Mercedes-Benz powers on
Page 11
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11 Mercedes-Benz has introduced five new models, giving a power boost to an already comprehensive range of vans and trucks.
For the first time the company is offering a high-powered 6x4 tractive unit in the UK for the relatively few operators who can justify the need for maximum traction. The rear bogie is rated at 20 tonnes for Special Types operations within a GCW of 80 tonnes when used with the lowest of five axle ratios. But in most other respects the 2435S is similar to the 4x2 and 6x2 Powerliner models.
With a longer wheelbase of 3.68m and a plated bogie weight of 18 tonnes it has obvious advantages in a tipper environment. Although its Electronic Power Shift may be considered over specified, its ASR traction control could be an asset.
The on-the-road weight of 8,800kg (including a fifth wheel and a full tank of fuel) is typical for a vehicle of this type.
At the lighter end of the range the 15205 replaces the 1617S which was developed for the UK market 10 years ago. Although the new model is aimed at the 24.39-tonne market, with its six-cylinder 0M366LA chargecooled engine it is capable of operating at 32.5 tonnes.
With a 25% increase in power the 1520, based on the light LN2-type chassis with a smaller cab, offers almost half a tonne more body/payload, To take advantage of the full plated weight of 15 tonnes (5.0 tonnes front, 10.5 tonnes rear) on either the 3.09m or 3.64m wheelbase, standard 11R 22.5 tyres have to be specified.
To satisfy a demand for more power in the lower weight ranges Mercedes-Benz is using its 0M366A turbocharged six
cylinder in-line engine rated at 129kW (175hp) at 2,600rprn at 7.5 tonnes on the 817 rigid chassis. That equates to an impressive 17.2kWitonne powerto-weight ratio. Even with the standard six-speed transmission it will ensure that maximum motorway speed can be obtained and maintained if specified with the fastest of the three final drive ratios. Alternatively one of the two slower ratios, used in conjunction with the G4 sixspeed splitter transmission, are recommended if the vehicle's full train weight potential of 18.7 tonnes is to be utilised. The same power rating is now available at 11 tonnes and provides a better solution than down plating a 13-tonner.
Even larger power increases have been introduced for the large van ranges. The turbocharged 0M364A four-cylinder engine with an output of 85kW (115hp) is up 28%. With a huge increase in torque of 42% to 378Nm (279lbft) it will give the 6.6-tonne T2 711D panel van new levels of performance over the 709D which is still available with a load bed length up to 4.88m and an interior height of 1.92m.