Tata LPT 2818 Cowl

December 18, 2020: Tata LPT 2818 is the most popular multi-axle truck for the long-haul transportation needs. This truck is also known as '10-Tyre' truck ranges between ₹ 28.56 - ₹ 28.71 Lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi ). This 28000 kg gross weight haulage truck represent key high volume category of overall truck market, and Tata Motors is undisputed leader in this segment backed by reliable and highly fuel efficient trucks.

Tata LPT 2818 Cowl USPs: Tata Motors claims the LPT 2818 offers everything that makes it popular among the fleet customers, including optimized design and builds quality, better comfort, focus on driver safety, overall promise of productivity from its new engines and aggregates. It is packed with the power of 6 including Power of enhanced performance, total cost of ownership, comfort and convenience, choice connectivity and total peace of mind.

Tata LPT 2818 Cowl Variants: You can check the Tata Signa 2818 with a factory-fitted cabin and Tata 2821 Cowl higher power engine in Cowl and Tata Signa 2821.T 5L Turbotronn. 

Tata LPT 2818 Cowl Engine: The LPT 2818 retains the tried and tested 180hp that now comes with the new stringent BS6 norms with 850Nm of torque to take on all the long-haul transportation needs. For a smooth and easy driving experience and better mileage, the engine is tuned with a 6-speed.  

Tata LPT 2818 Cowl Axles: To help you carry heavy load effortlessly, the LPT 2818 gets a TATA's extra heavy-duty 7T reverse Elliot type axle at the front and at the rear is single reduction RA110LD

Tata LPT 2818 Cowl Dimensions: Wheelbase of 4880 mm, 5505 mm, 5905 mm, 6750 mm, and loading span of 6858 mm, 7315 mm, 8230 mm, and 9754 mm.  

Tata LPT 2818 Cowl Key Rivals: The LPT 2818 haulage truck has some of the strong rivals including Ashok Leyland 2820, Eicher Pro 6028, BharatBenz 2823R, and Mahindra Blazo X 28. 

Overview

The 28T gross weight truck category, also known as multi-axle 10-tyre trucks, is the most popular, widely used, and high-volume industry segment. Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland have been the traditional market leader in this segment, dominating it with a clear edge for a long time. Despite competition from rivals, both the OEMs have a tight hold on the category. Tata Motors is the ultimate number one player in the category with its tailor-made trucks for Indian operating conditions that the Indian truck buyers seem to love a lot. 

The LPT 2818 is the most popular truck in this category in the Cowl variant. The multi-axle trucks are often used for long-haul transportation needs, and Indian customers prefer a cowl to build the cabin & body privately. However, over the years, some customers are increasingly open to buying fully-built trucks. The LPT 2818 continues to sway the customers with its cowl version with the modularity and freedom to build the body & cabin. So how is the LPT 2818 with the new BS56 engine? What are the key USPs and features of this truck? We are about to find out, and if you’re exploring the 28T truck before you decide that read our review. We hope it will help you to understand the truck far better. 

Exterior

A cowl truck means you’re getting the chassis and bare minimum cabin. So the LPT 2818 Cowl comes out from the factory without any exterior angle, design, and features to talk about. But that is not only you see from the exterior, but there are many features and key elements that the LPT 2818 is equipped with and built in the truck. First of all, the overall built quality inspires confidence with high-quality and durable material. The Cowl 2818 looks strong and rugged to take on heavy-duty cargo duties across the toughest Indian roads. The cowl advantages are that it is compatible with different cabin styles, customizable to various cabin sizes, and easy integration with multiple bodies. The sizes/types, flexibility at bodybuilder end for internal trims, full forward control cowl with a centre and side panels plus floor structure and wheel arches, lower cabin conversion cost in a cowl.

Then you get to see the key aggregates fitted on across the truck, such as the engine, axles, chassis frame, tyre, fuel tank, etc. The chassis heavy-duty ladder-type fame comes in 285 x 65 x 8.5 size. The LPT 2818 wheelbase of 4880 mm, 5505 mm, 5905 mm, 6750 mm for different cargo applications needs. Likewise, the deck length options are 6858 mm, 7315 mm, 8230 mm, 9754 mm. 

