The problem with LO 3 axle

Airbus330Captain SG

LO 3 axles are around 10 years old now , and they are polluting the streets esp accelerating and engine starting . Sitting on the bus sometimes you get to smell a burning smell even if its an empty us ( 9184 ) and plus the steering of the bus is very hard . What should have SBS done in the first place to make this bus a more friendly-user and enviroment friendly bus ? Is buying LO 3 axles a mistake ?

Personally to me , the condition of the LO 3 axles are terrible , its not about SBST maintainance , the comfort level in the bus , some are ok but some are real noisy , and be quite slow especially acceleration . I hope SBST can do something about the combustion of smoke the bus gives out . Volvo DD buses are so much better in terms of comfort and engine is much smoother (if condition is good ) . Any thoughts ?

off_service SG

The bus should be driver-friendly too. The suspension of the bus is also one terrible thing.

I think the combustion inside the engine is not doing well. That's why black exhausts are emitted. Some LO 3 axles are still OK, but some are really BIG BLACK clouds.

The rear seats near the engines are hotter compared to Volvo Superbuses, with age difference or 1 to 2 years only.

Not to forget the famous "fart" of LO 3 axles when reversing. Some are really loud and that is irritating. I really pity those lady and old drivers. That time I saw a (i guess) 60+ years old man driving LO 3 axles. He looked tired out after turning the bus.

SBS9818A SG

3-axle LOs are good and reliable, we don't see many of them breaking down on the roads, I'm sick of Volvos as it is, it is refreshing to see a change. 3-axle LOs are in good condition, one has been refurbished (9188J, Sv. 88 ). Volvo buses have the same comfort as Leylands, to me Leylands are the kings of the road. They are the grandmother of superbuses in Singapore and let them do their work with grace, all right?

SBS9818A SG

Double post

SBS9818A SG

I like the farts. IT gives character to the bus. Without it how would you have known a Leyland was coming by?

PT21 SG

Very Happy

Yes Darryl, you are right. Leyland 3 axle are still better than the retiring 2 axle. The engine are still good and the air-con still very cold sometimes. Some even colder than the VOs 96xx series and trident.

The Leyland 3 axle can still use up to 8 years perhaps. Because the body they use are quite modern. It doesn't look old. Even VOs 96xx series use the same body(WA). That why the leyland 3 axle does not look very old.

Cheer.
PT21

SBS9816E SG

In this world, there is nothing which you can rated perfect.

Let me give you my personal views about LO 3 Axle:

The LO 3 Axles' engine is of Cummins LT 10. From many observations, I find its acceleration is pretty powerful, like a Cummins B245. However, due to the many years of operation, engine does wear and tear. The condition would drop eventually. However, if maintenance is to be done to it, I am sure that it could still perform better. Sadly, SBST does little maintenance to them. As a result, they would put out huge amount of black smoke.

About the 'farting' of LO 3 Axle, I would really agree what Darryl has said. It's the characteristic of the LT10. It must be done, so as to release extra air in the parts of buses. Although it would be rather irritating to some people, it would not be affected to the majority.

The LO 3 Axle is being known to the driver as the most heaviest Steering. This does let bus drivers to suffer a great time when steering the bus. However, heavy steering would be better in the sense that the bus could manipulate in a much more 'secure' way.

About the interior of the bus, I feel that some of them are quite suck. This is due to the deterioration of condition of fixtures and fittings over many years of usage.

off_service SG

As for heavy steering, yes, better manipulation. But imagine services like svc 30, long route with lots of turns. Many drivers looked tired after driving the bus.The steering could be heavy, but the weight of steering on LO 3 axles is too ridiculous in my own opinion, esp when the bus is fully loaded.

off_service SG

I don't really know what you mean, but LO 3 axles will by phased out slowly from year 2008, 15 years since it's introduction in 1993.

PT21 SG

Wah Lau
You really don't understand?

I say the LOs 3 axle still look quite good in condition and the bodywork is the same as the 96xx series(WA). That why it still look modern than the LOs 2 axle, which use the older type of (WA) body.

SBS9818A SG

You want heavy steering? Fine! Volvo buses have a characteristic which is heavy steering, the bus driver must TURN AND TURN AND TURN to get his front axle in the desired position while the other bus drivers who are lucky not to get Volvos can do it in one or two flicks of the hand. LO steering is heavy but not as bad as Volvos.

I like the farting when it changes gear, it is partly due to the gearbox, but that is what makes it my favourite, it is a characteristic and CANNOT be changed.

off_service SG

Don't understand "The Leyland 3 axle can still use up to 8 years perhaps." lar! Mr. Green

SBS9818A SG

Not as bad as those on Volvos, don't pick a bone of contention if you don't like 3-axle LOs, just say it out loud! Noone's going to persecute you.

off_service SG

My friend's father was a LO 3 axles driver. He is now contented driving a MB O405 than a LO 3 axles.

SBS9818A SG

Partly because I mentioned the steering of the single-deck buses is much easier to manipulate as there is less weight! In fact ANY driver driving a DD would prefer a SD, as they are MUCH MUCH easier to drive.

off_service SG

Most drivers would prefer buses that could be driven easier. I'm saying no more. Say what you like. My opinion will not make any difference to LO 3 axles anyway.

Airbus330Captain SG

Talking to a few drivers , just like me I prefer VO buses to LO 3 axles .. LO 2 axles are so much better then LO 3 axles in my opinion . Go ahead and bash me , but that wont change my opinion .

LO 3 axles and scanias are in my most "hatred" bus list .

SBS9818A SG

I don't need anyone to change their opinions. What I'm doing isn't even bashing, it's throwing up of facts to substantiate my argument. You should be treasuring 3-axle LOs as they are the last batch of Leylands in the whole world.

PT21 SG

Off_service,

Ok I mean, The LOs 3 axle can be used up to more than 15 years.

pkchukiss SG

As for me, I put a lot of emphasis on the comfort level I get on a bus. After taking the Leylands on service 31 for 4 years, I am just glad I did not end up with a bad backache...

Most memorable Leyland bus for me: SBS 9166 U with a weird smell, but powerful acceleration, and the most comfortable Leyland bus I ever took. The rest, honestly, just don't make it in my opinion.