MAN Truck & Bus demonstrates its expertise particularly when it comes to building chassis units for emergency services vehicles

MAN Truck & Bus demonstrates its expertise particularly when it comes to building chassis units for emergency services vehicles. The new MAN Truck Generation is a key aid to the challenging work of the emergency services.

MAN launched its new Truck Generation in spring 2020. In developing its new trucks, MAN consistently focused on the drivers and their transport task. The initial focus was on the MAN TGX and long-haul transport. By mid 2021, MAN will have updated its entire product portfolio to the new model series, optimally meeting the needs of every transport task and sector-specific application. In autumn 2020, the first body manufacturer launched fire service vehicles based on the new MAN TGL and MAN TGM series chassis.

The familiar division into four model series has been retained: The new MAN TGL covers the weight range from 7.5 to 12 tonnes. Exclusively available in 4×2 versions, it is suitable for fire service use as a light truck with portable fire pump or built-in fire pump and a small rescue truck. The next weight category up is the new MAN TGM, as a two-axle truck from 12 to 18 tonnes and a 26-tonner with three axles. The two-axle TGM featuring on-road gear and all-wheel drive is the most widely used fire service vehicle almost everywhere in the worldwide, both in terms of numbers and variants. Engines and rescue engines, tankers, turntable ladders, aerial ladder platforms and small rescue trucks are the most common types of standardised fire service vehicle in use in Germany. The new MAN TGS from 18 to 41 tonnes gross train weight is focused, as before, on heavy-duty applications such as tankers and specialist fire trucks, high-reach aerial ladder platforms or skip-loaders. This series has the widest range of variants from two to five axles. MAN HydroDrive is offered in addition to the on-road gear and all-wheel drive. The hydraulic drive in the front axle is the first choice when the vehicle is run mainly on paved roads and additional traction is rarely needed. Many fire services utilise this tried and proven system for their skip-loaders.

The cab – focused on the driver

Once a lion, always a lion. The new MAN is recognisable at the first glance. Its unmistakable design, now thoughtfully enhanced, extends across all series. The cab variants have been given new designations. The compact cab of the TGL and TGM series is now the CC, while the longer version with plenty of storage space behind the seats is the FN. The four-door double cab DN retains its capacity for a crew of six. The MAN TGS series starts with the NN, the cab for short-haul transport applications. In this series, too, the longer version with a low roof is the FN. Matching the vehicle’s intended application, the interior is finished in a dirt-resistant Moon Grey colour.

Better visibility means added safety. The LED headlights, optionally available instead of H7, provide wider light distribution and longer range. The high beam assist prevents dazzling of oncoming vehicles or of those ahead by automatically dimming in good time. The curvy LED daytime driving light array visually emphasises the styling of the headlights, and thus of the new MAN Truck Generation.

Emergency services crews need to get in and out of their vehicles frequently, and quickly. So safe and convenient entry and exit is crucial. The doors open at a right angle to 89 degrees. Wide steps arranged like stairs, with non-slip surfaces and long grab handles, allow for ergonomically straight entry and exit. In the parked position, the steering wheel folds horizontally forward to free up space in front of the driver’s seat. That makes entering the vehicle much easier, especially when continually changing driver. The steering wheel is swung back into the driving position at the press of a button. The newly developed seating generation offers a wide adjustment range: 12 centimetres in height and 23 centimetres in length, which is five centimetres more than before. The portfolio includes a centre seat, which is required in the CC and NN cabs for crews of three fire-fighters as stipulated by fire service vehicle standards.

MAN has completely revised the operating concept for its new Truck Generation. Drivers operate the gearbox control unit, continuous brake and driving program selector on a drop arm without taking their hands off the steering wheel. A button panel replaces the rotary switch controlling the all-wheel drive and differential locking. To the right above the steering wheel is the large switch for the optional electronic parking brake. The parking brake is activated automatically when the vehicle is parked and released when it starts up.

The cockpit, slightly angled towards the driver, is clearly divided into control and readout levels, helping drivers to concentrate on the traffic, especially when out on a mission. The steering wheel, operating elements and buttons are ergonomically arranged for easy reach. The indicators and displays are positioned further away. That makes it easier for the eyes to adjust when glancing down from the road to view the instrument panel.

The Basic instrumentation version comes in a classic design featuring two large analogue speedometer and tachometer dials with a 5″ colour display in-between. The Professional version has a 12.3″ colour display in the centre, providing a wide range of information on the vehicle’s status, as well as controlling the infotainment, navigation and driver assistance systems. To the left and right of it, a semi-circular digital scale indicates the vehicle’s speed and revs.

A cockpit display further to the right provides even more information. It’s the location for the new MAN media system. The display is optionally 7” or 12.3” in size. The infotainment system is intuitively operated via a micro-rotary pushbutton control.

In the MAN TGS and MAN TGX series, driver safety is enhanced by an airbag with multifunction steering wheel combined with a seatbelt tensioner.

The new MAN Truck Generation offers the crew a practical and helpful feature in the form of Easy Control: a panel containing four buttons on the inside of the door. It is easily reached when the driver’s door is open. There is no need to bother climbing into the cab or stretching uncomfortably to access the control from the doorway. Two of the buttons can be assigned functions by the MAN workshop team from a selection of options. The available functions include activating the power take-off, revolving beacons, cargo space lighting or spotlights, or releasing the liftgate. The third button is factory-set as the engine on/off, or optionally for closing the windows and sliding roof. The fourth is always reserved for the hazard warning lights.

SOURCE: MAN Truck & Bus