty 7T reverse Elliot type front axle and single reduction type at the rear. The heavy-duty ladder-type chassis frame comes in 285 x 65 x 8.5. For an uninterrupted long trip, a 300-litre fuel tank in polymer with an anti-fuel theft mechanism.
The 4925 rigid truck appear convincing with a lot on offer in quality, performance, feature and safety. Tata Motors true to its strength offers a truck that has the ability to accelerate the customers business with all the key attributes of a reliable business partner. Packed with leading technologies that inspire confidence along with the guaranteed reliability of Tata brand makes it a compelling deal!
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