Road Tests:
MERCEDES-BENZ ACTROS TIPPER:
As an option for muckaways and trampers, the Actros certainly looks the part, but its 12-litre engine and heavier cab are set to make it a non-starter for many UK operators.
It offers a pretty decent package for the muckaway market, with two axle configurations and one 16-speed transmission. Cab options are limited, although it has a strong chassis, decent ground clearance and plenty of aluminium options.
If you'r elooking for something different, well built and as strong as an ox, the Actros might still linger in the domestic muckaway market. UK market share doesn't reflect its presence on the Continent, or it sprogress in the tractor and two-axle rigid markets in this country.
Unless it reaches target sales here, it is possible that options may be reduced, or the model may eventually be superseded by the Axor with some extras attached. In CM's tipper events it always does well, but it hasn't made good on its potential.
MERCEDES-BENZ ACTROS TRACTOR
Mercedes' 2008 flagship looks much the same as last year's - and the year before that. But we expect the world premiere of Actros 3 at the CV Show at the NEC in the Spring.
Drivelines will probably be familiar initially, but the truck will be re-engineered in preparation for the global HDEP straight-six engine range. Until then, the Actros 2 serves well as the group's flagship, with clear blue water to the fleet Axor.
Once you've climbed aboard, the Megaspace cab lives up to its name, and equipment is generous. Not yet standard, the bells-and-whistles version of PowerShift is hard on Volvo I-Shift's heels as the best auto available.
ENGINE OPTIONS
TIPPER:
12.0-litre, V6, 320hp/2,000Nm, 360hp/1,850Nm, 400hp/2,000Nm, 440hp/2,100Nm.
TRACTOR:
12.0-lit V6, 320hp/1,650Nm, 360hp/1,850Nm, 410hp/2,000Nm, 440hp/2,100Nm, 460hp/2,200Nm;
15.9-lit V8, 500hp/2,400Nm, 540hp/2,500Nm, 580hp/2,700Nm
