Up to any task – Mercedes-Benz Arocs

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Daimler Press Release  /  November 14, 2017

At the Performance Days, the Arocs demonstrates the full spectrum of its capabilities, from tipper to heavy-duty tractor unit and from 4x2 to 8x8

• Arocs: the highly specialised all-rounder among the heavy-duty construction vehicles
• More variants, more comfort and yet more safety: the Arocs 2017
• Numerous new features available: lower roof heights, new tilting hydraulics package ex factory, tyre pressure monitoring system
• Networked services: the diverse range of solutions from Fleetboard
• Mercedes-Benz Uptime also available for construction vehicles: avoid breakdowns, increase availability
• 4 engines, 18 output ratings and transmissions with 8, 12 and 16 gears
• Hydraulic Auxiliary Drive and turbo retarder clutch available for new vehicle variants
• Three all-wheel drive systems for the most diverse operating conditions 

It is as individual as the diverse tasks performed by operators in the construction sector: the Mercedes-Benz Arocs is a specialist covering the entire repertoire of construction transport. The broad range of cabs, engines, drive variants and wheel configurations ensures it is able to cope with all types of deployment. Tipper, materials transport or heavy-duty tractor unit – the Arocs fits the bill every time. New variants have been added to the Arocs this year, setting new benchmarks in practicability, efficiency and safety, as well as comfort. The Arocs Performance Days see the construction specialist demonstrating the full scope of its capabilities - on the road, in the gravel pit and in extreme terrain on the legendary "Sauberg" test circuit. Around a dozen Arocs are available for tests and demonstrations, from 4x2 to 8x8 and from tipper to concrete mixer. These vehicles are flanked by the Mercedes-Benz Actros, the Actros SLT heavy-haulage vehicle, the Atego and the Fuso Canter 4x4. Four classic trucks additionally represent Mercedes-Benz construction vehicles' long-standing traditions.

Arocs: the highly specialised all-rounder among the heavy-duty construction vehicles

It is the out-and-out pro for construction transport: the Arocs from Mercedes-Benz is a dedicated model series comprising heavy-duty trucks designed specifically for the construction sector. Four years after its world premiere, the Arocs is available in an extremely broad and continually growing range.

The Arocs is available in every conceivable wheel configuration - 4x2 and 4x4, three-axle 6x2 with trailing or leading axle, 6x4 and 6x6. Four-axle versions are available as 8x2 trucks with trailing axle, 8x4, 8x4 with trailing axle, 8x6 and 8x8. The scope of equipment and variants covers steel and air suspension, frames designed primarily for on- or off-road deployment, numerous wheelbases, cabs and engines, three all-wheel-drive systems, platform trucks, tippers, concrete mixer chassis, heavy-duty tractor units and special-purpose vehicles.

Ready-for-use specialists make the choice easier. The Arocs Loader is systematically configured for a low kerb weight and high payload as a two-axle tractor unit or as a concrete mixer chassis. The design factors concerned here include cab, chassis, engine variant and tyres. The Arocs Grounder is an extremely robust specialist for particularly tough applications. Characteristic features are a highly robust frame, multi-leaf parabolic springs with hard compliance characteristics, specially tuned shock absorbers, planetary hub reduction axles and particularly durable rims and tyres with high load-bearing capacity.

Arocs SLT and Actros SLT: dynamic heavy-duty tractor units

The Arocs range culminates in a spectacular heavy-duty tractor unit. A gross vehicle combination weight of up to 250 t, three, four and with a dock axle as many as five axles, two driven axles or all-wheel drive, an engine as strong as an ox with an output of up to 460 kW (625 hp) and 3000 Nm of torque, 16 finely graduated gears of the Mercedes PowerShift transmission – the Mercedes-Benz Actros SLT and Arocs SLT heavy-duty tractor units boast spectacular performance data.

The tailor-made concept for the SLT includes the turbo retarder clutch (TRC) combining hydraulic start-off clutch and retarder in a joint component. The TRC facilitates sensitive moving off and manoeuvring even at the lowest of speeds and as a primary retarder generates 350 kW (476 hp) of braking power. Together with the High Performance Engine Brake generating an output of up to 475 kW (646 hp), the TRC offers the ultimate in safety. The radiator, hydraulic system, the fuel tank with a capacity of 900 litres, the compressed-air chamber and further components are housed in the elegantly trimmed rear cooling tower.

