In the previous Ford Cargo model history science we have mentioned that the classic Ford Cargo in addition to the derivation of Iveco EuroCargo and other trucks, itself has also been preserved by Turkey's Otosan company, production so far.
The truck on the right is the Ford F-MAX, and the truck on the left is the protagonist of our article today: the Ford Cargo dump truck. F-MAX focuses on the urban trunk logistics market, while Ford Cargo complements other applications such as construction and engineering, forming a complete product line with F-MAX. Currently, both models are manufactured in Turkey and sold under the Ford brand.
After F-MAX successfully entered the mainstream market in Europe, Otosan tasted the sweetness and intended to introduce the Cargo model to the European market. The picture shows the first Ford Cargo 4142D dump trucks to enter Poland, which was built by a Turkish company and won many orders at a low price.
From the outside, the Ford Cargo is still slightly rudimentary. The vehicle's cab continues the classic Cargo cab frame, with a narrower width and a flat roof arrangement. For road trunk freight trucks, the cab has a tight space inside, but it is sufficient for less demanding applications such as the construction industry. Where does the low cost of the vehicle come from? For example, the headlights of the vehicle use industry standard components, the rearview mirror cover is not decorated, and the polygonal design of the front face is relatively simple, which reduces the purchase cost of the vehicle and makes maintenance and use easier.
After all, as an engineering vehicle, the vehicle has a high ground clearance, which can enhance the passability and allow the vehicle to pass through deeper gullies. Underneath important components such as intercoolers, steel skid plates have also been added to prevent damage caused by impacts in harsh environments such as construction sites.
The vehicle is powered by a Ford Ecotorq diesel engine and offers a choice of 420 hp and 480 hp. The car is available in a 420 hp version with a displacement of 12.7 litres and a maximum torque of 2,150 Nm@1000RPM. For a four-axle chassis, this horsepower is enough to use. The engine braking force is also good, but only two gears are adjustable, which is a deficiency.
The vehicle's battery and urea tanks are arranged on the left side of the chassis, with the position on the right side giving way to the exhaust gas aftertreatment system. The vehicle meets Euro 6E emission standards and will not be hindered in sales in the European market. At the same time, the vehicle's side cue lights and wires are armored to enhance durability.
The Ford Cargo offers a variety of drive styles and suspension systems to choose from. Since Ford doesn't have its own drive front axle, it can only choose the 8x4 model up to 8x6, no 8x6 or 8x8. Depending on the field of application, multi-leaf and low-leaf springs are available for rear axle suspension. In addition, the configuration of this car is also very mechanical. The vehicle's steering power system is mechanically assisted, and the cab shock absorber is only mechanically shock absorbed.
Next, let's get into the cab together. The cab steps of the vehicle are extended one step to facilitate the driver to board the car. The serrated lines on the foot pedals enhance the anti-slip effect and also scrape off the mud from the driver's shoes.
The cab is the most fun part of this car. Due to structural problems with the doors, only a small piece of the side windshield can be opened. An optional rear-facing viewing window can be installed on the rear wall of the cab for easy observation of the rear. In addition, the vehicle has fixed small hooks on the rear wall of the cab to facilitate the hanging of clothes.
The driver's seat is positioned closer to the interior to prevent the driver's elbow from hitting the side of the cab. The engine drum kit is very large, encroaching on a lot of internal space. At the same time, Ford did not make some adaptations to the upper part, such as installing storage boxes, which reduced the ease of use inside the vehicle.
The vehicle uses many components inherited from light commercial vehicles such as ford transit, such as steering wheels, dashboards, and some control panels. The vehicle is not fitted with a multi-function steering wheel, and the horn is not located on the steering wheel, but on the top of the lever on the side of the steering column, which needs to be reached with a finger.
Because the vehicle adopts a flat-roof cab and does not have top space, the mandatory installation of the dashcam is installed on the instrument panel, and the handbrake is also placed on the instrument panel for a low-level arrangement. Unfortunately, the tilt angle of the instrument panel is a bit strange, although it is tilted towards the driver, but the angle is not enough, and the operation is a bit awkward.
The gear lever is also from the Ford Transit series, which can be adapted to different applications in either the ZF TraXon transmission or the manual transmission.
The vehicle has an observation window on the door, which was originally intended to reduce blind spots when driving.
Unfortunately, this observation window is too far ahead, and a large part of it is blocked by the dashboard. Fortunately, the rearview mirror of the vehicle has a good field of view, and with the complementary blinds, it can also bring a good field of view.
The overall evaluation is that the ergonomic performance and comfort performance of the Ford Cargo are very inferior to several other companies, but it provides enough power, enough ruggedness, and enough cheapness that there will always be companies that choose to buy it. At present, the vast majority of Ford Cargo's orders come from construction companies and municipal corporations. After all, they don't need to travel long distances and don't care much about comfort.
In terms of power performance, the power of the vehicle is still relatively abundant. Power is on call, and the combination with the TraXon transmission is also considerable. The steering feel is very hard, the cab comfort is not enough, and the noise and vibration are more obvious. Considering the low price of the vehicle, the configuration of mechanical shock absorption and mechanical steering is also forgivable.
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Text: Heseaotter