Amos 0x4 is up for tipper work
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m by Brian Weatherley
Mercedes-Benz (UK) has decided it can't wait any longer for a lightweIght eight-leggerinstead it is offering the Actros "B" heavy-duty 8x4 chassis to UK tipper operators.
The Actros 3235K will be based on the 8x4 rigid sold on the Continent and Ireland, powered by the same chargecooled 350hp 0M501LA V6 as the 1835 Actros tractor.
However, while UK Actros tractors have the Telligent electronic gearbox, the 3235K Actros 8x4 will have a manual version of Marc's 16-speed synchro box but with what is described as "a deep crawler and a hydraulic shift assistance'.
Standard UK-spec for the Actros eight-wheeler will include a day cab with a fourentry step (featuring a swinging bottom step) and a steel front bumper. It will also have a heavy-duty, easy-to-clean interior to suit an the 8x4's Rely operating environment. At the rear will be Mercedes' steel
sprung h-1L7 19tonne-capacity double-reduction bogie.
Unlike Actros tractors, all-round conventional drum brakes will be fitted: full details on wheelbases and other options are due to be revealed SOOn.
Until recently Mercedes-Benz (UK) was adamant the Continentalspec Actros B was too heavy for the UK market and that the long-serving 3234K eight-leg,ger would be replaced with a new righthand-drive chassis equipped with the narrower, lighter cab from the Atego 6x4.
But given the delay in getting a UK-spec chassis up and running M-B (UK) is reluctant to miss out on sales in the four axle rigid market, which are running at around 2,500 units a year. Commercial Motor understands a number of Mere dealers have been asking for a new eight-wheeler.
The Actros 8x4 will be aimed squarely at the heavy-duty muckaway market. Mercedes says: "Chassis weights are expected to reflect the robust nature of the vehicle, but a payload of close to 20 tonnes is anticipated."
The 3234K is about to be deleted with Actros eight-wheelers taking its place early in the new year.
According to John Baker, M-B (UK) general manager for truck marketing, the market for four-axle rigids has polarised over the past few years. "There is now an accepted heavy-duty sector for the most arduous operating conditions," he says. "It includes the socalled muckaway customers who need a stronger chassis than conventional sand and aggregate need."
Baker stresses M-B still has plans to launch a lighter 8x4 in the UK.
a Commercial Motor will soon be publishing exclusive driving impressions of the Actros 8x4.
ACTROS TIPPER SPEC CHECK Model: 3235K.
GliW: 32 tonnes.
Chassis: Based on Actros B heavyduty/construction 8x4 frame. Engine: 0M501LA charge-cooled, fourvalves per cylinder. electronic VS. Gearbox:16-speed synchro, manual with hydraulic assistance.
PEAR bogie: HL7 double-reduction on steel suspension.
Brakes: Drums all round