The diverse SLT model variants break down into the two model series Arocs SLT and Actros SLT. The steel-sprung Arocs SLT based on the particularly robust Arocs Grounder is also available with the BigSpace cab as well as the StreamSpace cab measuring 2.3 m in width. The air-sprung Actros SLT is available with the spacious GigaSpace and BigSpace cabs measuring 2.5 m in width. As a high-tech heavy-duty tractor unit, the SLT is designed for a gross vehicle combination weight of up to 250 t. For the construction industry the focus is on it as a semi-heavy-duty tractor/trailer combination for transporting heavy construction machinery. In this case the additional radiator system and optionally also the TRC can be dispensed with. The permissible gross vehicle combination is up to 120 t, or up to a maximum of 155 t with certain restrictions.

More variants, more comfort and yet more safety: the Arocs 2017

The current model range shows how the Mercedes-Benz Arocs continually adapts to customers' needs and wishes. When the Arocs needs to be scaled down at construction sites and entrances, the ClassicSpace LowRoof in M and L variant with a width of 2300 mm is a contender, for example. It is 100 mm lower than the original variant. In combination with the OM 470 engine, 320 mm engine tunnel and ClassicSpace LowRoof, the roof height is even reduced by 280 mm.

The Home Line and Style Line design and equipment lines are now also available for the Arocs with 2.5 m wide cab. The SoloStar Concept with its spacious rest area for the StreamSpace and BigSpace cabs turns the Arocs into a tipper boasting added comfort.

The Arocs also offers new options in the area of the suspension and powertrain. The electrically supported Servotwin steering is now also available for the four-axle Arocs 8x4 and for other wheelbases, for example. The engageable hydraulic starting-off aid HAD (Hydraulic Auxiliary Drive) can additionally be used on semitrailer tractor variants with 3300 mm wheelbase for transporting hazardous goods. New options for the Arocs with HAD are the 320 mm engine tunnel for L cabs and a cover to provide protection from bulk goods in conjunction with the M cab.

Drivers needing to move off very carefully or who manoeuvre at low speeds should choose the turbo retarder clutch (TRC). This can be combined with Proximity Control Assist and Active Brake Assist on all Arocs 6x4 chassis with air suspension and front underride protection. Together with the OM 471 engine an additional power take-off rated at up 80 kW and 350 Nm can be realised in combination with the TRC.

From April 2018, a new tilting hydraulics package will be available ex factory for the two-axle Arocs 4x2 and Arocs 4x4 semitrailer tractors. The hydraulic system is configured as a single or dual-circuit system depending on intended use.

The Arocs also leads the way in terms of safety. Mercedes-Benz is now offering it with the option of a tyre pressure monitoring system featuring a new display concept, for example, that displays the precise pressure required, depending on the outside temperature. Above all, the two- and three-axle Arocs approved for road use (N3) is optionally available with new Active Brake Assist 4, the only emergency braking assistant with pedestrian detection.

For construction vehicles with a focus on road transport, Mercedes-Benz has developed an Actros as a 4x2 LS semitrailer tractor to complement the Arocs. The key deployment area for the tipper body is transporting bulk goods with a total weight of up to 44 t. The semitrailer tractor features six centimetres more ground clearance and is available with an optional pivoting step. It weighs up to 150 kg less than an equivalent Arocs 4x2. The semitrailer tractor is available with 320 mm and 170 mm engine tunnels and the OM 470 and OM 471 engines in all output ratings. A further advantage of the road-oriented Actros in construction transport is that it is optionally available with the entire broad range of safety assistance systems that feature on board the road vehicles, including revolutionary Sideguard Assist to protect pedestrians and cyclists. With this equipment on board, the Actros is predestined for construction sites in urban settings, for example.

Networked services: the diverse range of solutions from Fleetboard

Construction transport is not all excavation, robustness, maximum traction and rubber boots - construction transport also entails fine-tuned logistics, frequently in extreme conditions. It is generally far more complex than road transport, as various partners require to be coordinated on site and dozens of vehicles may need to be deployed together for a single task. The solution for this mammoth task goes by the name of networking. Just the job for Fleetboard and its diverse scope of functions, which go well beyond the bounds of a telematics system. Fleetboard is able to draw on almost two decades of experience with networked services and the effective use of acquired data.

