Eight-leggers in vogue
Page 75
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
GERMAN legislation now allows eight-wheelers to be operated at 30 tonnes gross vehicle weight. This type of vehicle is becoming of great interest to users in several operating spheres and, accordingly, Mercedes-Benz launched a range of rigid-eights at the Hanover Trade Fair.
The vehicles are based on development work in Switzerland where 450 units have been built. But it is expected that future production of some of these 8x4s will go to Worth.
The programme includes a 3025 model likely to be added to the UK range later this year and a 3028 eight-wheeler with a single-drive axle.
At Hanover, Mercedes-Benz also unveiled its heavy-duty 4436 8x8 chassis for site operation at weights up to 48 tonnes.
Titan, in co-operation with Kassbohrer, has developed a drawbar trailer outfit to provide 120cum of load volume. This front-wheel-drive vehicle, with small wheels on the undriven rear axle, has a frame height of only 800mm.
A new VW option for the German market turns the LT50 model into a 7.5-tonner by the addition of a third axle on air suspension.
MAN's exhibits included a novel modification of its 12.170 chassis to a three-axle unit, resulting in a gvw of 17.5 tonnes.
• by CM correspondent reporting from Hanover