New Merc weighs im
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Designed specifically for the British 32-tonner market, the Mercedes-Benz 1619S tractive unit has been announced — officially — at last.
The 1619S, then, is what could be called a lightweight 32-tonner in the F86 and Buffalo vein. Tipping the scales wet at 5.6 tonnes (5.51 tons), it can offer a maximum payload of 21.8 tonnes (21.5 tons) on a lightweight 12m (401 t) platform trailer.
The power unit is basically the V6 OM 401 used in the 2419 six-wheeler, but tomeet UK 6bhp/ton legislation, output has been raised from 136kW (I82bhp) to 144kW (196bhp). This has been achieved by lengthening the stroke by 12mm (0.8in) which has increased the capacity from 9.6 lit (586 cuin) to 10.5 lit (640 cuin). Peak power is developed at 2,300rpm, instead of 2,500 for the standard 0M401, which keeps the piston speed down on average to only 6.4 per cent more.
The transmission chosen for the 1619S was the eight-speed all-synchromesh range change box used on the 1617 rigids.
It was felt, however, that a crawler ratio was necessary and this was added, making the lowest ratio available 13.6-to-1. Mercedes claims a gradeability of 1-in-4.8 in this gear.
A hub reduction rear axle is employed with a 4.769-to-1 ratio.
The use of asymmetric rear springs on an axle placed well to the rear allows easier traill matching without the need change the fifth wheel pos tion.
A rough check of the fu consumption after my run 322km (200 miles) mostly o M1 — showed that the Me cedes returned 38.7Iit/ 100k1 (7.3mpg) at an average spec of 71km/h (44mph).
The gear lever was slight] too far away from me and didn't like the heavy springin of the gear lever towards th higher gears.
To allow full tilting of th cab an hydraulic foot valve used for the brakes whic operates the air valve.
This "hydraulic over air braking system seemed mm than adequate for the job stopping 32 tons.
On the road, the Merced( ran very well and was pleasure to drive. I felt th gear ratios were perhap slightly widespread, partici larly between 5th and 6th, an 6th and 7th. Here, it wa necessary to take the engin up to maximum revs befor changing, then the rev counte would sink to 1,700rpm.
The engine, though, seeme to have a good slogging abil ty, and would cruise a 95km/h (60mph) without dil ficulty.
Competitively priced a 0505 the 1619S will be strong rival for othe lightweight tractive units oi the market.
A full road test will appear ii CM at a later date.