The Truck Data Center is the optional connectivity module which forms the core of the networked Arocs. This is where all real-time data are received and transmitted. The hardware receives data from all the sensors, cameras, etc. on board the truck and analyses this information for the most diverse applications. The vehicle computer also serves as the interface for all networked services and is responsible for the truck's external communications.

This results in a wealth of useful services, software applications and apps within the Logistics Management, Vehicle Management and Time Management segments, spanning scheduling, performance analysis, time recording and mass storage memory download - so that all relevant driver and truck data can be read remotely, relaxed and archived in compliance with the law.

The option of recording the type of operation and displaying the time spent stationary with the engine running is particularly interesting for application in construction transport, as a means of determining the exact fuel consumption while stationary and on the move. Positions and the courses of trips are recorded continuously, noting the times when PTOs are activated and when the engine or ignition is switched on or off. Geofencing provides information on the vehicle's position and status, with automatic notifications when the vehicle leaves or enters production plants or construction sites. As construction sites and unloading points do not generally have conventional postal addresses, the route guidance system is also able to operate solely on the basis of geo-coordinates.

Fleetboard Store for apps: open platform boosts efficiency

The new Fleetboard Store for apps is the marketplace for truck-related apps. Customers, industry partners such as bodybuilders, and app developers can use the open platform to make apps available for all parties involved in the transport process. The operator selects apps in the Fleetboard Store and sends them to the driver tablets DispoPilot.guide in individual trucks, several trucks or all the trucks in a fleet.

Mercedes-Benz Uptime: avoid breakdowns, increase availability

The ideal truck runs without any breakdowns. With Mercedes-Benz Uptime the Arocs applies intelligent networking in pursuit of this ideal – even in the toughest conditions encountered in construction transport. Uptime continuously checks the vehicle systems which are equipped with sensors. This also includes the status of wear parts and operating fluids such as AdBlue. When an impending need for repair or maintenance work emerges, the truck relays this information automatically via Fleetboard to Mercedes-Benz Service. The data are analysed in real time and forwarded to the service organisation with specific recommended courses of action. If there is an acute risk of a truck breaking down, the service organisation will contact the customer and organise a stop at a workshop along the planned route. In addition, repair and maintenance requirements which are identified in good time are relayed automatically to the Mercedes-Benz service partner selected by the customer. The service partner bundles pending items of work and arranges an appropriate appointment with the customer in accordance with the trip planning and the required maintenance. Information and specific recommended courses of action for upcoming repairs that can easily be carried out in-house are made available to the customer in a timely manner via the Mercedes-Benz Uptime portal and by e-mail. This boosts availability substantially. Uptime is now available in 18 European markets and also Turkey.

The diversity and individuality of the Arocs – as exemplified by the cabs

Radiator grille with striking bucket-tooth look, rippled outside mirror housing, pivoting step, three-part bumpers with steel corners – the Arocs is instantly recognisable as a robust truck for heavy-duty construction transport. Two cab widths, three lengths, two engine tunnel heights and a level floor add up to nine different basic cabs.

From the compact ClassicSpace S cab to the spacious BigSpace L cab, the Arocs covers every requirement, including special features such as cabs with a lowered roof. All the available options together result in around two dozen different variants. Anyone wishing to refine their Arocs can choose between the two optional design and equipment lines Home Line and Style Line for the 2.5 m wide cab, or even indulge in the SoloStar Concept with its spacious rest area on the co-driver's side.

Engines: choice of four engines in 18 power ratings

There is a huge range of engines to match. State-of-the-art six-cylinder engines with 7.7 litres, 10.7 litres, 12.8 litres and 15.6 litres displacement cover all requirements. In all there are 18 output ratings to choose from, spanning the range in small steps from 175 kW (238 hp) to 460 kW (625 hp) and from 1000 Nm to 3000 Nm.

Powerful and efficient: the latest generation of the Mercedes-Benz OM 470

The spotlight is currently on the latest generation of the OM 470 in-line six-cylinder engine, which combines maximum efficiency with minimal emissions and outstanding performance. Its new features at a glance: increased maximum rail pressure and maximum injection pressure of 2700 bar, new seven-hole injection nozzle with higher flow rate, asymmetric injection between cylinders one to three and four to six, new combustion chamber geometry with an omega-shaped recess in the piston, increased compression, patented infinitely variable exhaust gas recirculation with reduced rate. The new turbocharger is produced in-house. The engine is operated exclusively in pre-controlled mode. There is no wastegate valve, boost pressure control, EGR sensor or EGR control system.

