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M-B Actros

21st January 2010
Page 40
Page 40, 21st January 2010 — M-B Actros
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In our regular series examining fleet-spec trucks from the manager's perspective, we turn the spotlight onto the Mercedes Actros high-roof 'Long Distance' tractor.

Words / images: Brian Weather-Ley The Mercedes-Benz Actros — a fleet

machine? Some would argue that the Axor, with its narrow cab, in-line six engine and lighter tare weight is easily the more popular volume seller among UK fleet buyers The Axor has become synonymous with supermarket operators such as Sainsbury's and Tesco, not least thanks to its reputation for good fuel economy. Yet for all its attributes, few would describe it as a serious 'extended' overnight machine, even with its optional high-roof.

It may be OK for the odd sleepover, but for those drivers spending up to a week away from base, the Actros remains the main three-pointed star offering.

Beneath its wider cab, there's a choice of V6 and V8s The bigger vee is best left to owner-drivers and smaller hauliers — fleet buyers will be more interested in the 12-litre 0M501LA offered at 440hp. 460hp or 480hp rating (with 2,100Nrn! 2,200Nm/2,300Nm of torque) with the 480hp model attracting those with an eye on future residual values. Like all Mere heavies, the Actros uses SCR to meet Euro-5.

Since the Axor's arrival, Mere has worked to emphasise the higher levels of comfort in the Actros and the thirdgeneration (launched in March 2008) has a reworked interior and Merc's 12-speed PowerShift 2 auto as standard.

With a few exceptions (e.g. 6x4 chassis), all PowerShift 2 transmissions now have a direct-top ratio (in place of the previous overdrive). Actros '3' also gained a new two stage water pump that provides lower parasitic losses, an improved air-management system and a battery status indicator to monitor voltage drain and which advises a driver on how much electrical power is being consumed— and if there's enough juice left in battery to start the truck the next morning.

Mercedes also redesigned the headlamp unit, so it is now cheaper to replace in the event of a bump — worth noting now that sealed halogen units are rising in price.

The Actros tractor comes with a cab choice of standardheight sleeper, high-roof 'Long Distance' (as in this case), the tallest MegaSpace (with a flat floor), or an ultra-lowroof sleeper for car transporter work.

If you need to keep your kerbweight to a minimum at 44 tonnes, the 6x2 Actros can be specced with 17.5-inch wheels on a mid-lift axle, which saves 250kg over an equivalent model with 22.5-inch wheels and tyres.As well as offering more space for fuel tanks, wet kit, blower or pet-reg equipment, it delivers a 4.3-tonne axle capacity. •

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