Terex throws down the gauntlet

Terex's new 23 tonne artic dumptruck (ADT) the TA25 is 24 per cent speedier overall than its predecessor and an impressive 10 per cent more productive. Terex has aimed the new truck directly at the market-leading competition from Volvo (A25), Cat (D250) and Moxy (MT30).

Although Terex still relies on Cummins for its power units (Detroit Diesel is an option for die-hard fans) and ZF for its transmissions it is sufficiently confident in powertrain improvements to be able to post a significant jump in performance and running costs.

The new ZF transmission alone (the Ergopower 6WG210) is a big improvement over the older 6WG200 fitted to the outgoing 2366C truck. Combined with the more powerful Cummins 6CTA8.3-C engine (up 8 per cent on power and 10 per cent on torque over the similar installation in the 2366C) the result is higher rimpull in the lower ratios, faster acceleration and an improved top speed - to a whopping 54km/hr.

Add in an improved driver environment (that's cab to you and me) with standard aircon and better ergonomics and insulation and it's obvious Terex is intent on cutting the mustard in this very important market sector (40 per cent of ADTs are 20-25t models).

The newly adopted aggressive pricing policy, 5,000hr/3year warranty (if not the new white/grey livery) added to the performance improvements must place Terex's TA25 high on any ADT customer's shopping list.