The top model of the Mercedes-Benz OM 470 engine range is a variant generating an output of 335 kW (456 hp) and a powerful 2200 Nm of peak torque. These figures highlight the outstanding performance of the OM 470. With a specific output of 31.4 kW per litre of displacement (42.7 hp/l) and specific torque of 206 Nm/l, the OM 470 is one of the most powerful engines in its size category.

This provides customers with a choice of two different characters of engine with the same rating: the OM 471 with its emphatically brawny performance in the lowest rev range, and the compact OM 470 offering slightly more power in the middle and higher rev ranges and weight savings of some 150 kg in comparison to the engine with the larger swept volume.

All heavy-duty drive systems: engine oils, transmissions and PPC optimised

The 10.7 litre Mercedes-Benz OM 470 as well as the larger six-cylinder in-line OM 471 with a displacement of 12.8 litres and the 15.6 litre OM 473 benefit from additional efficiency measures. These comprise new low-friction engine oils, a more advanced transmission and axles and a further refined driving strategy for the anticipatory cruise control system Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC).

The OM 473 additionally highlights the enhanced X-Pulse injection system. Here too, the maximum rail pressure has been raised from 900 to 1160 bar. At the same time, the maximum injection pressure has increased to 2700 bar. The output and torque variants of the OM 473 have remained unchanged, as have its charging and exhaust gas recirculation technology.

The 18 engine variants for the Arocs

The fourth engine remains the compact and lightweight Mercedes-Benz OM 936 six-cylinder in-line unit with a displacement of 7.7 litres. This engine is recommended for solo operation and, depending on the output rating, for occasional towing use primarily on the road and without exploiting the permissible vehicle combination weights to the full.

The Mercedes-Benz OM 936 with a displacement of 7.7 litres is available in five variants for the Arocs:

Output	Torque
175 kW (238 hp) at 2200 rpm	1000 Nm at 1200 - 1600 rpm
200 kW (272 hp) at 2200 rpm	1100 Nm at 1200 - 1600 rpm
220 kW (299 hp) at 2200 rpm	1200 Nm at 1200 - 1600 rpm
235 kW (320 hp) at 2200 rpm	1300 Nm at 1200 - 1600 rpm
260 kW (354 hp) at 2200 rpm	1400 Nm at 1200 - 1600 rpm

The Mercedes-Benz OM 470 also comes in five ratings, including the new top-of-the-range variant:

Output	Torque
240 kW (326 hp) at 1600 rpm	1700 Nm at 1100 rpm
265 kW (360 hp) at 1600 rpm	1800 Nm at 1100 rpm
290 kW (394 hp) at 1600 rpm	1900 Nm at 1100 rpm
315 kW (428 hp) at 1600 rpm	2100 Nm at 1100 rpm
335 kW (456 hp) at 1600 rpm	2200 Nm at 1100 rpm

The OM 471 range also spans five variants:

Output	Torque
310 kW (421 hp) at 1600 rpm	2100 Nm at 1100 rpm
330 kW (449 hp) at 1600 rpm	2200 Nm at 1100 rpm
350 kW (476 hp) at 1600 rpm	2300 Nm at 1100 rpm
375 kW (510 hp) at 1600 rpm	2500 Nm at 1100 rpm
390 kW (530 hp) at 1600 rpm	2600 Nm at 1100 rpm

The top-of-the-range engine is the Mercedes-Benz OM 473 in three output ratings:

Output	Torque
380 kW (517 hp) at 1600 rpm	2600 Nm at 1100 rpm
425 kW (578 hp) at 1600 rpm	2800 Nm at 1100 rpm
460 kW (625 hp) at 1600 rpm	3000 Nm at 1100 rpm

Transmission with 8, 12 and 16 gears

The engine, transmission and axle of the Arocs all bear the Mercedes star and are perfectly matched. As standard, fully automated Mercedes PowerShift 3 model series transmissions take care of power transmission with 8, 12 or on request 16 gears. A direct shift mechanism from first to reverse gear facilitates rapid manoeuvring. The "Offroad" or "Power" drive programs each have various drive modes and adapt to the given individual type of operation. Additional functions support the driver, for example the engageable rocking mode for traction problems in off-road terrain. Manual gearshifts are also available optionally. Anyone having to move off particularly sensitively and wear-free with high weights can choose the turbo-retarder clutch (TRC). This combines a hydraulic start-up clutch and retarder in a single component.

