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erc tippers show mettle

31st March 1994, Page 13
31st March 1994
Page 13
Page 13, 31st March 1994 — erc tippers show mettle
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by Bryan Jarvis

• The most recent eight-legger and 13-tonne 4x4 rigids from Mercedes-Benz were among a pack of tippers given a recent airing at a quarry near Frome, Somerset First sight of Merc's 253kW (340hp) 3234K 32-tonner came at last year's Tipcon Show in Harrogate but hauliers did not get their hands on them until early this year.

With two-thirds of operators buying 8x4s with engines over 224kW (300hp) and looking for maximum payloads, M-B has traded its naturally aspirated 218kW 15-litre vee-eight lump for a lighter, more powerful veesix with a beefier Merc 16-speed synchro gearbox.

The charge-cooled 0M441LA churns out 250kW (340hp) at 1,900rpm and 1,450Nm (1,0701bft) at 1,200rp With an Easysheeted K&J Withey aluminium body and Edbro underfloor tipgear the fully laden demonstrator showed remarkable resilience.

It easily pulled what seemed like a 16% (1-in-6) quarry ramp in 3rd high but with plenty of power underfoot. Mercedes own power-assisted twin-steering lacks the sophistication of a ZF Servocom unit but twisting climbs and descents were negotiated with ease.

Thanks to a light clutch pedal and hefty gear lever, shift changes are easy enough although in 6th and 8th ratios the long gearlever catches on the switch pedestal. The short day cab feels roomy enough and there are handy wall and door pockets with extra storage space behind the seats.

There are also areas for criticism: not least is access. Wedgeshaped steps and bulky inner door fittings force a driver to lean 450 to the left while climbing in with the hinged bottom step feeling quite treacherous.

The broad engine cover needs ridges around the curved edges to prevent holdalls or other items from sliding into the far footwell.

Most of the M-B multi-wheelers were fitted to take its constantly open throttle valve exhaust brake but with a standard butterfly-type working. At £600 it's too expensive to include as standard on rigids, says Merc.

By the summer it will be used on vee-eight-engined art ics for the UK whereas it's the norm in Germany and a delete option.

Mercedes has developed its four-wheel-drive strategy in recent years, last year producing 200-plus 17-tonne 4x4s on line.

The 13-tonne 4x4 has a 121kW (165hp) six-litre engine with six-speed synchro unit and Mercedes transfer box which supplies permanent drive to the front axle.

It handles most steep slopes and has diff-locks to master the worst surfaces.

Operators who need a lighter 4x4 need only wait until the autumn when its first 75-tonne 814 chassis is due.

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People: Merc, Bryan Jarvis

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