Which used lorry?

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
View Threaded
Fri 1 Apr 2011 11:46
Which used lorry? - Captain Zetec

Looking for some advice.

I want to buy a 7.5T box lorry to convert to a horsebox, but not sure which manufacturer to choose. On my budget, probably a used mid - late '90s model.

Have heard lots of contrasting opinion. Some swear by DAF and MAN, some say Mercedes (but parts are expensive apparently.

Have also been advised to steer clear of Ford/ Iveco, Renault and Volvo, but unsure whether there is any real basis to that or just personal bias.

Basically looking for something reliable that doesn't cost an arm and a leg to fix if it goes wrong. (Yes, I know all lorries can be dear to fix, but I imagine some are better than others).

Any lorry drivers or diesel fitters out there who can advise me or point me in the right direction?

One other thing - how on earth do you work on the engine it the horse lorry has a luton body fitted meaning the cab can't tip???

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 1 Apr 2011 21:37
Which used lorry? - gordonbennet

Mercedes 814 would be a good choice, reliable and simple workhorse, tyre company i know used them for many years. NA engine ISTR which means it won't be blasting off the lights but should last for ever with a bit of decent maintenance.

You might find a LeylandDaf with the Cummins option engine, that would be a fair bet too if rust hasn't eaten it, but i'd be looking hard for the Benz.

Assume you are having a Luton section over the cab for fodder and other storage. The Luton will be designed so the floor lifts up and the front panel too to allow the cab to tilt, assuming it's a tilt cab version.

Several horse boxes with MB 814's under them on ebay at the mo.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 2 Apr 2011 19:19
Which used lorry? - Simon

If it was me and I was looking for a late 1990's truck I would steer clear of an Iveco as it will rot (if its not already) before your eyes but they are cheap. A Renault of that age would look nice converted but genuine parts can be pricey. A MAN would be okay but I always thought they were a bit bland but not a bad truck. If you look for a Merc I would go for the 815 Atego rather than an old 814 as this was the model design change and the Atego would also make a nice looking horsebox. Then lastly there is the Daf 45 which do tend to last for a good number of years as the technology is a little more old fashioned. A good solid reliable truck if not the prettiest.

So to sum it up I think that I would set my sights on a good condition used Daf 45, my second choice would be the Merc Atego. I hope this helps.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 4 Apr 2011 00:04
Which used lorry? - helmet

A early Daf with the 6 ltr Cummins B engine and ZF gearbox is just about as good as it gets. Ask the Royal Mail who have used them since God was a lad. The newer LF has the Paccar engines in them. (Paccar being the parent company.)

The 814 while good in it's day, is now about as rare as rocking horse poo, (S'cuse the pun.) and the 815 Atego is a 4 cylinder engine, which sounds like a sewing machine whereas the 814 was a 6 cylinder. I also found when driving them that suspension was very soft, and the brakes seemed spongy under harsh braking.

As someone who was in the Cummins engine plant in Darlington on a daily basis from 1995 until 2000, I can tell you the engine was made in huge numbers and was exported all over the world, so is an absolute proven product. I have lost count of the number of 7.5 tonne horseboxes I've seen that are Cummins powered in my time as an HGV driver.

While the 130bhp engine will be adequate, try and get the 150bhp version if you can. I believe the 170/180bhp model was fitted to trucks above 7.5tonnes in general, but if your lucky, then you may just hit on one that has been downrated from 10/11 tonnes, thereby giving you more power on tap. Finally. Horseboxes of a certain age have to have speed limiters fitted to them by law., but as you are looking at a 90's model it may not apply, nevertheless VOSA will give you the low down on that, but in the meantime have a look at this:

www.horsebox-rescue.co.uk/html/speed_limiters.html

Edited by helmet on 04/04/2011 at 00:07

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 30 Apr 2011 16:51
Which used lorry? - alfatrike

the merc 814 vario (the one with a bonnet) i had for doing recovery work was good. basic, but how fancy do you want? are you shifting a couple of weekend ponies or premium race horses? the vario has a bonnet and the bulkhead under the dash unbolts to allow acces to the engine. i was getting about 20 mpg even when loaded.

trucks.autotrader.co.uk/stock-item-id/at8a65f6202b...g

great if you really value your animals

i've never much liked the other merc's, too much complicated stuff to go wrong.

ivecos rust and fall apart.

not had experience of late 90's MAN's. the newer ones i've had have been quite good.

the daf 45 was good but getting old now, the LF is a much better choice and prices are fairly good. ex royal mail would fit a couple of horses but i doubt you would get much accomadation space. the ones argos use are quite a bit longer so space wouldn't be a problem.

trucks.autotrader.co.uk/stock-item-id/at8a647b6f2c...t

might be a good choice as it has the side loading door aswell.

just a quick thing to remember, when did you pass your car test? if it was after '97 and you haven't done a class 2 or 1 hgv test you will only be able to drive a 3.5 tonner (transit or simlar)

sorry mod's for the long weblinks, i can't find the tiny url link anymore.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

If you cover no more than 100 miles per day and have easy access to a charging point at home or work, then an EV is ideal for you.

Is an electric car right for me?