Mercedes Atego grows up
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by Brian Weatherley
• The Atego circle is now complete. After launching its 7.5-15 tonne models in May, MercedesBenz has unveiled its remaining "heavy" 18-tonne and 26-tonne Atego rigids, along with a 28tonne distribution tractor, which will arrive in the UK early next year.
Plated for either 17 or 18tonne GliW operations, the 1823 and 1828 Atego 4x2 rigids are powered by the latest 0M906LA six-cylinder engine rated at 230 and 280hp respectively. The charge-cooled 6.37-litre six-pot features a unit pump fuel injection system and a three-valves per-cylinder head.
The 26-tonne 6x4 2628 tipper is powered by the same 280hp engine as the 1828 rigid and replaces the old 2527 chassis, offering a 250kg saving on kerbweight over its predecessor. Unusually for a tipper, it also comes with disc-brakes all round. The 28-tonne GCW lightweight 1828LS tractor has air suspension on the drive axle as standard and a single 3.6m wheelbase.
Mercedes launched its Atego trio at last week's Hanover Truck Show where CM examined them at close quarters. First under the microscope was the 2628 tipper.
Access into the cab is very good, helped by three deep and well-positioned steps. The bottom step is hinged to help avoid damage in the event of grounding—although chassis clearance looks acceptable.
Vulnerable
The air filter on left-hand-drive models is mounted under the front bumper at the nearside, To describe its position as vulnerable would be an understatement M-B (UK) appears to have a better idea of the conditions in which tippers work than its continental colleagues—on righthookers the filter housing will he sited behind the cab.
The 2628's cabin is practical, thanks to a thick, rubber floor covering that can be hosed out and vinyl trimmed door panels. The dash is straightforward, although there is an irritating number of blanked-off switches that will collect dirt and dust.
There is plenty of room inside the extended day cab, especially behind the seats. Cross-cab access is acceptable once you have threaded your way past the gear lever. The driver's seat is firm and comfortable while the steering wheel adjusts for rake, though not height.
Visibility is well above average, helped by the sloping side windows and narrow A-posts.
UK 2628 models get a 12speed range-change box and a two-spring steel back bogie. There will he no rubber suspen sion option not least as the steel-sprung chassis is lighter than the old 2527. The Yshaped frame is particularly clean on top, right up to the gearbox and back of the cab.
We next checked out the high-roof sleeper cab on the 1823. For an overnighter it offers excellent headroom with more than enough clearance for a standing six-footer. The bot
torn bunk, though narrow, is firm while the top one has substantial nets to prevent kit becoming airborne.
The light and heater switch on the rear wall is a nice touch, along with the deep locker space in the headlining. Our only criticism is the size of the box on the centre console which does nothing to ease movement into the bottom bunk.
Finally, we looked at the little 1828LS tractor which has all the makings of an excellent supermarket trolley. Like the tipper and 17-tonner it has the same good driving position and attractive blue trim inside its cab and, if you can live with 280hp at 28 tonnes, it should keep most distribution drivers more than happy.
If our first taste is anything to go by, the "bigger" Ategos should pick up where the previous models left off: they are worthy successors to the old 1820, 2527 and 1828SK models.