Early launch for MB 3229
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EXCLUSIVE • Mercedes-Benz UK has quietly launched its long-awaited new 3229 eight-wheeler under threat of losing a major customer's business to Volvo.
Ecoclear, a division of recently privatised Southern Water, has already taken delivery of the first Whale Tankerequipped 3229 chassis in an initial batch of four — Mercedes had intended to delay the new truck's introduction until stocks of the old 3025 were exhausted.
The revisions on the 3229 follow the pattern set by Mercedes' recently updated 17tonners, including more power, the revised cab with its sloping window line, and slimmer chassis with automatic lubrication.
The 3229 sports the same naturally-aspirated 0M442 veeeight engine as the 1729 Powerliner 2 tractor. It is rated at 218kW (296hp) with a peak torque of 1,112Nm (8201bft) delivered between 1,000 and 1,600rpm, but a conventional G4 16-speed manual lever gearbox replaces the artic's EPS electro-pneumatic transmission.
Ecoclear regional manager, George Fassam, says he wanted Mercedes for their reliability and local parts back-up, but dismissed the 3025 as underpowered after demonstrator trials.
"We knew about the 3229 but Mercedes said no," says Fassam. "I was all set to go to Volvo for FL10-320s, until Panda Diesels made them change their mind."
Mercedes says that it will accept orders for 3229s from operators who do not want 3025s from stock. However, delivery times will be longer as the new 30-tonners (design weight 32 tonnes GVW) have to be im ported. They also cost more — Ecoclear is paying £45,000 per chassis.
The Ecoclear trucks are equipped with 17,300-litre (3,800-gallon) steel sludge tanks and pumping gear for the transfer of dirty water and other biodegradable fluid waste. They have optional inter-axle dufflocks, air suspended driver's seats and 300-litre fuel tanks. Ecoclear has acquired them to replace ageing Seddon Atkinson six-wheelers.
The 3229 incorporates a new, lighter chassis as well as all the updates from the award-winning SK range, but it does not carry the Powerliner 2 badge as EPS is not fitted.
0 Exclusive driving impressions of Merc's latest multi-wheeler will appear in CM next week.