IINEWSVEHICLES
Page 8
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• Mercedes-Benz's longawaited new SK range of heavy vehicles (described in detail on pages 30/31) will start arriving in Britain towards the end of the year, although some of the most important model variants will not be available until well into 1989.
Some versions for the British market have not yet been announced — but they are almost certain to include higher-powered tippers. At a later stage, the remaining lower-weight models of the Mercedes range of 17 tonnes and over will also acquire the cab modifications announced on the heavy models last week.
In a change from previous practice, even the highestpowered M-B tractive units will now be available in threeaxle form as well as in two-axle form. These twin-steer units will all carry 24-tonne badging. The first to be introduced, along with its 17-tonne 4 x 2 equivalent, will be the 2429, around the time of the Motor Show in October. The two-axle 1735, 1748, and three-axle, 2435 and 2448 will be introduced, progressively, through into the early months of 1989.
Air suspension on the drive axle and second steering axle will also be standard on the highest-powered models, and optional on the 29and 35badged units.
In about a years time, the • lowest-powered vee-eight tractive unit, the 1726, intended to replace the old 1625, will be introduced. This will be joined by the 1733, fitted with the turbocharged, charge-cooled vee-six OM 441 LA engine.
The big 3025E eightwheeled tipper will be replaced by a new model, uprated in weight and fitted with the new large-capacity, naturallyaspirated vee-eight engine.
This model, the 3229, will