- Latest engine generations now also available for the Arocs
- New flagship engines: OM 470 with 335 kW (460 hp) and OM 471 with 390 kW (530 hp)
- Approval for alternative fuels to prEN 15940 standard and biodiesel
- New variants with low exterior height
- Latest safety technology also available for construction vehicles
At the 66th IAA International Motor Show for Commercial Vehicles, Mercedes-Benz presented a cross-section of its wide range of two, three, and four-axle chassis, tractor units and tippers for the construction industry and ancillary trades. The range of models on show featured a wealth of technical innovations and customer-oriented advancements.
The centrepiece was the Arocs – the specialist construction vehicle from Mercedes-Benz. A consummate construction professional, the Mercedes-Benz Arocs is available with two, three or four axles, with drive configurations from 4×2 to 8×8. With versions ranging from the Arocs Loader tractor unit and concrete mixer for on-road use to the Arocs Grounder for frequent off-road use, it covers all the bases for building contractors.
Latest engine generations now also available for the Arocs
Since the IAA International Motor Show, the latest generation of heavy-duty OM 470 and OM 471 diesel engines have been available as standard for the Mercedes-Benz Arocs, too. The OM 936 and OM 473 engine families remain part of the line-up. New flagship versions include the Arocs “46” models with 335 kW (460 hp/2200 Nm) OM 470 and the “53” models with 390 kW (530 hp/2600 Nm), powered by the latest generation of the OM 471.
Both six-cylinder in-line common-rail engines have been optimised by implementing a raft of technical measures for even lower fuel consumption and improved performance characteristics. Examples include the new X-Pulse injection system with enhanced pressure boosting, an asymmetrical exhaust gas turbocharger produced in-house at Mercedes-Benz and the use of new low-friction engine oils. When paired with the Mercedes-Benz PowerShift transmissions, which have been further optimised in terms of efficiency, the new six-cylinder engines can reduce fuel consumption and therefore CO2 emissions by up to three percent.
In the Arocs, the latest OM 470 and OM 471 engine generations and the OM 936 are also approved for the use of fuels to prEN 15940 standard, namely Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), Biomass To Liquid (BTL), Gas To Liquid (GTL) and Coal To Liquid (CTL). No changes are required to the engines or their peripherals. It is likewise permissible to use biodiesel fuel in the two and three-axle versions of the Arocs with the OM 471 engine rated at 310 kW (421 hp) or 330 kW (449 hp).
New: systematically lowered cab
For low-body applications with an overall height below that of the Arocs cab roof, applications with roof recesses such as timber or crane transporters, as well as applications on routes with limited headroom due to low bridges or height restrictions at construction site or yard entrances, the Mercedes-Benz Arocs is now also available with a lower driver’s cab.
The M and L versions of the new ClassicSpace LowRoof cab with a width of 2300 mm feature an all-new design in the roof area. It is 100 mm lower than the ClassicSpace cab and will bridge the gap between the ClassicSpace cab and the 26 mm lower CompactSpace cab.
Features that enhance comfort and enhance resale value include the newly introduced SoloStar-Concept for the Mercedes-Benz Arocs StreamSpace and BigSpace cabs. Numerous configuration options in the cab allow a combination of workplace and comfortable, generously proportioned living and sleeping quarters.
New: safety package with Active Brake Assist 4 and pedestrian detection
As an option, Mercedes-Benz Trucks now equips the two and three-axle Arocs vehicles licensed for on-road use with fourth-generation Active Brake Assist (ABA 4). The system is the most sophisticated emergency braking system currently available on the market for heavy-duty construction vehicles. One new feature of ABA 4 compared with the previous ABA 3 advanced emergency braking system is pedestrian detection, which for the first time can greatly reduce the risk of accidents involving pedestrians in built-up areas and therefore provides vastly improved safety for the most vulnerable road users.
New: HAD also available for hazardous goods transport
The shorter-wheelbase versions of the Mercedes-Benz Arocs (3300 mm) can now also be equipped with HAD (Hydraulic Auxiliary Drive). What’s more, HAD is now also approved in Arocs vehicles for hazardous goods transport on the road as per the European “ADR Hazardous Goods Transport” agreement. Further new features include the 320 mm engine tunnel and a bulk goods cover for the HAD in conjunction with the M cab.
Anyone having to move off particularly sensitively and wear-free with high weights or manoeuvre at low speeds in the Arocs can choose the turbo-retarder clutch (TRC). Now comes the next step in terms of driving comfort and safety: TRC vehicles can now be combined with Proximity Control Assist and ABA 4, making them more suitable for long-distance transport. This combination is possible in all Arocs 6×4 chassis and tractor units with the OM 471 or OM 473 engine, air suspension and front underride guard.
In conjunction with the OM 471 engine an additional power take-off up to 350 Nm and 80 kW can now be realised in combination with the TRC, facilitating convenient use of tipper bodies or low loaders whilst driving without having to give up the advantages of the TRC.
Actros as tipper semitrailer
One of the Actros variants is designed as a new tipper semitrailer for on-road use. The 4×2 version of the Actros offers six centimetres more ground clearance and is available with an optional pivoting step. It weighs up to 150 kg less than an equivalent Mercedes-Benz Arocs.
Electric stationary air-conditioning system
The electric stationary air-conditioning system will be available for Arocs models with M cab to BigSpace cab from February 2017. This system allows a pleasant temperature in the cab when it is hot outside, even if the vehicle is stationary.
New: more connectivity, better availability
Enhanced connectivity is now also available for construction vehicles: With two new digital offerings, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is enhancing the performance of the Arocs in day-to-day use for its customers. The new Mercedes-Benz Uptime service increases vehicle availability whereas the new FleetBoard Store with industry-specific apps will allow even closer cooperation with business and network partners. All of the measures have a common objective: to enhance the efficiency and application range of the Arocs in heavy-duty construction site work and therefore greatly increase profitability for the operator.