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CUTT 1 NG ED
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Page 51
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Following the changes to the lightweight Atego, Axor has received similar attention.
Andy Salter cheas out the changes.
Like the Atego, the Axor made its public debut at last year's Hanover Show. It took a while to find its way to these shores but the new Axor is now available to orcler.We won't dwell too much on the changes here (see CM 1 8 November 2004 for the full low-down); but in this age of driver shortages the Axor's makeover is designed to keep the guy behind the wheel firmly on message.
The old Axor took the utilitarian approach a little too far and the cab did nothing to enamour drivers to Merc's new fleet machine. That's all changed thanks to the arrival of an all-new dashboard, better seating, new trim and new bunks.The plan was to enhance the Axor to match the comfort of the Actros and the result is impressive. It's most notable in the tractor units which are equipped with the topspec Comfort dash trim and also benefit from 'high-comfort' seats — the cushion's a little soft for our taste, but it's a big improvement. Mechanically the new Axor is little changed from the outgoing model. Rigids are powered by the 900 Series engine in 6.37-litre and 7.2-litre form offering power from 230-330hp — a 218hp four-pot will join the range this summer, shaving a further 120kg off the unladen weight. Power in the tractors continues to come from the 12-litre engine offering a top rating of 430hp. The Axor engines are certified to Euro-3 emissions limits but Mere has already confirmed the use of SCR technology to meet Euro4.
The only change on the chiveline is the arrival of a nine-speed transmission in the rigids to replace the 12-speed box and saving 30kg. In additionTelligent electronic gearshifts are now available on the 280 and 330hp versions of the Axor rigids, while the 230hp can be supplied with the same six-speed auto box as the Atego.
Mercedes claims it has made styling changes to make the Axor look like one of the family but for us it remains the ugly sister. It drives very well — but we'd need our beer goggles on to compliment the Axor on its looks.
On the road
We tried the full complement of Axors at the recent UK launch in Warwickshire; over a mixed route of dual carriageway and twisting A-roads it acquitted itself well.
Of the two tractors we tried one was equipped with the nine-speed transmission and the other with the Telligent 16-speed. The driveability of the 12-litre engine, with its very wide driving range from 900-1,700rprn means the nine-cog box is more than adequate for most UK applications. Virtually the whole route, apart from when we actually had to stop, was completed in high range, minimising gearshifts and making driving a treat.
For what it's worth the nine-speed transmission (actually eight-plus-crawler) is a doubleH design — not our favourite set-up though in this application it was very accurate.
Cab suspension felt tighter than previously and in all applications the Axor hugged the road with little cab sway or nod under braking.
The cab in the 6x4 tipper is clutter-free and the seating and trim materials are easy to clean. The seating, while a bit hard, gave excellent lumber support. Off-road where you're likely to get thrown around the cab, this is invaluable. As you'd expect from a six-wheeler the overall gearing was a bit on the short side for highspeed driving. Revs were up toward 2,000rprn at 50mph:a taller back end would be good if you do a lot of high-speed running.
Our choice is the 18-tonner.The 230hp engine ensures you're never going to be outpaced and this little truck was a dream to drive. Our test truck had the six-speed manual transmission, which proved more than sufficient for fully freighted driving—the new nine-speeder should only be required for drawbar operations.