Mercedes-Benz » Actros MP1

In 1996, Mercedes-Benz introduced the successor of the SK model - a new family Actros. Shapes of the truck were born as a result of close collaboration of designers and aerodynamic engineers. A windage is decreased by 17% (compared with the SK model). The trucks can be equipped with a standard cab "S" (length is 1700 mm), middle cab "M" (length is 1950 mm) and long cab "L" (length is 2200 mm). All the cabins have four points air suspension. Internal height of the "S" and "M" cabins is 1560 mm, the "L" cab has 1920 mm height. New 6- and 8-cylinder V-diesel engines of series "500" were developed specially for the Actros. The six-cylinder 12 liters engine has an output from 313 to 428 hp, and the eight-cylinder 16 liters engine has an output from 471 to 571 hp. These engines have low fuel consumption and high environmental safety. The chassis is produced in two-, three- and four-axles versions. Wheelbase is from 3300 to 6300 mm. Lightweight and durable frame is very handy for mounting of different bodies. An air suspension of front and rear axles reduces can change clearance of the vehicle. It is possible to offer a suspension on parabolic springs with stabilizer bars. A manual gearbox has 16 speeds. An automatic transmission can be offered also. Steering is equipped with a powerful booster and the steering angle of wheel is up to 48°. The original brake system is equipped with ABS and traction control systems, and together with ventilated disc brakes on all wheels and electronic control can reduce stopping distance by 20 m, compared with ordinary trucks. Gross weight of a single truck is 18 - 25 tons, gross combination vehicle weight is up to 40 tons. In 1997 the truck received the prestigious award "Truck of the Year 1997". Since the autumn of 1997 a construction series of Actros has been produced. Thickness of the frames depends on the load and can be 7.8 mm or 9 mm. Batteries, wiring and connectors are protected by sealed enclosures. Wheelbase is from 3300 to 5100 mm. The construction Actros trucks can be equipped with the same engines as the road versions. A front suspension for two and three-axle trucks is spring or pneumatic, rear suspension is on parabolic leaf springs with rubber bushings fixing to the frame. Manual gearboxes have a hydro-pneumatic actuator switch. Dump trucks with the wheel configuration of 4x2 are equipped with front disc brakes. Multiaxial and all-wheel-drive versions have only drum brakes. Totally the construction range includes 33 basic models.