MAN lorries

[Steeleydan]

Anyone know anything about MAN lorries, we are thinking of going to look at a hunting lorry on a 53 plate MAN chassis. We have always had Euro cargos 75E15 and liked them but this has come up and its a good price, never had one so wondered if all you HHOs could tell me if there are any ifs, buts or maybes. Much appreciated
Breif story of why we need a new lorry(just to bore you all)
My Mum was diagnosed with cancer November last year, so they decided to put house up for sale, so horse would have to go into livery and so we sold our horse box, that was very nice! Mum died last Sunday- Monday my Dad annonces he has took house off market and is staying so horse gets to stay living at home but we have no lorry now hence needing one for forth coming season.

 

[branmash]

Hi I have no idea, but would like to sat how sorry i am for your loss.

 

[sillygillyhorse]

I think MAN chassis are heavier than a DAF or Iveco chassis (please correct me if I am wrong) which will be an important factor especially now that VOSA are much hotter on weights.

Both my lorries have been Iveco's and I have been really pleased with them. I drove a friends MAN and really really disliked it, to me it felt really "soft" and "wallowy" and didnt give me a very positive feel of the road at all. My regular groom (who was also used to the Iveco) actually felt sick as a passenger in the MAN. I have also driven a Renault Midlem which gave a better feel than the MAN but the air sprung seat took some getting used to!

Obviously cannot comment mechanically as in that department I am clueless!

Hope you find a nice truck.

 

[Louby]

I have just sold my Iveco and will be trying something else this time. My mechanic has reccomended Merc then Man. The first horsebox I drove was a 98 reg MAN and I loved it, it was like driving a car. I only wish I had bought it, instead I bought a 2001 Iveco, yes it was very reliable but it took me a while to get used to with its knotchy gears. Im not totally against Iveco, aparantly they are very reliable chassis but if I could find a decent MAN at a good price, I would snap there hands off.
BUT I know nothing mechanical so this is just based on my preference

 

[Louby]

Sorry Steeleydan, I also really wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss. Lost my mum too 4 yrs ago to cancer and it really is hard

 

[mil1212]

We had a MAN and I can agree with sillygillyhorse about the way it drives, it felt quite bad on back roads and country roads as it felt like it bounced about, however it was amazing on the motorway - it really flew (although this was in the days before limiters). I always found it hard to select the right gear ie not enough power in 4th but not going anywhere in 3rd. Saying this we never had any issues with it and it was a fantastic lorry. We now have an iveco and have had lots of problems with it and my mum really stuggles with the gear box!
I have also heard MAN's are heavier so is definately worth checking unladen weight.

So sorry to hear of your loss

 

[ofcourseyoucan]

i have a MAN and love it. pulls well with 3 big ones on, flies up the motorway, economical on diesel, and has cost minimal to test for the last 2 years just a couple of bulbs and a mirror! my mechanic loves it nut he really hated the cargo with a passion. horses travel really well, gears are fine once youo have driven it a couple of times i find it very easy to drive. my only whinge would be its not very good on grass! have been towed out a couple of times! sorry to hear about your mum.

 

[perfect11s]

They are very well made.. my box was on a 96 man and ive swapped it on to a 04 merc atego chassis because I had this mad idea that should upgrade.. im not sure they are any heavier than the others iveco, daf, but ive weighed it on the old chassis and with the atego and the merc is heavier by about 300kg.. I would say the merc is a good wagon and the parts are cheap but I would choose a man or a daf over it and that is what im going for next... on the ride issue bouncing and rocking and juddering... most lorrys have NEVER HAD NEW shockobsorbers fitted and as a result they are totaly shot.. it isnt something people think about but I garantee it makes a unbeliveable difference to how they ride ,steer and the shaking of most lorrys it is money well spent... yes sorry about your mum...

 

[brighteyes]

Another vote for MAN trucks. Not sure about the ride TBH - our all travel fine, but the drive is superb and build quality is similar.

 

[Michael1248]

MAN chassis were more expensive when new compared to other 7.5t so not so many about-that said,I haven't been aware of any mechanical weak points.Inside check the heater blower switch(seen a few which have self destructed,but that could be a heavy-handed owner)similarly the glovebox catch(could be a victim of "feet on the dash"!)

So usual checks to make sure everything works,there's proof of maintenance and there are 2 sets of keys-not the end of the world if there aren't,but it just means more expense for you-and a battery isolator switch is very worthwhile,but that goes for any truck which doesn't get regular use.

Most important thing tho is to drive it and see whether YOU like it!Do hope you can find something suitable.

Really sorry to hear about your Mother-it may not seem like it at the moment,but things do get easier over time.

 

[silu]

So sorry about your Mum, have a Man 8163 coachbuilder Cooke. It is an S plate and despite having to go off road due to eventing it is very good and reliable. Excellent turning lock and drives quite like a car. Spare parts a bit steep and yes our "glove compartment" catch has broken as another poster mentioned! Does a fairly high mileage and have no complaints.

 

[nativetyponies]

i have a 2000 W reg Tristar box on a MAN.

It's the best 7.5T i've driven TBH.
The chassis isn't as light as a DAF but its very very reliable.
Has sailed through the plate every year for the past 5 years i've had it.
I would recommend.