Tata Motors Ltd. (LPT3118) – Expert Review

Overview

Gaming in for more than 70 years, Tata Motors has commanded the respect of the trucking fraternity right from the inception in the field of commercial vehicle manufacturing. With its fine range of heavy-duty trucks Tata has helped Indian industries to grow from strength to strength carrying loads of almost every type – empowering every inch and corner of commercial transport across the nation.

In the industrial mold of trucking, Tata has really been a great measure for its users, opening up expressive avenues for giant commutation needs and Tata LPT3118 is one bold character that speaks it all in one go. It is the one that rules the lengths and breadths of Indian transportation with its finest reflexes, reinforcing the underlying idea of heavy trucking that Tata Motors strives to deliver the most.

Technically styled as a multi axle haulage truck chassis, used for carrying bulkers, goods, tankers, Tata LPT3118 has been registered year after year as the bestseller both in export and domestic sales division in the 31 tonne range.

It is one of those trucking geniuses that know the value propositions of businesses and caters to them looking at the profitability matrix and term calculations – be it fuel mileage, driving capacity, carriage dimensions or performance on different terrain types for that matter. Appealingly powerful built, meticulously designed body, superb modes of suspension and high capacity engine with fine fittings make it all for the heavy beast. Favorite in all aspects, LPT3118 never fails to bring on the character of performance with each drag of a trip.

Engine and Performance

Fitted with Cummins B 180-31, DI Turbocharged Intercooled engine, Tata LPT3118 flaunts the power of 181 bhp @ 2500 rpm, which is a good force to comprehend for a truck this size. It comes with 6-speed manual transmission along with 380 mm diameter push-type clutch with single plate dry friction, allowing you a gradeability of 22% again which is quite impressive for a truck of this capacity. An 80 kmph speed would give you a good pace bracket to play on different conditions. The vehicle provides you a torque of 675 Nm @ 1400-1600 rpm with a well-complementing turning radius of 10750 mm, assuring you a power-packed performance in all conditions.

Load Carrying Capacity and Applications

One of the most manufactured trucks in the standard range, LPT3118 falls in the weight segment of maximum mass exceeding 25 tonne capacity, with a Gross Vehicle Weight of 31 tonne. It comes with ladder type heavy-duty frame with 9 cross members which makes it highly loadable. As far as application is concerned, you will see it riveted within all the important application segments including agriculture, cement, industrial & machinery, iron & steel, market load, perishable goods putting it as a container and tanker.

Braking, Suspension and Handling

Driving a LPT3118 really gets easy with dual circuit full air S-Cam brakes with auto slack adjuster. This simply means that if you move with maximum weight you will be able to amass extra braking force needed to safely and smoothly release and stop wherever needed. Talking of the suspension system, both front and rear suspensions are semi elliptical multi-leaf springs with the front axle facilitated by Hydraulic Double Acting Telescopic Type Shock Absorbers. The first rear axle comes with single-speed hypoid gear axle and second rear axle with Heavy duty Tubular dummy axle with Bell-Crank mechanism. With this level of suspension support, the ground clearance of 250 mm goes without a flaw.

Exteriors and Interiors

Built on a 5505 wheelbase, the exterior is characterized by flattened front without a cabin. The vehicle comes with an overall length of 9635 mm and an overall width of 2440 mm allowing the body to take a comprehensive shape and deliver the ergonomic utility complementing the structure. The bumper on front looks robust with a hard headlight pane and sturdy grille sequentially stretching its way to the top. Height of 1839 mm makes no mistake in bringing you the easy choice of interiors, customized to your exact requirements to carry different loads.

Comfort and Safety

Tata LPT3118 goes big on comfort with a host of features allowing you an easy drive. Everything from the cushioning done all over on the panel to the super adjustable seats provide you all the driver’s comfort you need. The all steel forward control COWL further makes it highly stimulating and productive to engage in different performance level functions. With the suspension just playing it right, you have no reasons to worry about the hasty jerks and jolts at any given moment. For LPT3118 safety finds the right spot with strong measures taken for inclined parking with strong parking brakes and with sharp fog lights for better sight on a bad weather. Further, the design and built of the frame makes it capable of being driven on tough and tricky conditions.