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 Dieseltwo-strokeV6 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]
AWD tried to market a 6x4 version under the Multidrive brand, targeting it to construction markets,[9] although only a few were built, some of which were sold to the MoD (which deployed them into Operation Desert Storm) and the Central Military Command in Dubai.[10] The Multidrive brand was later sold to Caterpillar, that started producing the Multidrive M8-Series.
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