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With a reputation for being well bolted together and idiot-proof,
Page 47
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the M-B Axor is available specced for toper and mixer applications.
Our no-frills example included a factory-fit PTO with hub-reduction axles, cliff and cross-locks, parabolic suspension, an 8.0-tonne front axle and a 19-tonne double-drive rear bogie.
There are ABS disc brakes at the front with rear drums and an exhaust brake. Headlamp guards, sump protection and a three-piece steel front bumper with folding lower cab steps also come as standard.
In addition to the customary vertical exhaust stack, this
demonstrator had a Rouse split-tailgate alloy aggregates body, Edbro C X13 front-end ram and Dawbarn manual side-to-side load sheet.
The cab interior had a makeover about 18 months ago; build quality seems high. The curved instrument pane! and well placed controls mean you can just jump in and drive away. The easy-wipe surfaces are functional; even without air-con, the Axor cab was a cool and comfortable place in which to work. There's more elbow room and less clutter than in some day cabs but scant resting space for the driver's left foot.
The 7.2-litre, 326hp straightsix did 56mph at 1,900rpm fully laden. The Euro-4 SCR Bluetec unit has a plastic Ad Blue container next to the 300-litre alloy fuel tank on the side of the chassis —thankfully not between the rear members as on some tractor units.
Unladen, the Axor pitched and bounced less than some competitors and the braking proved effective. Mercedes has linked the exhaust brake into the cruise control to control downhill speed over-runs.
Less impressive was the nine-speed: direct-drive `slap-across' range-change gearbox. lt is 30 years since this range-change first appeared in the SK rigid. The shift load on this most recent incarnation is power-assisted and much lighter— but why is such an archaic transmission still fitted?
For owner-drivers: the slap-across method probably won't cause problems, but in fleets where drivers came to this from other gearboxes mistakes are likely to occur. The more powerfully engined Axor chassis such as this come with an R-designation, which means they can be supplied with the Telllgent automated shift.
Another problem with the Axor, whether for mechanical or electric reasons, Is that the PTO took a long time to decide to engage, although once engaged it worked smoothly.
M-B used to produce rather heavy tipper chassis but has worked to shed weight without risking its reputation for robust construction.
Undoubtedly this 6x4 Axor can confidently tackle arduous tipper duties in the UK. But Mercedes should consider driver acceptability and ensure the new model revamp tackles transmission fundamentals as well as cosmetic changes