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Mercedes-Benz Actros is a huge line of truck tractors from the great German automotive giant. This German brainchild has incorporated the best Stuttgart technologies, advanced engineering solutions and that very real German quality. Its popularity is difficult to describe, because it is highly valued both abroad and in Russia, and it works properly in the most difficult conditions. The line includes hundreds of modifications, and models such as 1844, 1841 and 1840 are especially popular on the Russian market.
History of Actros
The first model rolled off the assembly line back in 1996, and today the company has shown the 2018-2019 model year with video cameras that replace the side mirrors and two huge displays on the dashboard, but more on that later. Over the 22 years of production, the tractor has undergone many changes, but it still carries reliability, comfort and modern technology. The German manufacturer is so confident in the reliability of its equipment that it provides a warranty for 3 years or almost half a million kilometers (450,000).
The total weight of the line is from 18,000 to 41,000 kilograms. Truck tractors have several distinctive features, one of which is the presence of the Telligen system. The system allows for technical control of each truck unit. Due to careful monitoring of wear and timely detection of any “sores,” service intervals on a Mercedes Actros easily amount to 150,000 km.
Also among the features is the fact that Mercedes was the first company in the world to install a fully automatic gearbox on a truck in 2008. Today, more than 700,000 units of Actros in various modifications are traveling around the world, some of which are located in Russia. Moreover, a considerable part of the models are also assembled in Russia, namely in Naberezhnye Chelny, where production is established by a joint venture between KAMAZ and Daimler.
Of course, the German Aktros differs from the domestic KAMAZ in its high degree of reliability and comfort at a completely different level, however, it also has a “fly in the ointment”. Repairing a power plant is extremely difficult.
...And in the forehead the star burns
The appearance of the new trucks from Wörth is clearly recognizable. There are few changes compared to the second generation cars. The designers slightly adjusted the shape of the front bumper and radiator grille, changed the external sun visor, placed the main and spherical mirrors in a single block, and added a convenient curb mirror on the right. In theory, there should also be a sliding mirror installed at the front, but for some reason it wasn’t on the test car. This is where the main changes end. Unless, of course, you count such little things as an AdBlue tank installed in front of one of the main fuel tanks, plastic front mudguards hanging almost to the ground, and a huge branded star (no smaller than a soccer ball), which is now illuminated by LEDs.
A separate conversation about the size of the cabin. Standing next to the tractor, I just want to tell those around me: it’s not me that’s small, it’s a big car. Indeed, the floor is at a level of almost two meters from the ground, and the total height of the cabin is slightly short of the maximum permitted 4 m and amounts to 3750 mm.
On the right side of the display the currently engaged gear is shown. In our case - neutral
Design
The predecessor is considered to be the SK cargo model, the reliability of which to date has not been surpassed by any truck tractor. But due to its unattractive appearance and simply outdated design, sales declined significantly. The management of the Mercedes-Benz cargo division was faced with a serious task - to offer potential buyers absolutely revolutionary equipment. Actros became her in 1995. The truck received many electronic systems that negatively affected its quality. Along with electronic systems and modern design features, the car has an impressive exterior.
The rectangular cabin on a durable chassis, which is completely standard for trucks of this class, fully fits the entire style of the brand, reflecting their corporate identity. It won’t be difficult to recognize the Mercedes-Benz Actros among its competitors.
The huge windshield at the top was covered with a massive plastic visor, above which a pair of parking lights could be seen. Immediately under the windshield there are two huge handles and “legs” of the wipers. The company logo was duplicated on the all-metal plate in the very center. The main company logo was located in the very center of the huge false radiator grille.
The logo was no smaller than the size of the rim of a subcompact hatchback. The grille is made of plastic and has a color that is distinctive from the cabin. It consists of six transverse plates, which gradually narrow downwards. The style of the grille also extends to the side of the cabin in the form of a wide plastic plate into which the door handle is integrated. The model name is emblazoned in the corner of the grille. Under the grille there are several more slots that perform two functions at once: they are both a footrest and an air intake.
The optics have rectangular shapes and a two-story structure. On the upper floor there are side lights and a turn signal, and on the lower floor there is the main block of low and high beams. The image of the front of the truck is complemented by a small “lip” at the bottom.
The side of the cabin has square-shaped glazing and a metal plug on the berth. The lower part of the door has a characteristic cutout for the wheel arch, and immediately under the door there is a two-level step. There are side lights on the cabin and on the tanks on both sides, the arches have a significant expansion, and their number can be changed based on the modification and wheel formula. There are deep stampings on the doors of Mercedes-Benz Actros. The rear part of the cabin is complemented by fairings to improve aerodynamics, but the rear part traditionally depends on the type of towbar and modification.
