The new Axor 6x4 – a model range from
Mercedes-Benz specially engineered for successful
long-term use in southern Africa – was
put through its paces recently. Max Braun went
to Kapama Lodge near Hoedspruit in Mpumalanga
to test this new truck technology in the heart
of the African bush
The recent high-profile launch of the Axor 6x4
model range was in many ways a different, if
not unique truck launch experience. What made
it different for attending guests was that their
eager anticipation of getting to grips with new
truck technology was tinged with a healthy measure
of nostalgia as memories of the incomparable
and still revered Mercedes-Benz Powerliner models
came flooding back.
“What’s this trucking veteran talking
about?” you may ask. No doubt many who
were present at the Axor launch (and many more
who will read and hear about these magnificent
vehicles) will ask the question: “Why is
the comparison with what is now generally regarded
as ‘old’ technology considered important,
or even relevant, when introducing a new truck
range nearly 20 years down the highway?” Ah,
but there’s the point! In July 1990, Mercedes-Benz
South Africa proudly launched the Powerliner
range, only recently the recipient of the European
Truck of the Year Award. This prestigious award
was based on the judges’ recognition that
the Powerliner range had the ability to produce
economical transport, had low fuel consumption
(even then an issue), offered a comprehensive
range to perform a variety of transport tasks,
matched engineering components and at the time
set new economy, safety and comfort benchmarks.
Powering the legend
Some 30 000 Powerliners were sold in Western
Europe within the first 18 months of its being
launched in 1988. Their popularity was such
that in the last five years of production more
than 1 000 units were sold on average each
year in South Africa. Even today in South Africa,
Powerliners are in demand: simply ask any reputable
used truck trader which make and model they
would prefer to have in stock. Take a look
at any number of large private carrier fleets
that still own and operate a few Powerliners,
most of which have completed way over a million
kilometres. This is the background to the Powerliner’s
being described as having “legendary
reliability”. By now you are probably
thinking “What’s this got to do
with the new Axor models?” It has a lot
more to do with the Axor than you may think.
Consider this: whenever we attend the launch
of new truck models, we tend to focus on the
specifications – how many kilowatts, how
much torque does it have? What’s the top
speed and what about the gearbox? Yes, specs
are important. However, if we want to be certain
that the vehicle we choose will be capable – in
the full sense of the word – of covering
the cost of operating it and turning a reasonable
profit, then we need to be reasonably certain
that our choice has the following characteristics:
Reliability – In the competitive transport
industry it is essential that truck operators’ vehicles
are available optimally in order to meet the
ever-increasing demand for faster and more frequent
deliveries.
Durability – To justify the investment,
it is imperative to achieve the designed economic
(or useful) life of the vehicle. This depends
heavily on matched engineered components, proven
parts availability and a comprehensive dealer
network capable of providing proper technical
backup when needed.
Performance and economy – This is about
achieving better-than-average transport efficiencies
such as the ability to haul optimum payloads
at acceptable average speeds across the routes
transport companies operate on. All this must
be achieved at an acceptable ownership and operating
cost. Economy should be measured in more meaningful
terms than simply kilometres per litre. Transport
efficiency is more about the number of tonnes/kilometre-hour
that can be consistently achieved and the number
of tonnes/kilometre-litre that will be taken
up in the process.
Safety and comfort – Good visibility,
ease of control, and comfortable ride and cab
ergonomics are important to ensure peak driver
performance, health and motivation. This is especially
so when supported by a dynamic driver training
facility, such as that provided by Mercedes-Benz
SA.
Value for money – The cumulative cost
of owning and operating vehicles and the ultimate
resale value are prime factors to consider when
acquiring new trucks. The purchase price is usually
less than 20 percent when compared to the amount
to be spent over the economic life of a truck.
All of the above factors are fundamental to economical
and successful trucking.
If this, then, is what trucking is about, we
know what to look for in the specifications,
bearing in mind that the Axor builds on what
it inherited from the Powerliner.
Best of three worlds
To me it seems that the new Axor vehicles in
their 6x4 configuration follow quite well the
early success of the Axor models introduced
in 2003. These new 6x4 freight carriers and
truck-tractors we saw and drove have been engineered
in response to market research and customer
feedback to provide a less-sophisticated but
rugged vehicle designed for medium and long-distance
operations in South Africa. The concept should
be well suited to the skills level of local
operators. In other words, the new Axor 6x4
is a best-of-three-worlds vehicle – combining
all the best qualities of the Actros, the simplicity
and performance of the Axor, and the successful
attributes of its predecessor, the Powerliner,
into one truck. “We rejuvenated the Powerliner
and built on the successful benchmark set by
it in the late 90s,” explains Peter Wraight,
product manager for trucks in the Mercedes-Benz
Commercial Vehicle division.
Available in 350 (260 kW) and 400 horsepower
(295 kW) models, the units are equipped with
in-line, six-cylinder engines (the model that
made ADE famous) and the latest electronic engine
management system to meet Euro 3 standards. Operators
can choose cabs with a foldout mattress or a
full sleeper cab.
The rugged and strong chassis of the new Axor
6x4 is designed to carry extra-heavy loads.
Conceived specially for local operating conditions,
the new Axor models are the culmination of ten
years’ planning and collaboration between
Mercedes-Benz Germany and the local engineers
at the truck research centre in East London and
the development centres in Turkey and Brazil.
Considering the fact that European driving techniques
and conditions are more sophisticated, it made
sense that the truck had to be tested under local
conditions. And tested they have been, almost
to destruction, by South African engineers, mechanics
and truck drivers to ensure they are tough enough
to handle local conditions and infrastructure.
