| Bedford TL | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Bedford AWD |
| Also called | AWD TL |
| Production | 1980–1986 (Bedford) 1988–1992 (AWD) |
| Assembly | Dunstable |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Commercial vehicle |
| Body style | Chassis cab Tipper |
| Layout | Longitudinal front engine |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Bedford Cummins Perkins |
| Transmission | Eaton Turner ZF Friedrichshafen |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 6x4: 4.45 m (175 in) 6.30 m (248 in) |
| Width | 2.50 m (98 in) |
| Height | Cab: 2.53 m (100 in) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Bedford TK |
The Bedford TL was a truck manufactured by Bedford. Launched in June 1980, the TL was intended to complement the Bedford TK, on which it was heavily based. One of the main advantages of the TL over the TK was the incorporation of a tilt cab, improving maintenance. A tilt cab was a feature of the TK's main competitor, the Ford D series, and had long been seen as a major advantage.
Production began in April 1980, to allow trucks to reach dealers for the premiere.[1][2][3] The TL was taken out of production with Bedford's demise in 1986, but production recommenced in 1988 with new owners AWD.[4] The range expanded to include various derivatives before production ceased in 1992 when AWD was placed in receivership.[5]
- ^ New Bedford range launched today Commercial Motor 31 May 1980 page 20
- ^ New Bedford range proves its paces Commercial Motor 28 June 1980 page 22
- ^ Kennett, Pat (June 1980). "What's new: Bedford lay on the luxury". Truck. London: FF Publishing: 29.
- ^ AWD wins MoD order Commercial Motor 31 March 1988 page 15
- ^ The End for Bedford Commercial Motor 23 June 2011 page 39