Next is the fuel tank, it gets a twin fuel tank in a long wheelbase with 365L each with a total capacity of 730L; it is made in rectangular size with high-density polyethene material. The material's advantage is high strength-to-density ratio thermoplastic, corrosion-resistant for cleaner fuel supply, and importantly leak-free with high chemical & impact resistance. It carries 62% higher fuel capacity leading to longer runs on single fill and lesser stops to fills. To protect the fuel from pilferage, it is fitted with telematics enabled fuel level sensors mounted on the fuel tank to detect fuel theft and send digital communication to the owner on mobile.

Then, the tyres are equally important for trucks. They carry higher loads effectively and help gain fuel efficiency. The LPT 2818 gets 295/90R20 radial tube tyres both in the front and rear. The tyres are designed with a 90% aspect ratio for higher payload; also, it offers a 3-4% higher fuel economy due to low rolling resists. In terms of convenience, the tyres are 100% interchangeable with 10R20 tyres due to the same wheel rim size with user comfort and ease of stocking. What makes them durable is the advanced tyre tread compound and optimized tyre tread pattern. 

Interior

To make the LPT 2818 easy to access, control, and driver easily, Tata Motors has fitted the truck with many features. The first visible element is the new generation instrument cluster. The advanced driver information helps the driver with key metrics such as average fuel economy indicator and the distance to empty, digital service reminder, digital air & oil pressure gauges. Also, the digital DEF, gauge digital battery, and voltage indicator. Driver coaching features such as gear shift advisor, three-mode fuel economy switch, and Tata Motors offer new diagnostic and driver prompt features such as the DPF regeneration indicator, SCR system fault indicator, high exhaust system temperature, air filter clogged indicator, and low DEF indicator. Some modern packages in the truck are electronic stability control and cruise control packaging.

Performance

To make it a high performance and reliable truck, the LPT 2818 gets the tried and tested, proven Cummins ISBe 5.6 L BS6 engine that produces 180hp of power at 850Nm torque and tuned to a TATA G950, 6-speed manual gearbox for a smoother and easier driving experience. 

The engine running performance is 4.5% higher with power for better-loaded pickup, a 21% higher torque for excellent load pulling, and higher gradeability for multi-terrain suitability. For superior mileage, the high torque & low RPM engine, two-stage fuel filter for optimized fuel usage, and electronic viscous fan for greater fuel savings. Other key performance features include load-based speed control, vehicle acceleration management, gear shift advisor, multi-mode fuel economy switch, and venturi combo oil filter with a nano net fuel filter. 

Complementing the engine are durable aggregates such as The 380 mm dia push type single plate dry friction organic lining clutch, TATA extra heavy-duty, 7T reverse Elliot type axle to carry heavy loads effortlessly. To make the driving easier, tilt & telescopic steering comes as standard on the truck. Also, to stay connected, a high-speed USB charging port and fast mobile charging drivers stay connected.

Safety

Over the years, Indian truck buyers are highly sensitive to the drivers' safety and vehicles. Thus, security becomes an essential pillar of truck development. Tata Motors has made the LPT 2818 a safe truck with strong, durable, and high-quality material and aggregates. Some of the safety features built on this truck are a reverse parking assistance system for guided and safe reversing of vehicles, especially when the truck is loaded with cargo; this helps prevent damage and loss of productivity. The LED tail lamps for lower power consumption, longer durability, and an Overspeed alert for safety during high-speeds.

Verdict

The 2818 Cowl version appears quite solid on paper with all the key distinctive characteristics. One of the most important industry segments with a strong position in the category in the HCV segment. Tata Motors is a market leader and acknowledges the competition in the segment, thus promising the best value for money vehicle comprising performance and reliability. 

The 2818 multi-axle truck retains the in-demand & proven 180hp engine, even when there is a higher power variant available. With the new emission norms and higher GVW post new axle load norms, Tata Motors has taken the opportunity to make it's truck even more compelling. This 10-tyre truck holds on to its successful past and gets a lot better and modern with the changing time as the transport and logistics industry undergoes fundamental changes. The 2818 is an old truck in a new bottle that promises to fulfil your business needs and scale it up faster.