Test review of Mercedes-Benz 1939 LS and Mercedes-Benz 1840 LS Actros

In contrast to the universal Unimogs and heavy off-road Zetros, the Axor Mercedes-Benz is a family of trucks from 18 to 26 tons for medium-haul transportation under normal road conditions, which began to be produced by the then Daimler Chrysler AG in 2001, with restyling through 3 years and updating the models in another two.

Mercedes-Benz Axor with a fairly high load capacity is very economical. Including due to savings on the vehicle's own weight and low fuel consumption, they are reliable in operation and, in the case of a cab with a sleeper, quite comfortable.

Specifications

Model 1840 is a two-axle truck with a gross weight of 18 tons without a trailer, the description and main parameters are given below:

Interior

Interior

Cabin L high dimensions

Engines

Mercedes-Benz Axor are equipped with in-line 6-cylinder diesel engines of various formats - 6.37 l, 7.2 l and 12 l, as well as from 230 l/s to 428 l/s. This is a special class of Mercedes power plants with Euro 5 BlueTec technology and a Telligent control mechanism.

Mercedes Axor engine range:

• 2001 models (x23, x28, x33, xx36, xx40 and xx43).
• The 2006 model was equipped with Atego engines that meet Euro 4/5 standards (x24 instead of x23, x26 and x29 instead of x28).

The smallest engine in the line is the OM 906 LA (6.37 l). Its power is 231 l/s and 279 l/s, but the torque is impressive - 810 and 1,100 Nm, respectively. Average performance for the 7.2-liter OM 926 LA. Accordingly, 326 l/s and 1300 Nm. And this system is completed by a 12-liter trio of OM 457 LA impressive and practical engines with 428, 401 and 260 horsepower that comply with Euro-5 standards.

Optionally, these motors can be equipped with a device that automatically turns off and starts them independently, which is not only very economical, but also reduces the amount of harmful substances emitted into the atmosphere, which has been reduced by the corresponding advanced technologies.

Transmission

The engines are mated to either 9 or 16-speed manual transmissions, but there is also an optional 12-speed PowerShift automatic transmission. Compared to a 16-speed Telligent gearbox, Mercedes Power-Shift increases the load capacity of the Mercedes-Benz Axor by 50 kg, and compared to a 9-speed manual gearbox it allows 40 kg more payload. The main attributes of this new transmission option are greater benefits for customers through further improved economy and faster and more comfortable gear changes.

If you leave the transmission in full automatic mode, the Mercedes-Benz Axor rewards you for your gear selection. Manual intervention is also minimal and you will only need to use the right stem from time to time if you want to keep fuel consumption very low.

Suspension and handling

The frame has been designed with high throughput. All steel truck suspension options are equipped with parabolic springs. Standard shock absorbers and stabilizers are also specifically configured for these parabolic springs. The slightly forward tilt of the two-stage rear spring - with the lower spring back up - produces a neutral, slightly understeer characteristic on the axle, and therefore improves handling.

In addition, the springs require neither central nor manual lubrication as they are mounted on maintenance-free molecular rubber bearings. The vehicle also features coordinated stabilizer bars and spring configurations that reduce the stresses placed on the springs and cargo.

Ride comfort is ensured by four air suspensions that easily absorb most road impacts. The Axor's front axles are available with either steel or air suspension, and with a choice of tonnage. The number of spring layers depends on the permissible axle load. One of the new features is a weight-optimized suspension with single-leaf parabolic springs on the front axle.

The engine brake is controlled in three stages via the steering column lever. The retarder is very capable and will prove useful in a wide range of slowdown situations. Thanks to this component, Axor brake service is kept to a minimum and the brake discs remain cool and fresh, fully prepared for any emergency.

The truck is also constantly monitored by a host of high-tech electronic sensors that include adaptive cruise control, Lane Keeping Assist, stability control and revolutionary Active Brake Assist with autonomous emergency braking when stationary or moving obstacles are detected.

The Mercedes-Benz Axor truck, however, tends to nod sometimes, especially on an SUV. Fortunately, the shock absorbers and stabilizer can easily absorb shocks and also maintain proper operation.

Refueling volumes

Mercedes Actros details about fuel consumption

Test participants had very similar fuel consumption figures. However, the impact of four almost identical and equally heavy semi-trailers on fuel consumption turned out to be greater than the difference between individual tractors. A closer look at the resulting fuel consumption reveals a clear difference. When tractors go uphill, the Mercedes Actros 1846 LS and Scania R 124 LA 470 are the best and are about 2% more economical than the other two. The best average fuel consumption on a section with 12 climbs was obtained from Scania (107.9 l/100 km) and Mercedes (108.7 l/100 km). This is where the advantage of Scania's turbocompound technology comes into play. In addition, the power is 470 hp. develops an engine with a displacement of only 11.7 liters. Mercedes achieves good fuel consumption when the engine is running at full load, mainly at low engine speeds, but the speed decreases when driving uphill. Measurements of the fuel consumption of a MAN tractor show that it reacts more sensitively than the other three competitors at high speeds and at full load. On flat terrain, MAN and Volvo achieve the best results and consume approximately 0.5 l/100 km or 2 – 3% less fuel. Despite this, MAN takes the win with a slight advantage in fuel consumption. Results of measurements during comparative tests

