I am in a dilemma over which bus to buy, and what better place to get an opinion than here at Team-BHP.
A little background, I already own three buses, of which, two (2) are Swaraj Mazda (SML) 47 Seaters, and one (1) is Force Traveller 26 seater. These were bought in 2017/18 and are running fine although both have their own drawbacks. SML is the cheapest option out there but is really archaic in its technology and systems, whereas Force is modern but has many niggles especially with its electronics (think of it as the Skoda of Buses, if you will).
So, I am looking at getting a couple of more school buses to run on contract basis with different schools/colleges in the city. Since SML, and Force are out of the running; Force also because the dealer has left town, I have narrowed it down to just two options;
It is a mandate to run school buses on CNG-only in the city, therefore, Ashok Leyland is also out of the fray as they offer only Diesel. Bharat Benz has also opened shop but I don't know if they have non-AC, and I expect them to be more expensive, and hard to maintain, what with the availability of parts etc. therefore did not consider.
Our requirements are;
- Safety (definitely up there on No. 1)
- Cost vs. Value (very obvious)
- Easy to maintain (ofcourse)
- Mileage (no brainer for an LCV)
- Looks (maybe?)
- 60-70 kms per day (maybe 150 if they get two shifts. With 200 working days a year - the bus should easily last me 15 years / 20 if the fitness goes through)
With the streets getting ever smaller, I have decided this time to not buy a large 50 seater bus, even though it makes much more economical sense, instead to focus on the 25-35 seater category. The difference in length between the two is what makes the biggest difference while entering lanes, and avoiding the overhang from hitting trees, parked cars, and other objects alike.
LxBxH of the Tata 34 Seater 7190 x 2340 x 2910 mm
LxBxH of the Tata 51 Seater 9750 x 2340 x 2910 mm
The Starbus LP 407, and LP 909 are the only options available in CNG.
The Eicher is;
LxBxH of the Eicher 30 Seater 6704 x 2160 x 2970 mm
LxBxH of the Eicher 40 Seater 7904 x 2160 x 2970 mm
LxBxH of the Eicher 50 Seater 9344 x 2160 x 2970 mm
On the power front;
Tata has a 3.8 SGI NA engine delivering 85 HP, 285 NM engine; whereas
Eicher has a 3.3L 115 HP, 360 NM engine.
Not really sure what to make of these engines, and their figures. Anyone able to help in choosing the right engine/gearbox would be much appreciated.
I am only leaning towards TATA because of its smashing looks, and also because of the name it carries. Although, I bought my previous vehicles without any help, and I regret not researching thoroughly earlier as well. But there is such little knowledge about these commercial vehicles anywhere, that it is quite difficult to find the right make, and only bland recommendations run high. Even the dealers are clueless as to why one should buy an X over Y or Z. I was surprised at the level of understanding of even the dealers here. My drivers are better, who at least tell me that they like this over that because of the 'softer clutch' or 'can be fixed anywhere' or 'my best friend has fixed many a Tata'
Even this post was kind of a difficult write as I do not have enough on these vehicles even though I own a few of them. I am also to blame, as I hardly cared thinking let's buy the cheapest, what do I care if the gearbox is not the slickest or the electronics are not up to the mark. A driver needs to drive it, and will use it like a driver would.
Anyhow, attaching a brochure and a screenshot (as neither of the dealers had a proper brochure at hand). Couple of pictures also attached for LCV fans, it is no MACK truck but still - you gotta agree the Tata looks smashing
Brochure for Tata:
SCHOOL BUS BROCHURE.pdf
Brochure for Eicher:
Eicher Starline School CNG Leaflet.pdf Pictures of Tata;
Pictures of Eicher;
Pricing
All prices are after initial talks, I am sure they will come down a bit more with some negotiation.
TATA 34 Seater MRP 24.7 Lacs After Discount 23 Lacs
TATA 51 Seater MRP 29.5 Lacs After Discount 27.5 Lacs
Eicher 30 Seater MRP 24.54 Lacs After Discount 22 Lacs
Eicher 40 Seater MRP 26.95 Lacs After Discount 24 Lacs
Eicher 50 Seater MRP 29.37 Lacs After Discount 25.5 Lacs
When compared with full size vehicles (50 seaters), the smaller ones look really expensive. With a difference of only 3.5 lacs for the smallest and the biggest Eicher, the difference is miniscule for the almost double seating capacity. Anyhow, since we should not consider the large vehicles, I am still wondering if at least the 40 seater option should be considered as the difference in length is 6.7m vs 7.9m. Will have to dwell on this a bit.
I would request people vote only if they have a fair understanding of the LCV space. Do help out in anyway you can. Much appreciated.