Three all-wheel drive systems for the most diverse operating conditions

For off-road use Mercedes-Benz offers different all-wheel drive variants. If the payload and fuel consumption are to the fore, the engageable all-wheel drive is the right choice. If maximum traction is called for, the solution is permanent all-wheel drive plus a low-range ratio.

The third variant, the "Hydraulic Auxiliary Drive" (HAD), has caused a sensation in the sector. With engageable wheel hub motors at the front axle HAD covers road-oriented use with occasionally increased traction requirements. With HAD the Arocs reveals itself to be a true all-rounder. The driver engages HAD by pressing a button. The necessary slip-sensitive power transmission is then efficiently and steplessly controlled.

The advantages of the hydraulic drive are the comparatively low added weight, benefits in terms of fuel consumption and emissions, and great versatility in configuring the vehicle. In the case of Mercedes-Benz, these qualities are complemented by maintenance-free design, low fuel consumption with activated hydrostatic drive and, above all, the combination with the Mercedes PowerShift transmission. The Arocs HAD sets benchmarks in its segment: it is powerful, lighter than an all-wheel-drive model, easy to operate, maintenance-free and has a long service life. It lowers fuel consumption and consequently protects the environment as the result of low emissions.

In the construction sector, too: cutting costs and fuel consumption with PPC

Construction transport is about maximising traction - and minimising costs. For road-oriented based vehicles in particular, every litre of fuel saved means more cash in the company coffers. With this in mind, construction vehicles with Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC) are the right choice for maximum efficiency. PPC adapts gear selection and speed fully automatically to the individual course of the route concerned. The current PPC generation boasts a further refined shift strategy. Shift points have been optimised, and on downhill stretches a hysteresis range adjustable down to 10 km/h saves even more fuel.

The effect of PPC is quickly calculable by reference to a typical rigid truck such as the Arocs 8x4/4. In road use, PPC cuts fuel consumption by up to five percent. Assuming an annual mileage of 60 000 km with 35 to 40 percent motorway and A-road driving, PPC can reduce costs by around 400 to 500 Euro per year, depending on the fuel price. This means that the additional investment can pay for itself within around two years.

Special-purpose vehicles ex factory: Mercedes-Benz Custom Tailored Trucks (CTT)

Sometimes, extreme operations in the field of construction transport call for exceptional vehicles. This is where the experts at Mercedes-Benz Custom Tailored Trucks (CTT) in Molsheim, Alsace, come into play. CTT is the producer of highly specialised vehicles within the Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks unit. CTT manufactures the SLT heavy-haulage vehicle and also produces customised vehicles as one-off items or special series. A major advantage is that CTT operates as a one-stop supplier of customised Mercedes-Benz trucks that come with a single invoice. Duly tested and approved and benefiting from the full scope of warranty coverage and the globe-spanning service offered by the Mercedes-Benz brand. Whatever it takes: from wheelbase modifications to the Arocs as a five-axle truck in 10x4 configuration, CTT produces exceptional truck variants for customers all over the world.

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View, test, compare and buy construction vehicles: the Application Information Center (BIC) in Wörth, Germany

Daimler Press Release  /  November 14, 2017

• Around 40 dump trucks, mobile concrete mixers and building material platforms as complete vehicles
• Demonstrations of Hydraulic Auxiliary Drive (HAD)
• A successful concept for informed buyers for more than 17 years 

Enjoy a close inspection of construction vehicles with different tonnages, axle configurations and bodies without any sales pressure. Drive all the trucks in their laden state on and off the road, with expert and neutral advice, and purchase complete solutions there and then – this is only available to this extent at the Mercedes-Benz Application Information Centre. Adjacent to the customer centre and directly at the gate of the Wörth truck plant, prospective buyers can come here to test a wide variety of trucks. Up to 13 000 visitors make use of this opportunity every year.

Around 40 dump trucks, concrete mixers and building material platforms standing ready

Up to 170 trucks of all model series and tonnages are available at the Application Information Centre throughout the year: tractor units with semitrailers, food transport and refrigerated vehicles, short-range distribution and beverage trucks, quick-exchange containers and many more. Some 60 well-known bodybuilder partners have their sector-specific solutions on display here. The main focus of the Application Information Centre is on trucks for the construction industry, of which there are around 40 here at any one time. From the Mercedes-Benz Arocs, Actros and Atego to the Fuso Canter – customers can inspect the entire spectrum here. The range comprises two, three and four-axle models, three-way and rear-end tippers, tipper trailers, tippers with loading crane, skip loaders and roll-off tippers, mobile concrete mixers and concrete pumps as well as building materials platforms with crane.