The second generation was released in 2000. Changes in the design affected only the optics and the false radiator grille. The optics have lost their two-story structure and rectangularity, and the dimensions are now located at the very bottom of the bumper. The grille on the second generation was made in the same color as the cabin. The distance between the crossbars has become smaller, and the crossbars themselves have become wider.
In addition, the second generation received a new environmental class and a completely different level of comfort.
The third generation of Actros, released in 2008, can be recognized by the U-shaped false radiator grille with two or three crossbars (depending on the modification) and the presence of air intakes in the “lip” on the bumper. Additional plastic linings and “gills” appeared. There were no obvious changes, but the design seemed completely different.
The fourth generation has a completely “cosmic” design, the first copies of which rolled off the assembly line in 2012. The false radiator grille no longer had such an obvious truncation, but now its highlight was the perforated cross members. Also striking is the head optics in the shape of a boomerang and has an interesting content. Separately, round fog lights are located at the corners of the air intakes.
In September 2022, in Berlin, the German automotive giant showed the fifth generation of the Mercedes-Benz Actros. The changes affected more of a technical nature than an external one, however, there is something to catch on here too. The updated car received new shapes of air intakes, LED daytime running lights in the shape of the front optics and was deprived of side rear-view mirrors. Now they are replaced by two much smaller cameras.
General dimensions of the line:
- Length – 6-10 meters;
- Width – 2,500 mm;
- Height – 3000 mm;
- Ground clearance – 270 mm.
Device
Mercedes Actros 1841 car. Photo
For the manufacture of the frame, 9.5 mm thick metal is used; in individual units there may be stiffening ribs that increase the strength of the supporting structure. Holes are made in the side members at intervals of 50 mm, which allows you to install any platform without using additional tools. This also reduces downtime, preserves the anti-corrosion coating, and has a positive effect on its durability. In the head part, the units are installed with bolts, which allows them to be dismantled if necessary.
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Modifications
There are a huge number of modifications for the car. According to the wheel formula, the manufacturer offers the following options:
- 4x2;
- 4x4;
- 6x4;
- 6x2.
Two chassis options:
- 4x2;
- 6x2.
Standard platforms are represented by the following categories:
- Truck tractor;
- Van;
- Mixer;
- Dump truck.
On the platform you can also most often find:
- Cranes;
- Tow trucks;
- Manipulators;
- Tractors.
A variety of cab options are also available to buyers. Possible modifications:
- CompactSpace – low roof and cabin width 2300 mm;
- ClassicSpace – standard roof, flat floor and sleeping area;
- StreamSpace – width 2500 mm and height 1.99 meters for greater comfort;
- BigSpace – has similar dimensions to the previous cabin, but is complemented by a flat floor and additional compartments for storing personal belongings;
- GigaSpace - combines the characteristics described above, but has a height of 2,190 mm.
The most common and popular modifications:
- MERCEDES-BENZ Actros 1832 van with a 4x2 wheel arrangement, a wheelbase of 6 meters and a load capacity of 10,700 kg;
- MERCEDES-BENZ Actros 2036 – 4x4 all-terrain tractor with a wheelbase of 4,500 mm and a load capacity of 12,000 kg;
- MERCEDES-BENZ Actros 3336 – 6x4 dump truck with a load capacity of 20,000 kg;
- MERCEDES-BENZ Actros 1844 – 4x2 truck tractor with a load capacity of 10,000 kg;
- MERCEDES-BENZ Actros 4141 – 8x4 dump truck with a load capacity of 30,000 kg (as part of a road train up to 40,000 kg);
- MERCEDES-BENZ Actros 2641S is a 6x4 truck tractor with a load capacity of 17,200 kg (as part of a road train up to 40,000 kg).
Chassis
The Mercedes Actros 1841 tractor is equipped with a steering and lifting support axle equipped with the Telligent system. This has a positive effect on reducing the turning radius, ease of control, reducing fuel consumption, brake and tire wear.
The fifth wheel vehicle is equipped with an air suspension with two springs (front only), and the side vehicle with four. They are weight optimized and protected from corrosion, just like parabolic units. The standard assembly includes the installation of shock absorbers and stabilizers for both axles. This design improves dynamics and stability in the longitudinal direction.
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Cabin interior
The cabin interior experienced serious changes in the fourth generation and in the fifth, and if in the fourth generation the interior still corresponds to the interior of trucks, then in the fifth generation there is nowhere near such a feeling. The ergonomics of the interior are simply excellent; reaching any lever and key will not be difficult. Also pleasing are the seats, which, depending on the configuration, can be hard, soft and have their own air suspension. They also have heating, and they can be made of genuine leather. Since 2012, the seats can be equipped with a massage function with 4 operating modes. There is a flat floor between the passenger and driver's seats, which provides additional comfort. There is a full-fledged TV near the ceiling, and in the back, where the sleeping place is located, household little things are concentrated, making the trip a real vacation.
