Overview

Tata has been one of the earliest manufacturers of trucks in India. Today, they have an array of products ranging from cargo trucks, M&HCV trucks, light trucks, M&HCV cargos and the Ace range. Amongst the light trucks is the Tata 1412 which strikes a perfect balance between performance and economics. India’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer has made this truck available in every weight category and power options, dividing them broadly into light, medium and heavy weight categories. India is a country with varied terrains, therefore it is required to transport goods with different load carrying capacity trucks and Tata’s LPT 1412 is one of the efficient options. The truck offers best-in-class mileage, higher torque at low rpm and higher engine life. It can clock a top speed of 80 kmph. The GBS 40 gearbox with 8.02 FGR offers optimum wheel torque and gradeability of 25.4 percent. Inside the cabin, one can spot a tilt and telescopic steering, ergonomic power steering wheel, ultra type mechanically suspended seats and a highly-informative instrument console with Driver Information System (DIS). The truck is offered in a full body type, with chassis and day cabin. The GVW capacity of the LPT 1412 is 12.9 tonnes and it has a ground clearance of 225mm. As far as the safety is concerned, it comes fitted with high-quality dual circuit air brakes, with ABS, parking brakes and seat belts. In addition to this, the heavy-duty forged "I" beam reverse elliot type axle on the front, single reduction hypoid gears and fully floating axle shafts on the rear allows easy handling. It is an excellent choice for the transportation of heavyweight cargos, iron, and construction and mining materials. The Tata LPT 1412 is available in nine variants and starts retailing at Rs 15.6 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Tata offers a 3 lakh km or 3-years warranty on the LPT 1412.

Specs

Engine - Four-cylinder, in-line, water-cooled CRDI

Ground clearance - 225mm

Max speed - 80kmph

Gradeability - 25.4 per cent

GVW - 12.9 tonnes

Wheelbase - 3600mm

Turning circle radius - 7400mm

Length - 4863mm

Width - 2255mm

Height - 866mm

Loading area - 10.3 sq m

Front axle - Heavy duty forged I beam, Reverse Elliot type

Rear Axle - Single reduction hypoid gears, fully floating axle shafts

Engine and performance

The Tata LPT 1412 draws power from 3783cc, four-cylinder, in-line, water-cooled, CRDI (common rail), BS-IV compliant diesel engine, with intercooler and inline type fuel injection system. It is capable of generating a max power of 125PS at 2400rpm and a peak torque of 400Nm between 1300 and 1600rpm. A 330mm single plate, dry friction type clutch is fitted that engages and disengages the drive shaft’s moving parts. Power is transmitted to the wheels using GBS - 40 (5F + 1R Synchromesh) linkage shift which is suitable for multiple applications in all terrain with most optimum wheel torque and gradeability. It is also fitted with a K-type fuel injector that prevents clogging, maintains fuel pressure and hence boosts sustained fuel efficiency. The truck can reach a top speed of 80kmph. The fuel tank capacity is 160 litres, which is very advantageous, especially during long runs. With an engine gradeability of 25.4 percent, the truck performs extremely well across all terrains.

Vehicle built and load capacity

The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of the Tata LPT 1412 is 12.9 tonnes. The base variant is 4863mm long, 2255mm wide and 866mm high. It has a total loading area of 10.3 sq m. The truck is built using high-quality material and can endure harsh conditions.

Handling and Suspension

It is equipped with hydraulic power assisted tilt and telescopic power steering which aids smooth handling and allows the driver to easily manoeuvre the truck. Suspension duties are performed by semi-elliptical leaf springs at both the ends which very well absorb the bumps.

Braking and safety

Bringing the truck to a still are dual-circuit, full air, S-Cam brakes, with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Addition parking brakes further enhance the braking setup. Adding more to the safety quotient are 8.25 R20 - 16 PR Fr Rib, 8.25 R20 - 16 Rr Lug radial, tubeless tyres.

Design and comfort

Posing a conventional design language, the LPT 1412 is designed keeping functionality and practicality in mind. At the front, there’s a large windshield for better visibility along with rear-view mirrors, rectangular headlamps, turn indicators, a sturdy bumper and a double-line grille. Inside the cabin, there’s a clean dashboard with a highly informative instrument cluster that has a Driver Information System (DIS). Other cabin features include tiltable power steering, adjustable seats, sleeper berth, seat belts, glove box and air-conditioner.