Bedford TM

The Bedford TM was a heavy goods vehicle manufactured by Bedford between 1974 and 1986. Up 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.

Bedford TM
Overview
ManufacturerBedford
Production1974-1986
AssemblyDunstable
Body and chassis
ClassCommercial vehicle
Body styleChassis cab
Tractor unit
Powertrain
EngineBedford
Cummins
Detroit Diesel
TransmissionEaton
Fuller
Spicer

History
British Army Bedford TM

The TM was introduced in 1974.[1] A thorough update in 1982 left the appearance mostly untouched - perhaps to the detriment of sales of the mostly 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 for a sealed cabin floor.[2] The cab was counterbalanced so as to allow one-man tilting, while two front flaps allowed access to check on vitals. Production ceased in 1986, with the closure of Bedford.[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]

Variants

Available as either an articulated tractor unit, or as a rigid, in either wide or narrow day and sleeper cabs, the TM was actually a highly competent vehicle, and over the years was a common sight with some of the larger UK operators. It offered new standards of comfort and refinement especially for a Bedford. The British Army purchased thousands of four-wheel drive and six-wheel drive variants, some of which remained in use in 2010.[6][7][8]

References
  1. TMs in Paris Commercial Motor 27 September 1974 page 25
  2. Kennett, Pat (May 1982). "TM with a silver lining". Truck. London: FF Publishing: 44.
  3. The TM Commercial Motor 23 June 2011 page 39
  4. Bedford adds 62 models to UK range Truck & Bus Transportation July 1982 page 110
  5. Cummins for Bedford? Commercial Motor 1 July 1977 page 43
  6. Bedford wins £40m order Commercial Motor 16 September 1977 page 3
  7. Bedford gets MoD order Commercial Motor 8 October 1983 page 3
  8. Support Vehicles British Army 25 October 2010

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