XS650 Posted May 5, 2015 Share Posted May 5, 2015 I always got the impression this was not a popular replacement for the Bedford MJ in the services , why was this ? Craig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 eddy8men Posted May 5, 2015 Share Posted May 5, 2015 the daf is a much better truck but feels plasticky and not as squaddie proof as the old Bedford. I always thought the daf was more of a road truck than off road. rick ps. I had 2 daf's and thought they were great Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 paulbrook Posted May 5, 2015 Share Posted May 5, 2015 Urban myth The Leyland was a much better truck and much better suited to the task set than either the truck it replaced (in part) or the AWD (bedford) contender in the trial. Anyone who says different probably preferred black and white telly, telephones with dials, rickets and the ability to tell racist jokes without censure. Plus they probably never had to use one in anger. Not that the old MK was a bad truck - it wasn't. But the Leyland was streets ahead when it was tested by many many users. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Sean N Posted May 6, 2015 Share Posted May 6, 2015 But that's only to be expected, really - a 1980s truck replacing, and to an extent competing against, what is in essence a late 1950s truck based on a late 1940s design. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 eddy8men Posted May 6, 2015 Share Posted May 6, 2015 I agree but I always thought the Bedford was better off road, although that might be down to the tyres and there is a lot to be said for it's simplicity. it's just a shame it was so bad to drive on the road Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 N.O.S. Posted May 6, 2015 Share Posted May 6, 2015 I agree but I always thought the Bedford was better off road, although that might be down to the tyres and there is a lot to be said for it's simplicity. it's just a shame it was so bad to drive on the road It might be down to the front axle weight - the Bedford is very light at the front compared to other trucks (and I guess the Leyland DAF) If the front wheels stay on top of the ground the truck usually keeps going, if they start to sink in the trouble really starts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Sean N Posted May 6, 2015 Share Posted May 6, 2015 It might be down to the front axle weight - the Bedford is very light at the front compared to other trucks (and I guess the Leyland DAF)If the front wheels stay on top of the ground the truck usually keeps going, if they start to sink in the trouble really starts. This is getting totally off topic now, but I find that depends on ground conditions and other factors; for example, with deep mud on a solid base it's often better to cut through the mud and get grip onto something solid rather than skating about on the surface. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 N.O.S. Posted May 6, 2015 Share Posted May 6, 2015 This is getting totally off topic now, but I find that depends on ground conditions and other factors; for example, with deep mud on a solid base it's often better to cut through the mud and get grip onto something solid rather than skating about on the surface. Agreed, many times the plough pan has been my friend!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Degsy Posted May 6, 2015 Share Posted May 6, 2015 The Bedford's off road ability was largely due to it's very flexible chassis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 paulbrook Posted May 7, 2015 Share Posted May 7, 2015 During the trials all three contenders were run against the in-service MK, and all were better off road loaded (in a range of terrains), part loaded and empty, and that was even though the replacements had more road-friendly tyres. The Leyland Daf, being permanent 4wd, was particularly foolproof. The best of the lot though was the Volvo, with excellent gearing, near perfect weight distribution and the turning circle of a London taxi. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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XS650
I always got the impression this was not a popular replacement for the Bedford MJ in the services , why was this ?
Craig
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