Each chair has individual adjustable armrests, and the steering wheel is electrically adjustable. The central dashboard is directed towards the driver and carries the main controls. Behind the 4-spoke steering wheel is a classic dashboard with two “recessed” wells.
The interior of the 2022 car may not differ much from the interior of a premium SUV produced under the same logo. Branded multifunction steering wheel, behind which, instead of a tachometer and speedometer, there is a 10-inch display that carries basic information. A similar display is located on the dashboard, which replaced a huge part of the keys.
In addition, the Mercedes-Benz Actros tractor has acquired two additional displays located in the A-pillars. They transmit images online from cameras that have replaced side rear view mirrors. It is also worth noting that the car has acquired a huge arsenal of electronic assistants that allow you to completely relax behind the wheel. Among them are such as “keep the car in the lane”, “stop the truck when a pedestrian is detected”, “active cruise control” and much more.
Space
Once inside the cabin, you understand why the cabin is called MegaSpace. This is truly “mega”, and truly “space”. Not for a second can you leave the feeling that you are on the second floor of a residential building. A flat floor without any hint of a motor tunnel only enhances this feeling. The cabin flooring is soft, like carpet, creating a homely feeling. At the same time, the flat area is covered with rubber mats, which is quite practical, especially for trucks operating in Russia and the CIS countries. But in the middle of the cabin, exactly in the place where you step barefoot when getting up from the sleeping bunk, there was a place for a soft rug. In general, the Actros interior turned out to be pleasant to the touch, and the calm gray color of the finishing materials logically completed the picture.
I really liked the driver's seat with air damping suspension. There are not just a lot of electrical adjustments - there are so many of them that the driver's seat user manual is included in a separate booklet with the car's operating manual!!! Moreover, the brochure consists of a good three dozen pages. I would also like to note the function of adjusting the reach of the chair cushion. It can be moved back and forth, leaving the back in place. Thus, by pushing the pillow forward, you can provide lower support to your knees on a long journey. This position of the chair, of course, is not for everyone, but I liked it. The steering column moves over a wide range using a pneumatic drive, which allows you to get an almost perfect position behind the wheel.
In addition to a huge number of boxes and niches for small items of various shapes and sizes, it is possible to access tool boxes under the “sleeping bag” from the cabin. The cup holders on the front panel are worthy of criticism: they have such a bizarre shape that we could not find a vessel that would be securely held by them. At least, half-liter and liter bottles of drinks are definitely not fixed there, and I would never risk putting an open glass there.
By the way, Mercedes-Benz for the first time in the world began installing orthopedic mattresses with sliding modules on saddlebags. By adjusting them, the driver can choose a comfortable position specifically for his back. Moreover, according to the designers from Wörth, the mattresses were created by specialists in this field and are approved from a medical point of view.
Engine and gearbox
| Characteristics | Indicators |
| Motor | Mercedes-Benz OM501LA V6 |
| Power | 410 horses |
| Fuel type | diesel fuel |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Max. torque | 1080 Nm |
| Engine capacity | 11.94 liters |
| Ecoclass | Euro-4 or Euro-5 |
| Fuel tank | 650 liters |
Today, the car is equipped with five 6-cylinder diesel power plants with varying degrees of boost and two 8-cylinder diesel engines. All of them are equipped with a turbocharger. V6 engines are adjusted to Euro-6 environmental class standards, and V8 – to Euro-4 and Euro-5. 6-cylinder power plants develop maximum power in the range of 421-520 hp, and torque is 2100-2500 Nm. 8-cylinder power plants develop 503 and 576 hp. respectively. Torque is 2,400 and 2,700 Nm. Regardless of the number of cylinders, all engines have a working volume of 12 liters.
These engines are paired with a 12 or 16-speed fully automatic Mercedes PowerShift 2 transmission. A classic “mechanics” with 16 gears can also be used as an alternative.
The maximum speed is 162 km/h, but most models are equipped with a limiter that activates at 85 km/h. Average fuel consumption is 28 liters. At full load it can easily grow to 80 liters.
Fleetboard system
“Fleetboard” is a modern telematics system of the latest generation, which is standard equipment in the fourth generation Actros. Before driving, the driver activates the card in a special device. The system collects and processes in real time information about all current vehicle parameters. Based on the information received, an analysis of the performance indicators of not only the vehicle, but also the driver, can be made, as well as diagnostics of electronic on-board systems can be carried out. In most cases, the most popular data is the vehicle’s location (GPS), speed, and fuel consumption. If necessary, you can also perform diagnostics and delete errors from the ECU memory. Data can be stored in an archive and then read or transmitted instantly via GSM channel. The level of professional skill of the driver is assessed according to several parameters at once: the number of accelerations and decelerations, stops, the use of a retarder and other auxiliary systems, average speed and fuel consumption. The rating is given on a 10-point scale. The system gave your humble servant 8.8...