The Application Information Centre is much more than a display of vehicles: knowledgeable advisers from Mercedes-Benz are on hand to provide information, going into all the details of the bodies. The high practical relevance of the Application Information Centre is unique in the commercial vehicle sector: not only do customers have the opportunity to take a close look at the current new products and features from Mercedes-Benz and Fuso, the vehicles can also be tested and test-driven there and then. A direct comparison of vehicles with very different bodies is the best way to make a decision as to which truck, with which equipment and which body, best corresponds to individual requirements. It is possible to take test drives with laden vehicles in real conditions, both on- and off-road. The Application Information Centre also hosts sector-specific information days, such as the legendary dump truck show days at the nearby Ötigheim testing ground or the convention of the ready-mix concrete sector.

Demonstrations of Hydraulic Auxiliary Drive (HAD)

A current focus is the demonstration of the Mercedes-Benz Arocs with Hydraulic Auxiliary Drive (HAD). This is the name given to an especially ingenious hydraulic auxiliary drive system for the front wheels, with wheel hub motors for occasional off-road use.

For road-going vehicles, driving demonstrations of Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC) also form a major part of these activities. Such occasions are an opportunity for customers to experience for themselves the advantages of anticipatory cruise control out on the road. The system detects the topography of the route ahead and intervenes automatically to control the speed and change gear in order to optimise consumption. This leads to a predictive style of driving based on perfect knowledge of the vehicle and road.

A successful concept for well-informed customers that began 17 years ago

The Application Information Centre in Wörth started out on 1 June 2000 with 14 bodybuilders, ten suppliers and 21 sector solutions on a presentation area opposite the plant's customer centre. Today the entire truck range plus bodies await visitors on an area of around 17 500 m².

While the Application Information Centre is a display that aims to inform rather than sell, its trucks are exchanged on a rolling basis after about three months and a maximum mileage of 2000 km. It is possible to purchase complete vehicles here without having to wait for delivery. The demonstration vehicles held at the Application Information Centre are not registered and can therefore be registered for the first time in the customer's name. Truck and body are sold through the company's sales and service outlets and agents in a dual-invoice transaction.

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Quartet of construction classics: four legendary cab-behind-engine, short-nosed and cab-over-engine trucks from Mercedes-Benz from four decades

Daimler Press Release  /  November 14, 2017

• Mercedes-Benz LAK 315: classic cab-behind-engine truck from the 1950s
• Mercedes-Benz 2624: the indestructible short-nosed truck
• Mercedes-Benz 2232 LP: cab-over-engine truck with legendary V10 engine
• Mercedes-Benz 1635: new-generation long-runner 

Heavy-duty trucks for construction have a big tradition at Mercedes-Benz. Be it classic cab-behind-engine trucks, short-nosed trucks or cab-over-engine trucks: the Mercedes dump trucks have set standards again and again for more than a century. At the Arocs Performance Days, Mercedes-Benz is presenting four classic construction vehicles from the 1950s to 1980s. The quartet demonstrates the progression from cab-behind-engine truck to short-nosed truck to modern cab-over-engine truck.

Mercedes-Benz LAK 315: classic cab-behind-engine truck from the 1950s

They had their noses in front in every respect: Mercedes' large cab-behind-engine trucks were THE heavy-duty trucks of the 1950s. Born in 1950 as the L 6000/6600, a name which indicated the chassis payload, Mercedes-Benz changed the model designation to reflect the development code in the mid-1950s. With its permissible GVW of max.14.7 t in its reinforced guise and a payload of up to 7.6 t, the Mercedes-Benz LAK 315 is a medium-size truck by today's standards, but at the time it was one of the heavier all-wheel-drive trucks for the construction site.

