The 2628 is a heavyweight in the Atego family, but
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it offers a more competitive body/payload allowance than previous three-wde Mercs, and this relative newcomer is winning fans.
The Mercedes-Benz Atego is a range of two halves that extends from 7.5 to 36 tonnes. Up to 15 tonnes a four-cylinder engine provides a choice of 152hp or r7ohp; from 17 tonnes upwards a six-cylinder unit delivers 231hp r 279hp. There are four cab types throughut the light end of the range; however, all but le basic day cab are also used on the convenonal Actros chassis that is shared by the eavier Atego models.
Six, T2 and r6-speed transmissions drive trough to single-reduction axles which, with )12v friction losses, provide road-going vehi'Rs with the most fuel-efficient drive line. iternatively hub-reduction axles can be 3ecified to give extra ground clearance for [f-road work.
For construction vehicles the steel paraDlic springs are attached to the chassis via ibber bushes to improve both the ride qualy and handling characteristics. Anti-roll irs come as standard on the front axle Lroughout the heavy Atego range and at the rear of tipper chassis. Lighter rear air suspension is available above 12 tonnes. We don't know of another 6x4 with disc brakes on both drive axles.
The Atego's driveline has a design life of 600,000km. The Telligent engine management system minimises emissions and fuel consumption: it also incorporates features such as the raise/lower control for the air-suspension system. The CAN bus cuts down on the amount of wiring and the number of connections; the extensive use of maintenancefree components is designed to maximise reliability while reducing downtime.
The Atego actually uses 35% fewer parts than its predecessors so there's certainly less to go wrong. In fact Mercedes claims that reliability is now so good that fixed maintenance intervals have been dropped altogether at 18 tonnes and above. Instead servicing schedules are tailored between 6o ,000krn and roo,000km to match each vehicle's working environment.
All three cabs are 2.3m wide with a maximum interior width of 2.0M. The SE
extended day cab increases the overall length of the basic day cab from 1.65m to 1.83m; similarly, the high-roof version of the L sleeper cab raises the ceiling from 1.52m to I.92m.
In a recent test of the short-wheelbase 2 628 B mixer/tipper chassis CM testers commented that the small (6.4-litre) engine had to work hard, but its 275hp output was high enough to get the job done. It was suggested that more power would have given a bit more driving flexibility, which might have helped improve fuel economy.
The 2628B's fuel consumption of 8.4mpg was about 4.5% behind that of the Scania P94 310, which was in turn about 4.5% behind the MAN 26.284 DF K. But they were all outstripped by the Hino FS 2.P's commendable 9.5mpg.
The good news is that Mercedes-Benz does not anticipate a significant fuel penalty with the introduction of Euro-3 this October, but prices will increase by 3% across the board.
With the small SE cab this 6;(4. Atego chas
sis offers average body/payload capacity of 18.48 tonnes. The cab may be small, but it is well fitted out and the trim quality has improved since the model's launch back in 1997. A pneumatic locking system allows accurate adjustment of the steering wheel.
The extended-cab model gets extra stowage bins located behind the seats, of which you get two as standard (the driver's floats on air suspension) with an optional third in between. Windows all round give the cab a light, airy feel and good visibility A diagnostic display panel complements the neat instrument cluster and there are thoughtful touches such as a tray that folds down from the top of the fascia and an engine brake control mounted on the steering column, which leaves the floor dear. As you'd expect in this size of cab, all controls are within easy reach.
Mercedes-Benz has produced about 20,000 heavy Ategos over the last three-and-a-half years; the company claims pole position in the European market. There are more than 230,000 CVs bearing the three-pointed star on UK roads. Last year maintenance and repair contracts contributed to a to% increase in the amount of servicing carried out by Mercedes dealers, who have now been asked to look at new ways of providing a 24hr service.
• by BM Brock