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BU LDINC FOR THE FUTURE
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With Vercedes-Benz about to launch a lightvveight 8x4 Axor 3240 in the UK, Cohn Barnett samples some of the M-B construction vehicles available in the manufacturer's domestic market.
Mercedes-Benz's plan to increase its share of the UK tipper market is about to move up a gear with the introduction of its latest lightweight 8x4 Axor 3240. The replacement of hub-reduction axles with lighter single-reduction items gives a kerbweight of 9,150kg, complete with a ninespeed gearbox and Euro-4 SCR installation. This makes a nine-tonne kerbweight possible with a set of aluminium wheels. Orders are now being taken; its official launch will be at the CV Show in April.
Cantering onto the rough DaimlerCluysler's other marque is also planninl to increase its appeal to the construction secto with the introduction of the Mitsubishi Fuso Canter 4x4, based on the 180hp 7.5-tonner, backed by a new three-year unlimited-mileagi warranty across the range.
The morning after M-B's pre-CV Show presentation, CM flew to south-west German! to sample sonic of the products available on the Continental market —many of which are significantly different to those on the UK and Irish markets.
The main reason for this is how weight limit are enforced in Germany.The heavier-duty 8x4 tippers are rated at impressively high design weights, up to 41 tonnes, although they are still plated at 32 tonnes.The penalty for ;xceeding a truck's design weight is draconian the law treats the truck as being completely mlicenced. By contrast, the penalty for ;xceeding the plated weight but not the design veight is little more than a slap on the wrist. 'urthermore, only the driver is penalised; the iperator's reputation remains unblemished.
Nore room on top
--Iven when our Actros 4148 was loaded to its r2-tonne plated limit, there was room for mother nine tonnes or so of payload. Given his, and its 41-tonne design weight, and the emptation is obvious.
Fortunately, for those interested in level Ilaying fields, the solution might be coming mm an environmental direction.There is a ,rowing awareness of the damage caused to he already fragile German road network by iverloaded axles, as well as the safety and fuel conomy implications. Some Germans are Joking to the UK for a lead to follow in road ransport enforcement methods. Ihe base for our sample of Mercedes construction vehicles was the newly expanded customer centre at the Worth factory, between Mannheim and Gaggenau. Here, drivers can collect their vehicles in surroundings at least as civilised as those offered to the brand's car buyers.The centre also provides product training areas, a cafeteria/truck museum and a merchandising outlet selling reasonably priced clothing and other three-pointed-star regalia. Incorporated into the customer centre is the BIC (Application Information Centre), where the whole DaimlerChrysler CV range, from Vito to 8x8 heavy tractors, is on display. But this line-up of vehicles is not just there to be looked at—the vast fleet is fitted with every conceivable major body and equipment choice, enabling prospective buyers to search out the variant that meets the needs of their individual operation.