Bedford TM
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| Bedford TM | |
|---|---|
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Bedford |
| Production | 1974-1986 1988-1992 (AWD Trucks) |
| Assembly | Dunstable |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Commercial vehicle |
| Body style | Chassis cab Tractor unit |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Bedford Cummins Detroit Diesel Caterpillar Inc. (Multidrive Only) |
| Transmission | Eaton Fuller Spicer |
The Bedford TM was a heavy goods vehicle manufactured by Bedford Vehicles between 1974 and 1986. Until the TM, Bedford had been building mostly low-specification short-haul distribution trucks such as the Bedford TK and KM. In view of the increasing popularity of high cabs in the maximum-weight long-distance category, such as the Leyland Marathon, Scania L110 and Volvo F88, Bedford designed the TM as a competitor.
The TM was introduced in 1974.[1] A thorough update in 1982 left the appearance mostly untouched, perhaps to the detriment of sales of what was a substantially new model.[2] Improvements included the new Detroit Diesel Series 92 engine, a new chassis, many new engine and transmission options, and a variety of other updated fittings. The Fuller transmissions now received a new telescopic shift mechanism, allowing the cabin floor to be sealed.[2] The cab was counterbalanced so as to allow one-man tilting, and two front flaps allowed access to check on vitals. Production ceased in 1986 with the closure of the Bedford company.[3]
Powertrain
Through its lifespan, it was available with a Bedford 500 turbo engine also known as the 8.2 Blue, a Detroit Diesel two-stroke V6 and V8 or a Cummins L10, coupled to either a Fuller or Spicer transmission, and a SOMA rear axle (dropped after the 1982 facelift).[2][4] The Detroit engine was not a successful choice in the UK. Because of its high-revving characteristics, it proved unpopular with drivers, who were used to slow revving, long stroke, UK diesels. It was also disliked by operators because of its poor fuel economy.[3][5]
