With Arocs, Merc completes its new truck range for Euro 6. We put three models to the test in and around a quarry near Wuppertal, Germany
By Andy Stewart
PHOTOGRAPHY ANDY STEWART / MERCEDES-BENZ
Arocs represents the latest chapter of Mercedes-Benz’s comprehensive commercial vehicle range overhaul to meet upcoming Euro 6 emissions. Targeted squarely at the construction sector, Arocs is primarily designed to meet the needs of operators engaged in off-road site work, on-road supply and concrete delivery.
Buyers can choose from four engine types ranging from 7.7-15.6 litres, 16 output ratings, 14 cab variants along with various frame configurations, steel or air suspension, hypoid axles for on-road operation, and hub-reduction axles with high ground clearance for off-road work.
The variety of configurations on offer is considerable, with 15 tractors, 18 platform models, 17 tipper versions and 10 concrete mixer set-ups ready for order. Available drive configurations are 4×2, 6×2, 6×4, 8×4 and 8×6, and there are three types of all-wheel drive to choose from – namely permanent, engageable or Mercede’s new Hydraulic Auxiliary Drive (HAD) system (the latter available from summer next year).
Arocs also comes in two application-specific variants: Loader, which puts the emphasis on maximum payload; and Grounder, which is geared towards increased robustness at the expense of some payload.
The truck’s appearance fits in with the rest of the updated Merc family, though off-road work requires Arocs to have additional protection. The bumper features tough steel corners to guard against on-site scrapes, and the reinforced cab boasts fully galvanised metal sheets on all sides. Covers also protect the engine and light clusters from damage.
Read the rest of this test, including spec and verdict, in the July issue of Trucking. Buy the magazine here
