MERCEDES 3538K
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The 3538K is the more powerful and heavier of the Mercedes-Penz eightleggers. Its chassis-cab weighs 1.54 tonnes more than the equivalent 3234 that will be shown at the RHAs TipCon exhibition at the end of April, ready for introduction at the end of the year. Right-hand-drive versions of the 3538K are not planned for the weight-conscious Brits. Evidently its chassis and suspension are more substantial than its stablemate, as it takes more than its two extra cylinders to account for such a large difference in weight.
Like all the tipper chassis in this group the 3538K runs on 13R 22.5 tyres. Its exhaust is mounted under the chassis, but as a concession to off-road running the lowest of the cab's three steps is hinged.
Inside the cab is roomy, deeper than the Renault's, with a rest bunk tucked in behind the seats. Plastic trim is practical and hard wearing and the moulded mats in the foot well can be removed to make cleaning easier. Windows behind the B-post and in the rear panel let in light and maximise all-round visibility The Germanic binnacle displays the instrument dials clearly and the park brake lever is mounted close by on the fascia. Mercedes' firm ride is softened by the driver's suspension seat. The steering winds on some at roundabouts but integral power makes the task light enough; however with a long wheelbase rear cut-in needs to be watched on narrow, twisting roads.
At 32 tonnes the power is quite adequate, allowing whole gears to be skipped in the lower part of the box: the splitter is only needed in the top half, but revs need to be carefully timed if the gear is not to engage with a clunk.
Powerful brakes give good retardation but we couldn't get the exhaust brake to work. Our truck wasn't fitted with Mercedes' more efficient open-throttle type, so maybe we didn't miss much.
The almost new big veeeight Mercedes engine will undoubtedly improve in performance as it covers more distance. In the event it used over 9% more fuel than the the MAN, running most efficiently at around 1,400rpm. It came second to Renault on overall speed, but the Mercedes chassis-cab is by far the heaviest of the group and it was its unladen weight that pushed it down the list on productivity Make: Mercedes-Benz. Model: 3538K. Outer axle spread: 6.117m.
Engine: Mercedes-Benz 0M402 LA 900 vee-eight air-to-air charge-cooled.
Capacity: 12.76 litres. Max power: 280kW (375hp) at 1,900rpm.
Max torque: 1,775Nm (1,309Ibft) at 1,200rpm.
Gearbox: Mercedes-Benz G180-16/11.9 16-speed synchromesh incorporating eight split ratios (manual, non-EPS change).
Rear axle: Daimler-Benz HD7 double-reduction with cross-axle and inter-axle diff-locks.
Ratio: 5.2:1. Tyre size: 13R 22.5 tubless Michelin XZY front and XZH rear.
Fuel tank: 300 litres (66gal). Chassis-cab weight 10.34 tonnes.
Average fuel consumption: 51.5314/100km (5.48mpg).
Average speech 48.3km/h (30.01mph).