Mercedes plug gap
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MERCEDES-BENZ has plugged two gaps in its UK model line-up with the introduction of the 16175 tractive unit and the 1213 13-ton rigid.
The 1617S was developed, say Mercedes, especially for the British market for single axle trailer operation at 24.4-tonne (24-ton) gcw operation.
As its designation implies, the 1617S is closely related to the 1617 rigid which was introduced four years ago, sharing the same new-generation cab and other cornponents.
Although the 1617 is a new vehicle to the range, some 50 specially built models have been in use over the last two years by Christian Salvesen on a contract with British Home Stores. With an almost identical specification, these were converted from 1617 tipper chassis.
Mercedes have deliberately used existing units for all the major components not only to save cost but to give better parts availability.
The chassis frame and axles are shared with the 3.2m (126in) wheelbase 16195 and 1617 rigid. MB says the HL4 axle has lower gearing friction losses than its hub-reduction predecessor.
Like the 32-tonner, the 24-ton Mercedes unit is available with either a day or M-type sleeper cab, though the wheelbase remains unchanged with the Mcab option.
The 124kW (168bhp) 0M352A turbocharged 5.7-litre in-linesixcylinder Mercedes diesel drives through a 330mm (13-in) diameter clutch to a Mercedes G3/65 range-change synchromesh gearbox, which differs from that in 1617 haulage models in having an additional 13.36 to 1 crawler ratio, to give nine forward gears in all.
1day-cab form, with a full tank but without fifth-wheel and rear wings, the chassis weighs 5030kg (4 tons 19 cwt). According to M-B this tare weight is some 250kg (5 cwt) less than other premium 24-ton tractive units like the recently introduced Seddon-Atkinson 300.
The 1617SS (day) cab costs £18,500, and the 1617S M (sleeper) cab costs £19,498.
The second of the new models, the 1213 is aimed at the distribution distribution trades for operation at 13.3 tonne (13.09 ton) gvw.
The 1213 has the same new generation cab as its bigger brothers. This, says M-B, gives ample room for a three-man crew seating.
Power for the new 13-tonner comes from Mercedes' established 5.7-litre 0M352 six-cylinder diesel, which develops 93,2kW (125bhp) at 2800rpm and 350Nm (259 lb ft) torque at 200Orpm.
It is the same engine fitted in the more powerful of Mercedes' 7.5-totiners, the LP813, introduced in Britain a year ago. The same basic engine in turbocharged form also powers the 1617, so says MB there is a high degree of parts commonality between the engines of the three models.
The gearbox is the Mercedes' G3/50;5/8.5 five-speed with a direct-top gear as fitted in 1617K tipper models. The hypoid bevel driving axle has a ratio of 5.714.
There are three 1213 wheelbase options: 4.2, 4.8 and 5.2m (13ft 9.4in, 15ft 9in and 17ft 0.7in), are intended for body lengths of around 6, 7.16 and 7.8m (20ft, 23ft 6in and 25ft 6in).
In place of the standard S-type day cab, the shorter of Mercedes' two sleeper cabs, the Mtype, can be specified as an option with the two longer 1213 wheelbases.
A high specification including power-steering, exhaust brake, 24-volt electrics and three-plane driver's seat adjustment are some of the 1213 features.
Dual circuit air-hydraulic brakes are fitted as standard, with spring actuators for parking.
In spite of these features, the new Mercedes 1213 has a fairly low unladen weight; the swb model, ready for the road with a full fuel tank, tips the scales at 4450kg (4 tons 71/2 cwt), giving a body/payload allowance of 8850kg (8 tons 14 cwt).
Prices are as follows: 1213/42, 4.2m wheelbase, £13,730; 1213/48, 4.8m wheelbase, E13,850; 1213/52 5.2m wheelbase, £13,930.