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UN S U N G Every operator of the V8 Megaspace Actros agrees it's
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delightful to drive, with unimpeachable reliability and excellent fuel consumption. So why isn't it more popular?
f a truck's quality is measured by its popularity the Mercedes-Benz Actros has a lot of catching up to do. In the UK tractor sales league it comes in behind Daf, Volvo, Scania, ERF, MAN and Renault. Of course Wit were that simple everyone would buy from the range at the top of the list, but there are many factors that influence truck sales. Price, availability, usage, depreciation, fuel consumption, weight, image, reliability arid backup are among them (not necessarily in that order) with quality, safety, comfort and performance also coming into the equation at some point. Every truck manufacturer has to balance an of these qualities, and more, with each new model.
Mercedes-Benz's SK had been in production for 23 years before it was replaced in the UK in October 1996 by the technically advanced Actros. Most other manufacturers had already launched their 'new-generation' tractive units so M-B's new cab had a lot to
measure up to. But the Actros boasted mar innovations such as electro-pneumatic bra ing, electronic suspension modulation ar electronic gear shifting, all monitored by a on-board computer that manages the fu injection system and constantly checl coolant temperature, engine oil pressur hydraulic steering, air filter condition, batte output, brake lining thickness—and even ti windscreen wash levels.
M-B didn't develop all this on its own, called on the experience of names like Ten for the injection system and Deutscl Aerospace to optimise the electrical systerr operational reliability. The company's car di. sion supplied the watertight bayonet inc Wabco and Behr were closely involved developing the brakes and air conditionin With a six-year development programme ti Actros was the largest joint project ever undt taken by M-B Commercial Vehicles.
A big cab was needed for the long-haul sr tor so at the top of the range M-B introduc
Ls flat-floored Megaspace cab. It's mounted .7o mm higher on the chassis than the stanLard long-haul model, but that's a small price 3 pay for the freedom of movement it offers. The Megaspace cab is packed with clever ntures: even the floor is specially reinforced D resist longitudinal impact damage. The airuspended seat deflates as the engine is witched off; manually lifting the steering /heel before dismounting leaves the path lear for re-entry. Electronics allow precise djustment of the seat to gain the most corn3rtable position and there's plenty of foot pace. At 1.92m above the floor the sunroof .eeds to be operated by dash-mounted switch in optional glass version adds to the natural ght inside the cab). Pull-out bunks maximise le sleeping area and allow extra aft movelent for both seats. The four-point air susension works well in all directions, effecvely containing roll and pitch.
The cab's mounting is not as high as it light have been because M-B uses VG and 8 engines. These are light for their size but, erhaps because of their complexity, they are ot favoured over the generic straight-six by ie majority of UK hauliers. The camshaft perates high-pressure unit injection pumps ine for each cylinder).
The 16-litre V8, rated at 476, 530 and 571hp, tiers smooth power accompanied by impresve torque that allows these engines to pull tangly from goorpm through to 1,700rpm. M-B's Telligent electronic gear change still ets a largely negative response but this is robably due to many drivers' memories of le original 1G-speed EPS that was first made landatory on the SK. The subsequent verion specified for the Actros was better and it as been improved yet again since then.
Its latest incarnation is quick and positive, Flowing block change of up to three gears at a me simply by nudging the T-bar back and Jr-th—few drivers could manage a quicker Flange with a manual box. Another asset is lat changing gear doesn't cancel the cruise ontrol. If there is a criticism to be made it's -tat the system still needs a clutch pedal,
though a two-pedal auto version is optional.
MB's engine brake comes in handy for check braking at normal engine speeds in top gear: the foundation disc brakes are powerful and more responsive than most. ABS stops the wheels locking up, but to get the best out of them the trailer also needs to be equipped with electronic braking. The electronics that
supply ABS also give traction control.
M-B promised that the Actros would reduce operational costs, downtime and fuel bills. With that aim service intervals were extended to too,000km on long-haul work and the engine is designed for a service life of a million kilometres.
• by Bill Brock