Mercedes surprises with an Arocs Widespread

New 4-axle construction truck guarantees substantially more load capacity

With the Arocs and the Actros, Mercedes-Benz has been successfully serving the construction industry as a "strong brand" for many years. This is further emphasized with the arrival of the Arocs Widespread. This 4-axle truck has a GWV of no less than 43 tons. A considerably higher payload combined with the low fuel consumption of the latest OM 471 engine results in a highly efficient construction vehicle.

The Arocs Widespread has been developed in-house by Mercedes-Benz Trucks Netherlands to answer the much-heard demand for even more payload, preferably at a lower cost. In the Netherlands, this is possible by spacing the rear axles further apart, allowing the axle load to be increased. In the case of the Arocs 8×4 Widespread, that high GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight = maximum total vehicle weight) of 43 tons is achieved through the special axle load distribution of 10 + 10 + 11.5 + 11.5 tons.

Thereby, of the eight wheels, four are driven and six are steered. The rear axles are hydraulically suspended and the last axle is hydraulically steered for excellent maneuverability on (inner-city) construction sites. In addition, the chassis has an exceptionally low own weight, which benefits the payload. Curious? Want to drive it yourself? You can, because the Arocs Widespread 8×4 is going on a demo tour of the brand's Dutch dealers.

At a high level

By the way, there will be several axle variants of the Arocs Widespread. In addition to the 8×4, these will be the 8×8, 6×4 and 6×6, with which Mercedes-Benz Trucks adds further strengths to its already impressive range of models. Because of course, the Arocs Widespread also lives up to the familiar Mercedes Benz brand values: safe, reliable, low fuel consumption (now so current) and a comfortable and modern driver's workplace.

The technology matches this as well. For example, the Widespread version features two important systems: Electronic Truck Steering (ETS) and Dynamic Truck Suspension (DTS). ETS is the electronically controlled, speed-dependent steering system for the rigid rear axle. When switched on, the rear axle can steer up to 45 km/h, above which it becomes rigid for safety reasons.

Driving off safely

DTS is another electronically controlled, hydraulic suspension system. DTS monitors and controls ride height when driving faster than 3 km/h. Below that, the driver can activate several level controls, such as tipper safety. This prevents a ride height change (unintended) during tipping. A proximity switch thereby registers whether the bucket is down. If not, several functions are blocked and the system stabilized.

DTS also has a leveling control that, to compensate for cross-directional misalignment or leaning, levels the chassis as much as possible. Finally, there is the travel position switch, which allows the chassis to be manually raised to travel height when the truck is stationary.