Notes 1 – truck tractors from MAN, Scania and Volvo are equipped with a more powerful engine brake for an additional fee, Mercedes – as standard; 2 – all tractors are equipped with a fifth wheel coupling, a spare wheel, a fuel tank filled with 300 liters of fuel, a spoiler, side panels covering the chassis, 315/70 R 22.5 tires on aluminum rims; 3 – MAN NG 460 A and Mercedes Actros 1846 LS tractors cost 89 thousand euros, Scania – 90 thousand and Volvo – 91,180 euros; 4 – when operating 240 days a year.

Cab options

Despite the high ground clearance, access inside is quite easy thanks to three steps that are ergonomically placed. Inside, the overall built quality is typical Mercedes with good fittings and solid materials that have been chosen for their durability.

All controls are logically and clearly located in close proximity to the driver. The driver's door also contains a switch grid that controls the mirrors, heating, auxiliary windows, central locking and locking system.

If you want to work efficiently, you need a workspace that makes working comfortable. Somewhere it makes you feel at home. With the L-cab and the Mercedes-Benz Axor L-cab with high roof, the vehicle is ideally suited for medium-distance distribution tasks. The L-cab has a comfortable standard bed. The high roof option offers a comfortable standing height, generous stowage space and optionally comes with a second (luxury) bed in the upper sleeping area. The S-cab or S-cab with rear wall extension is also carefully designed to handle every truck application and meet all driver requirements.

The Axor's raised roof L-cab is exceptionally spacious and offers impressive standing room. The standard lower bed is 68.5cm wide and can be combined with a luxurious 70cm wide upper bed available as an option. Instead of the top bunk, you can install a luggage rack.

For those who never or simply should not sleep in a cabin, the S-cab with rear extension has the ability to fold down the berth. The Axora S-cab version with sliding rear panel is available as an option on models up to 240 kW (326 hp)* and provides 180 mm more space in the rear of the cab. This cab option improves the driver's sense of space and offers additional stowage options.

Features of fuel engines for Mercedes

The overall design maintains the typical Mercedes truck lines. Rectangular, lightweight clusters sit low in the bumper and are covered in protective guards that highlight the truck's rugged character. The Axor is made from the same boxy sheet metal as its rivals, although Mercedes has tried to add some gravitas to it by adding a V-shaped grille and aerodynamic side vents that make the truck look a little more dynamic. The construction model also has huge ground clearance, which shows the off-road nature of the vehicle.

Model range and modifications

The Mercedes Axor model range includes several cars that differ in characteristics and details. Total Axor 6 models: 1835, 1840 LS, 1843, 2536, 2540 and 2543.

Advantages

First of all, it is a wide and interesting range of engines. All modern models, including the Mercedes-Benz Axor 1835, use the same engine - the OM 457LA - but this Iran Khodro Diesel Company-certified development has a variety of power settings. The Axor diesel is a 6-cylinder in-line 4-stroke engine, water-cooled. The use of an in-line cylinder arrangement is caused by an attempt to save fuel and lubricants, the success of which is evidenced by reviews of the Mercedes Axor.

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All new Mercedes Axor 1835-2543 engines are equipped with the BlueTec system. This original development by German engineers allows powerful diesel engines to reduce fuel consumption and pass standards (up to the upcoming Euro-6) without engine modifications. The BlueTec catalytic converter is a heat-resistant chamber in which a special catalyst oxidizes toxic gases NOx, CO, CH, turning them into nitrogen, carbon dioxide and water.

The cylinder block is cast, made of aluminum alloy, i.e. The cylinder head is a single element for all cylinders. Direct injection method - BoschPES. The crankshaft, which transmits the rotation further, is a high-precision forged element sitting on seven three-layer bearings. The structure is balanced by counterweights, which allows stabilizing engine operation. Without a significant increase in fuel consumption and reaches maximum Newton meters already at 1100 min−1. Depending on the engine type, the torque can take values ​​from the range of 1200-2250 Nm.

In the photo of the Mercedes Axor, the cabin seems narrow, in reality everything is not so sad, but there are complaints about the lack of space.

• Compared to competitors with the same payload capacity, the Mercedes Axor wins by weight by several hundred kg (the Axor wins 250 kg even over another Mercedes model, the Actros).
• The lack of choice of main gear is compensated for by 6, 9 and even 16-speed gearboxes, each of which is equipped with a tunnel housing.
• The ABS system is unlikely to surprise anyone these days, but Telligent disc brakes work in tandem with it on the Mercedes Axor.
• Precise on-board electronics.
• All models, including the Axor 1840 LS, have a single axle with a hypoid main gear (higher load, quieter, smoother running).

Mercedes-Benz Axor: models, characteristics, operation and maintenance Owner's review

1. High comfort of heavy weight control;
2. Relatively low fuel consumption;
3. And also, maximum filling with electronics.