Beneath the long bonnet is a six-cylinder in-line naturally aspirated engine with a displacement of 8.3 litres, an output of 107 kW (145 hp) and a peak torque of 55 mkg (equivalent to 539 Nm). The pre-chamber combustion principle ensured that the engine ran particularly smoothly. The contemporary brochure emphasises the longevity from the 1950s perspective: "Mileages of 200 000 km or more with no repairs at all are common for the OM 315 engine." One of the reasons behind the effortlessly superior power delivery was the by today's standards short axle ratio of 5.85:1: at a rated engine speed of 2100 rpm, the LAK achieved a top speed of 70 km/h, or 46 km/h when the off-road gear ratio was engaged. For optimum driveability in difficult terrain, the ideal speed was just 5 km/h or 3 km/h in first gear at maximum torque.

The interior of the compact cab is plain in nature and features what was at the time a very modern full-width windscreen. Features emphasised by Mercedes-Benz in the brochure included the adjustable driver's seat, the double co-driver bench seat and the stowage facilities: "large pockets in the door panels for the vehicle documents and a large stowage box". The brochure also pointed out coat hooks and a reading lamp – a small nod to luxury in the austere 1950s.

The all-wheel-drive dump truck occupied a special place in the range. "The point where the road ends is where the LA 315 prefers to work," states the brochure, promising "a long service life, even under constant load when working off-road." For off-road use, the LAK 315 featured a six-speed constant-mesh gearbox with an additional step-down ratio. When the driver activated it, front-wheel drive was engaged at the same time. The semi-elliptic leaf springs on both axles absorbed even the roughest of unevenness. One of the few optional extras available was an exhaust flap engine brake. The standard-specification three-way tipper was "a sturdy platform made of wooden planks covered in sheet metal".

The exhibited vehicle with its distinctive red/yellow paintwork was built in 1955. It originally comes from the Emil Bölling collection and is today owned by the Wörth truck plant.

Mercedes-Benz 2624: the indestructible short-nosed truck

The classic long-nosed trucks disappeared from the range at the end of the 1950s. This was due to the German traffic legislation of the time, which specified clear length and weight limits. Mercedes-Benz responded by introducing a short-nosed truck in 1959, featuring an engine that protruded slightly into the cab to save space – a true speciality of Mercedes trucks. In 1963, the brand expanded its range for the first time following the Second World War by adding heavy-duty three-axle trucks designed specifically for construction and short-radius distribution.

The appearance of the heavy-duty short-nosed trucks was typified by the self-supporting chassis-body structure, the oval grille and the position of the likewise oval headlamps in the bumper. The heavy trucks were allowed on the road with 22 t and off the road with 26 t permissible GVW. Within just a few years, Mercedes-Benz became the market leader for heavy-duty construction vehicles with its characteristic short-nosed trucks. The short-nosed trucks set standards, especially the exported models. They even had a worldwide career with production and assembly in Germany, South America, South Africa, Nigeria, Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Produced for decades, the robust trucks survived several model changes of the cab-over-engine trucks which were introduced at the same time. It was not until the end of the 1970s that official sales of the heavy-duty short-nosed trucks ceased. However, they continued to be supplied on customer request up until 1982, and there were even several small series produced in Germany right up until 1995, latterly for an export order for the Middle East. The reason for this extremely long career can be traced back to a truck test conducted in 1971: "In rough off-road use, a load of 18 to 20 t and a GVW of 30 t are always possible without having to fear a bent frame or a broken spring."

In the era of the short-nosed trucks, the engines were changed from pre-chamber (indirect) to direct injection. The Mercedes-Benz LK 2624 from 1971 presented here has a 6x4 drive configuration and is powered by the OM 355 six-cylinder in-line engine. It develops 177 kW (240 hp) from a displacement of 11.6 litres and delivers a maximum torque of 814 Nm (83 mkg). The robust drive system benefits from separate drivelines leading to the two rear axles.

The truck was systematically configured for high load capacity and functionality, a fact that was also evident behind the wheel, as the testers noted: "The suspension is really stiff, whilst the cab is sober, functional and not exactly quiet." More important for the heavy-duty construction workers were its "robustness, service life and undemanding nature in daily operation."

The exhibited Mercedes-Benz LK 2624 with heavy-duty tipper body comes from the Commercial Vehicle Veteran Center (NVC) in Oberhausen, better known among experts by the name of its owner Helmut Hoffmann.

Mercedes-Benz 2232 LP: cab-over-engine truck with legendary V10 engine

Cab-before-engine or cab-over-engine – this remained a controversial issue among truck buyers up until the 1960s. At Mercedes-Benz, it took a long time for the cab-over-engine trucks of the LP series to supersede the short-nosed trucks from the L series. The letter "L" stands for "Lorry", the "P" for Pullman. This name can be traced back to the legendary comfortable railway sleepers made by the American manufacturer Pullman Palace Car Company.

