Tata LPT 3518 Cowl

LPT 3518 Cowl Highlights

October 8, 2020: Another vital cargo rigid segment, Tata Motors, gets its key products, the LPT 3518, a tried and tested truck. This is 4-axles' 12-wheel' trucks come with 35000 kg of gross vehicle weight in the haulage category. Suitable for rated payload for long-haul transportation. 

Engine & Gearbox: The 3518 retains Tata Motors proven 180HP engine, which now comes with the stringent BS6 emission compliant. This engine's power is 180hp at a massive 850 Nm of torque to take on India highways and expressways. For smoother driving experience and higher fuel efficiency, the LPT 3518 gets the standard 6-speed in-house manual gearbox. 

Advanced Instrument Cluster: Provides driver information and coaching, digital service reminder digital air & oil pressure gauges, digital DEF gauge, digital battery voltage indicator. Also, equipped with new diagnostic tools and advanced technologies such as electronic stability control packaging & cruise control packaging.

Fuel Tank: LPT 3518 gets a 365-liter capacity fuel tank for longer trips without frequent breaks.

Axle: The front axle of LPT 3518 is Tata's new heavy-duty 7T reverse Elliot type, and rear single reduction RA110LD. The clutch is 380 mm push type single plate dry with friction organic lining. Tata Motors offers customized bodies for this truck along with the cowl options; the customer can take a fully-built truck or build the body privately.

Cowl Truck: LPT 3518 is the cowl variant with 3-deck lengths certified fully built solutions. The LPT 3518 has CX and LX variants fitted with key features such as total-cost-ownership, enhancing performance, ergonomics, convenience and safety and a comprehensive connected truck.

Key Rivals: The 35T GVW haulage segment is one of the largest volume pullers for truck makers, and the Tata LPT 3518 competes with some strong rivals such as Ashok Leyland 3520 Ashok Leyland 3520 Twin Steering Eicher Pro 6035 Mahindra Blazo X 35 BharatBenz 3523R.

Tata LPT 3518 Cowl Truck- Expert Review

Overview

Tata LPT 3518 Cowl is the identical twin of the Signa 3518.T in the 12-tyre, 4-axles is a highly competitive but equally popular long-haul truck segment. What is the key difference between the two trucks from the same family? Well, The LPT 3518 Cowl, as the name suggests is a cowl variant, giving you the freedom to build your cabin and body, thus priced quite affordably. Other than this, the entire truck is the same with built architecture, powertrain, aggregates and key performance characteristics. This truck is suitable for carrying a massive amount of cargo in various applications such as agriculture produces cement, construction aggregates, sand, market loads, cold chain, industrial goods, FMCG, edible oil, milk, chemical, bitumen, etc. 

The LPT 3518 Cowl is packed with the six key characteristics of a unique offering of Tata Motors in the all-new BS6 emission regime: superior performance, lower total-cost-of-ownership, comfortable and convenient truck, multiple choices, connectivity, and peaceful ownership experience. The LPT 3518 Cowl is a proven cargo truck suitable for challenging cargo transportation needs with the Tata brand's trust and guaranteed performance. Read more on 12-tyre trucks segment here

Exterior

Since it is a Cowl variant, you get a chassis and open cabin when you buy it without factory fitted design angles of the Signa Cabin. However, this allows you to get the body and cabin designed the way you want. This truck is a 35,000 kg gross vehicle weight category haulage that takes on heavy and bulk cargo shipments effortlessly and often run on inter-state routes with rated payloads.

The ladder-type, heavy-duty chassis frame comes in 285 x 65 x 8.5 dimensions. For better fuel economy through reduction of an aerodynamic drag through containerized applications. LPT 3518 Cowl is available in 5205 mm, 5505 mm, and 5905 mm wheelbases and deck length options of 6706 mm, 7315 mm, 8230 mm. The radial tube tyres at the back and front with 295/90R20 sizes are designed for better payload capacities with low rolling resistance to better fuel the fuel economy. The polymer fuel tank size is 365 liters with an anti-fuel theft mechanism. 

Interior

The LPT 3518 Cowl comes with tilt & telescopic steering, a 4-way adjustable mechanically suspended seats, AC and blower options, higher comfort through class-leading noise vibration and harshness treatment, 4 -point cabin suspension with vertical & transverse shockers. 

Higher ergonomics features include an easily accessible control panel, driver-friendly dashboard, pendant type accelerator, and clutch pedals along with higher in-cabin space. A modern instrument cluster is another highlight of this truck with advanced driver information, driver coaching, new diagnostics, and driver prompt features. This truck also comes with ultimate package protection features such, annual maintenance, TPMS Packaging, electronic stability control, and cruise control packaging. 

Performance  

The customers come to Tata trucks largely due to the brand trust and the proven track record. The durability and reliability is the most vital aspect for fleet-operators in the long haul trucks. These trucks carry large valuable cargo across the country, and underperformance or breakdowns aren't good for the business. Therefore, truck owners always look for high performance and highly reliable trucks. Tata Motors knows this better than anyone, as the company has been serving the trucking communities for decades. 

To ensure higher speed and substantial pick up at the start with full load cargo, the LPT 3518 Cowl is fitted with the reliable 180hp engine that produces a whopping 850 Nm of torque and blends well with Tata's in-house G950, 6-speed manual synchromesh gearbox. The engine is 4.5% higher power for excellent loaded pick-up, 21% higher torque for impressive load pulling, and much higher gradeability for multi-terrain suitability. Also, higher torque & low RPM engine for higher fuel efficiency, the two-stage fuel filter optimizes fuel usage and electronic viscous fan for fuel savings.

It comes with a heavy-duty 7T reverse Elliot type axle at the front and a single reduction RA110HD type at the rear. Tata Motors is also offering a new generation telematics solution with advanced features for fleet, trip & business management. Other key performance features packed in the includes load-based speed control, vehicle acceleration management, gear shift advisor, multi-mode fuel economy switch, venturi combo oil filter, and nano net fuel filter, etc. 

Safety

Tata Motors has bought a lot of safety focus across the entire medium and heavy commercial truck range. The LPT 3518 Cowl belongs to the same DNA with segment-leading inbuilt safety features on these trucks to safeguard the driver, the cargo, and the vehicle. There are several in-cabin safety features for better control of the vehicle during high speed or a full cargo load. Features such as the panic button and vehicle tracking system and LED tail lamps with lower power consumption and longer durability for safer driving.

Verdict

The 35T multi-axle truck segment is one of the most important in the industry, highly competitive and large volumes. Tata Motors has been the traditional leader in the segment with a considerable lead over rivals. The company is doing everything to stay ahead of the competition and offering the most value for money and high-performance trucks. The LPT 3518 Cowl has everything this segment needs. Tata Motors has carried forward the tried and tested 180hp engine for its loyal customers in the BS6 emission standards and other higher power engine options in the segment. If you’re not willing to spend on the factory-fitted cabin but want to do it on your own, then LPT 3518 Cowl is for you. A new truck with higher emission but with the same proven engine power you can rely on for all your transport needs with Tata Motors promises and nationwide support. So, check out more on this truck before you head to the Tata dealership!.