Tata LPK 2518 Truck - Expert Review

Tata Motors has many trucks in its fleet specialized in various applications like carrying general goods or being used in construction. One of the famous Cons trucks offered by Tata is LPK 2518 which is made popular by the company as a truck designed for Enhanced Efficiency and Power Performance. Available in two wheelbase options, it is able to get used in various construction work like delivering material, used for clearing the junk from site and others.

Fitted with best-in-class Tata Cummins engine, heavy duty axles and gearbox, bigger clutch and stronger cabin makes LPK 2518 a perfect choice for builders and construction material supplier.

Specs:

Engine - Tata Cummins B 5.9 BSIII

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) - 25,000 kg

Wheelbase - 3,880 mm and 4,880 mm

Power Steering - Yes

Engine and Performance

Powered by Tata Cummins B 5.9 BSIII 5883 cc 6-Cylinder engine, it churns out a maximum power of 183 hp @ 2,400 rpm and a pounding torque of 680 Nm at just 1,300 - 1,500 rpm. Generating this much torque at such low rpm could be very useful to carry out many heavy tasks on construction site where short distance travel is prominent.

Also, a top speed of 70 km/h and a decent gradeability of 29% can be achieved with its heavy duty 6-Speed G-750 gear transmission box with twin synchro cone. Its 380 mm diameter Single Plate Dry Friction Push type clutch plate helps in making the overall transmission process of power and gears smoother.

Vehicle Built and Load Capacity

Available in two wheelbase options of 3,880 mm (A) and 4,880 mm (B), LPK 2518 is ready to take on anything. With its turning radius of 9,900 mm for option A and 11,050 mm for option B, it can easily be maneuvered on narrow roads. It has body type options of Box Body and Cabin Chassis with both the wheelbase options to meet the different needs of businessmen.

Coming to the load capacity, its box body options have 14 and 20 Cubic Meter (CuM) capacity with both wheelbase options and the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of all variants is 25,000 kg. Its 225 Litre fuel tank capacity and BSIII emission norms make LPK 2518 a perfect partner on all terrains for longer distances.

Handling and Suspension

To ensure that drivers don’t get bumps and jerks on construction sites or mining area, Tata has fitted LPK 2518 with Semi Elliptical Leaf Springs as front and rear suspension units. Supporting the suspensions are Heavy Duty Forged I Beam Reverse Elliot Type front axle and Heavy Duty Single Reduction Tandem axle type rear axle which also carry the load in ratio of 6,000 kg and 19,000 kg for a balanced drive.

Construction sites or stone crusher sites are generally very rough and uneven; it’s easy for drivers to guide a truck through these conditions with ease. To counter these driver unfriendly conditions, Tata LPK 2518 has Hydraulic Assisted Power Steering with 20.2:1 ratio and 10.00 x 20 - 16 PR Bias Ply tyres for better ground grip.

Braking and Safety

Having good brakes in a truck is essential in every condition and while we talk about construction sites, mining area, stone crusher site etc., they are a must. Addressing the same needs, LPK 2518 has Full Air S Cam Braking System to give drivers some space and make them able to stop the truck in time on rugged tracks.

Enhancing further safety, there are separate parking brakes, seat belts and cabin is made up of steel of high strength that can bear small crashes. The chassis frame is also heavy duty ladder type with riveted cross members for overall strengthening.

Design and Comfort

Popularized as a construction truck, Tata has offered a good aerodynamic design on LPK 2518 with up to the mark standards taken into the account before producing it. The ladder type cabin, wider wind shield, perfectly positioned lights and new generation load box design makes it a perfect truck of modern era.

Inside, there are only common and regular features apart from standard seats and driver information display to make sure that drivers feel cozy and entertained enough during the drive.