Mercedes-Benz achieved the breakthrough with cab-over-engine trucks in autumn 1963 when they unveiled the cubic cab, which was new at the time. The angular cab offered maximum use of the space and was considered extremely sophisticated. As the first generation was not tiltable, numerous flaps were included in the design for maintenance and repair purposes, which led some mockers of the time to describe it as an "advent calendar". From 1969 onwards, this version and the subsequently introduced tilting cab featured the all-new engines from the 400 series. These units with their characteristic V arrangement for the cylinders underwent continuous development and were the measure of all things for heavy-duty trucks until the mid-1990s.

The most powerful version of the LP with cubic cab, from 1971 onwards, was the V10 OM 403 with a displacement of 15.9 litres, an output of 235 kW (320 hp) and a torque of 1010 Nm (81.5 mkg). The engine, which was both powerful and light, also featured in the exhibited LP 1632 from 1975. For use as a tipper, Mercedes-Benz provided a very short axle with a ratio of 7.21:1, good for a top speed of around 65 km/h with high pulling power at low speed. The synchromesh transmission – still not installed in trucks as a matter of course - had four basic gears, a range-change gearbox and a crawler gear, giving a total of nine forward gears.

As one contemporary test stated: "Thanks to the low-lying V engine, the engine cover only protrudes about 20 cm into the cab." And another advantage: "Finally an ashtray that is big enough and in the right place, which three passionate smokers would struggle to fill in three days." Tester's summary: "A happy synthesis between output and economy, harmonious tuning of all major units, refinement, and first-class suspension. By today's standards, an almost complete commercial vehicle in the heavy-duty class."

Mercedes-Benz 1635: new-generation long-runner

Mercedes-Benz launched new heavy-duty trucks with the name "New Generation" (NG) in 1973. They were extensively further developed over the years – "NG 80" (1980), NG 85 (1985) and SK (heavy class, 1988) – until being superseded in the range by the Actros in 1996. At the heart of this success was a timelessly designed cab with a large sloping windscreen and low side windows.

Beneath the cabs of the heavy-duty versions were the familiar V6, V8 and V10 engines, initially in naturally aspirated form with 141 kW (192 hp) to 235 kW (320 hp). The power was transmitted to durable planetary axles via synchromesh transmission - initially made by ZF, subsequently produced in-house. They were capable of withstanding high loads and at the same time ensured significant ground clearance – important attributes for construction vehicles. Long leaf springs enhanced comfort in the dump trucks. Head of Truck Development Arthur Mischke at the presentation: "Since drivers of construction site trucks generally have a harder lot than the motorway specialists, our genuine concern was appreciation of the short-haul driver."

One hallmark feature of the new series was a modular system for cabs, frame and drive system for construction, short haul and long haul. The series would signal the end of cab-behind-engine trucks in the coming years. Mercedes-Benz openly stated its case: "Because the cab-over-engine truck is the future." Above all, however: "The new Mercedes truck is a more economical truck because it is more than just a new vehicle. The new Mercedes is a new system." An early road test contained high praise: "Frankly, you have to admit that Daimler has done a good job with the new two and three-axle dump trucks." In practice this means: "You can organise wild off-road rides and load the vehicles to their limits without even really noticing it behind the steering wheel."

This system and its heavy trucks benefited from numerous further developments during its long era. For instance, the engine displacement, output and torque all increased and, following the introduction of turbocharging and intercooling, reached record levels. Designed specifically for construction, the powerful V10 impressed as a naturally aspirated engine with a displacement of 18.3 litres and an output of 259 kW (352 hp) The final generation of turbocharged V8 engines achieved an output of up to 390 kW (530 hp) and a torque of up to 2300 Nm - pretty impressive even by today's standards.

The classic Mercedes-Benz 1635 model from 1987 is a two-axle tractor unit with tipper semitrailer from the NG 85 phase. This generation impressed with its completely modernised cockpit and, above all, its EPS electro-pneumatic gearshift. It was a first precursor to the fully automated Mercedes PowerShift 3 transmission which is today installed as a matter of course. With an output of 260 kW (354 hp) and a torque of 1600 Nm, the Mercedes-Benz 1635 exactly met transport companies' requirements for heavy-duty applications on the construction site or in medium-duty long-distance haulage. 

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