• Sudbury-based CRB Services has taken delivery of an unusual
Page 16
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
6 x 2 Mercedes-Benz 1644 tractive unit with a non-steered, air-suspended lifting second axle.
The intermediate Granfling axle has been added by R Engineering of Bury St Edmunds and lifts automatically when running under light conditions. The standard 1644 3.5-metre wheelbase has been extended to 3.8 metres, and air suspension is fitted to the rear axle. Modifications to the 320kW vee-eight-engined chassis include a smaller 350-litre fuel tank, relocated air tanks and small extensions to the rear overhang. A vertical stainless steel exhaust stack and air intake -414 have also been added to the .1644, which has an unladen kerb weight of 8,150kg.
CRB Services will use the 6 x 2 on bulk tipping and container haulage. The original two-axle tractive unit was supplied by Truck Services of Ipswich.
0 Mercedes-Benz (UK) says that it may import a factory-built twin-steer 1644 badged as a 2044, if there is sufficient demand — although the number of potential customers is likely to be small.