“The Axor 6x4 is ideal for handling different
drivers and their different driving styles, which
makes it perfectly suited to South African fleet
conditions,” says Peter Wraight.
All other things being equal, the Axor 6x4 models
provide potential buyers with product pluses
and reasons why these new vehicles should be
well suited to providing long-term successful
and economical transport, whether the task be
construction and building, timber or mining,
or professional haulage. These trucks are suitable
to transport raw material such as timber, sugarcane
and mining materials as well as sophisticated
finished consumer goods and products. Buying
an Axor is more than buying a truck: it is also
about buying the integrity of those behind the
product.
The extended warranty of three years on the
powertrain or a specified maximum kilometre limit
is offered for the Actros, Axor and Atego ranges.
The warranty kilometre limit is valid up to
450 000 km for the Actros and the Axor in all
operations, with the exception of vehicles in
Start/Stop operations, where the kilometre warranty
limit is 250 000 km. These units are primarily
tippers and concrete mixers used for heavy-duty
construction, where the kilometres covered on
a yearly basis are minimal.
Axor born tough
The OM 906 LA / OM 457 LA engine is an R6 engine
for individual adaptation of the engine output
to the relevant transport task.
OM 906 LA
Technical Data/Features:
- In-line 6-cylinder engine with an exhaust-gas
turbocharger and charge air inter-cooling • Displacement:
6 374 cm3
- 3-valve technology
- Cooling: water-cooled
- Engine management: electronic engine management
system integrated in the Telligent drive management
system
- Fuel injection system: Unit-pump system
(UPS) technology with singleplunger fuel-injection
pumps and centrally arranged 8-hole or 6-hole
injection nozzles (Euro 2 or Euro 3)
- Injection pressure: up to 1 800 bar (Euro
3)
- Performance data
- Maximum output: 170 kW
(231 hp) at 2 300 rpm
- Maximum torque: 810
Nm at 1 200 rpm to 1 600 rpm
- Performance data
- Maximum output: 170 kW (231 hp) at 2 300
rpm
- Maximum torque: 810 Nm at 1 200 rpm to 1
600 rpm
OM 457 LA
Technical Data/Features:
- In-line 6-cylinder engine with an exhaust-gas
turbocharger and chargeair inter-cooling
- Displacement:
11 967 cm3
- 4-valve technology
- Unit pump system (UPS)
- Engine management by fully electronic Telligent
engine management system
- Injection pressure: up to 1 800 bar
- Compression ratio: 1:17.75
- Ignition pressure: 170 bar
- 6-hole injection nozzles, centrally arranged
- Performance data
- Maximum output: 260 kW/354 hp at 1 900 rpm
- Maximum torque: 1 850 Nm at 1 100 rpm
- Performance data
- Maximum output: 295 kW/401
hp at 1 900 rpm
- Maximum torque: 2 000 Nm
at 1 100 rpm
Total life cost
A careful study of the specifications and the
support structure shows that the Axor 6x4 models
are in a strong position to compete for a significant
share of the varied markets it will compete
for. Based on its illustrious heritage, carefully
crafted specification, technical and other
relevant backup, it seems appropriate to reflect
on the sage words of David Lowe, the eminent
independent British transport consultant well
known for the projects he has undertaken for
major British companies and the numerous books
he has written. Lowe says that the most important
consideration in assessing the cost of buying
and operating a vehicle is its total life cost
rather than its initial purchase price alone:
“Total life costs comprises initial
cost, which is related to the manufacturer’s
specification and the quality and durability
of the product, plus operating costs such as
repair costs (both labour and parts) and the
cost of downtime (less reliable, less durable
vehicles need more repairs and will be off the
roads more often for long periods), less resale
value which reflects the original quality of
the vehicle.”
Tough, tough frame
The high-strength frame of the Axor features
the following highlights:
- No parts project above the top of the frame
- Three frame side rail thicknesses: 7 mm,
8 mm and 9.5 mm
- Wheelbases between 3 150 mm and 6 300 mm
at standard spacing of 300 mm - depending on
model
The frame side-rails feature a continuous hole
spacing of 50 mm. Bodies and additional equipment
can therefore be attached and repositioned quickly,
easily and, above all, at low cost. The environment-friendly
paint finish is sprayed manually. This ensures
full-coverage of all surfaces and, as a consequence,
corrosion protection.
The frame components are made of E 500 TM high-strength
steel. They are cold-formed for enhanced strength.
The section always has the same height and has
a flat top edge. This ensures high loading capacity.
Crossmembers and side rails are interconnected
by means of riveted gusset plates. This design
is particularly flexible and able to withstand
extreme stresses and strains. The frame taper
begins 1 350 mm behind the front axle.
It’s all in the drive
The 260 kW-powered Axor 3335 offers a superbly
engineered hydraulically assisted gear change
that adds significantly to timely selection
of the correct gear under virtually all circumstances.
The ease of operation is helpful to even relatively
inexperienced heavy truck drivers. This 16-speed
G240 splitter box with its sensible gear ratios
allows quick gear changes up or down, which facilitates
consistent green band driving. I was impressed
with the torque at around 1800 Nm across most
of the green band engine rev range (approximately
1 000 to 1 450 r/min).
Good fuel consumption is expected. The cab is
well appointed, with adjustable steering wheel;
logically arranged, easy-to- read instruments;
comfortable cloth seats; electrically operated
driver and co-driver’s windows; airconditioning;
radio and CD player, and other driver comforts,
all of which make for safer and better-
motivated drivers.
The chassis and suspension are indeed suitable
for rugged and tough operating conditions. I
look forward to taking the vehicle for a longer
trip than circumstances allowed at Kapama.
– Max Braun
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