News

Mercedes-Benz has launched a new, lighter-weight 6x2 version of its Actros and Axor with 17.5in wheels on the mid-lift axle – and leading liquid and powder haulier BP McKeefry has bought the first six. The small-wheeled mid-lift axles are fitted on line  at Mercedes’ Woerth truck plant and save some 250kg in tare (unladen) weight compared with a regular Axor/Actros 6x2 with 22.5in wheels on the mid-lift axle.

Despite its lower 4.3-tonne capacity, the small wheel mid-lift axle can still be specced on vehicles operating at 44 tonnes GCW. The new lightweight 6x2s will be aimed at tanker, tipper and bulker operators which need as much space as possible on their chassis for blowers, wet kit and ‘pet-reg’ equipment.

They are also expected to prove popular with car transporter firms seeking maximum room on the truck for bodywork. Mercedes tractors are identified by four-digit model numbers, the latter two digits relating to engine output: 6x2 units begin with ‘25’ and double-drive models start with ‘26’.

Trucks fitted with the new, small-wheeled axle will bear the first two digits ‘24’. The first two 460hp Euro-5 units to enter service with BP McKeefry are working out of North Lincolnshire on a major chemical  distribution contract; the four remaining trucks have joined the company’s general distribution fleet.

Transport manager Peter Esler reports: “The new Actros 2446s based in Lincolnshire have replaced Euro-3 units. We were anticipating a weight penalty because, of course, the requirement for an AdBlue tank means the Euro-5 technology is that bit heavier.

“Thanks to this new axle, though, once they’d been fully kitted out with compressors and other ancillaries, our latest, Euro-5, Actroses weighed in at 8,200kg, making them a good 200kg lighter than their predecessors.”