Germany is famous all over the world for its cars. Everyone knows that the Germans produce high-quality, fast and comfortable cars. But today we are not talking about "Mercedes" and BMW. In addition to passenger cars, commercial vehicles are also produced in Germany. One such brand is MAN. These trucks are in demand not only in Europe, but also in Russia. In the article we will pay attention to one of the most common models - TGA.
Description
TGA is a series of trucks that have been mass-produced by the German company MAN since 2000. The model became the successor to the F2000 trucks. It was originally invented for additional auxiliary capacities, but later it became an equivalent replacement for this model. In 2001, MAN TGA received the title of "Best Truck of the Year." The machine is available in different versions. These are mainly truck tractors, tilt trucks and refrigerated vans. Gross weight, depending on the model, can be from 18 to 50 tons (if we talk about truck tractors - up to 26 tons).
Appearance
The design of the truck is fundamentally different from the previous series. This is a completely different, modern car. The cab may have different heights.
In the top versions on top (above the side windows) there is an additional window. It is noteworthy that in the cabin used a lot of plastic parts. This is the bumper, grille, side spoiler, footrest, as well as the lower part of the doors. According to users in the reviews, MAN TGA is well protected against corrosion: since many of the cladding parts are plastic, there is simply nothing to rust. The only place where corrosion can form is the hinges of the right side spoiler that folds. Periodically, these loops need to be lubricated. The rest of the cabin is very sturdy and reliable. As for the design as a whole, despite the almost 20-year-old age, this car looks quite decent. The design turned out to be so successful that when creating the new TGH model, the Germans took the same cabin as a basis, changing only the optics and plastic parts.
Salon
Drivers who worked on the F2000 MAN Series clearly remember the flat front panel. While all the other manufacturers from the G-7 made a rounded panel, the MAN decided not to break the tradition. What does a salon look like in MAN TGA? The photo shows the inside of the cab.
Yes, the front panel design has become more modern. There was even a small shelf in the center. But the panel architecture itself remained flat. And this is not a flaw. Drivers say that this configuration is the most convenient, because it is very difficult to move around the cab, where the elongated piece of the panel is in the center. In MAN one of the most comfortable cabins. At the same time, the Germans took into account ergonomics. All keys and devices are at hand with the driver. By the way, this cabin also has its own hiding places. This is the niche that lurks in the door armrest. But in practice, drivers do not use it.
In general, the cabin at MAN TGA is very comfortable. In the XL models, you can move to full height. The seats are moderately hard, air suspension. Foldable armrests are adjustable. The steering wheel is also adjustable for a fairly wide range. To set its position, press the corresponding button below the “alarm”. There is also a refrigerator in the cabin, divided into two sections. According to the drivers, it is very voluminous. There is also an autonomous stove. It can be set to a certain degree. Sensors in MAN TGA monitor the temperature and automatically turn off the “hair dryer” (autonomous heater) if the cabin is very hot. When the temperature reaches a minimum, the electronics automatically ignites an autonomous heater, and hot air goes into the passenger compartment again.
Depending on the configuration, the cabin can have one or two sleeping shelves. In the latter case, the upper one is equipped with gas stops and can be thrown back if necessary (the shelf is fixed on special belts). But the bottom is not equipped with gas stops. It has to be lifted manually.
Specifications
In general, the engines at MAN TGA were six-cylinder. But there are exceptions. So, a V-shaped “eight” with a capacity of 660 horsepower was installed here. If you take into account most of the trucks and truck tractors, they were equipped with in-line "sixes" with a capacity of 310 to 530 horsepower. As a rule, D2066 engines with a displacement of 10.5 liters were used. As for the modifications to 480 and 530 horsepower, under the cockpit there were motors for 12.8 liters of the D2876 series.
All power plants have direct injection of Common Rail fuel, and are also equipped with a modern timing system, where four valves per cylinder. Additionally, MAN is equipped with an exhaust gas recirculation system. Depending on the year of manufacture, the TGA truck meets the standards from Euro-3 to Euro-5. Recent modifications are equipped with an SCR system with AdBlue and a catalytic converter.
The engines are also equipped with various auxiliary braking systems. This is a retarder as well as an intarder (which closes the damper on the exhaust system).
Fuel consumption
As for fuel consumption, on average, this car spends from 27 to 32 liters per 100 kilometers. But in case of malfunctions with the fuel MAN can consume 40 liters.
Transmission
MAN TGA trucks are equipped with a 12-speed TipMatik automatic gearbox or a Comfort Shift 16-speed manual transmission. The latter is the most common (and, as drivers say, more practical and reliable). Among the features of the Comfort Shift box, it is worth noting the presence of a system that allows you to shift gears without clutch release. Thus, the pedal can only survive once, when starting off (usually from third gear).
After that, you can switch to increased speed using the round button, which is located on the side. In addition, there is a “flag” on the lever that separates the higher and lower gears, as well as a lever for activating the “halves”. As drivers say, the box is very convenient to use. However, cars with high mileage have problems with a cable drive. Two cables are suitable for the box, which become sour or stretch over time.
Cost
Depending on the year of manufacture and the type of truck itself, the cost of MAN is from 800 thousand to 1.7 million rubles. When buying, pay attention to the fuel. MAN TGA (especially Euro-5) is picky about fuel quality, and there may be problems with nozzles during operation.
Otherwise, there are no problems with these machines. There is a simple pivot beam in front and pneumatic cylinders in the back. The engine resource is up to 2 million km.
Conclusion
MAN TGA is a fairly reliable truck that has a resource engine and a comfortable cab. The machine is universal and can be used both for short and long distances.