CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NOVEMBER 2016

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS

NOVEMBER 2016

Mercedes-Benz used the 66

IAA Interna-

tional Motor Show for Commercial Vehicles

to present a cross-section of its wide range

of two, three, and four-axle chassis, trac-

tor units and tippers for the construction

industry and ancillary trades. The range of

models on show featured a wealth of tech-

nical innovations and customer-oriented

advancements.

The centrepiece was the Arocs – the

specialist

construction

vehicle

from

Mercedes-Benz. It is available with two,

three or four axles, with drive configurations

from 4x2 to 8x8. With versions ranging from

the Arocs Loader tractor unit and concrete

mixer for on-road use to the Arocs Grounder

for frequent off-road use, it covers all the

bases for building contractors.

Meanwhile, the latest generation of heavy-

duty OM 470 and OM 471 diesel engines are

now available as standard for the Mercedes-

Benz Arocs, too. The OM 936 and OM 473

engine families remain part of the line-up.

New flagship versions include the Arocs

“46” models with 335 kW (460 hp/2200 Nm)

OM 470 and the “53” models with 390 kW

(530 hp/2600 Nm), powered by the latest

generation of the OM 471.

Both six-cylinder in-line common-rail engines

have been optimised by implementing a raft

of technical measures for even lower fuel

consumption and improved performance

characteristics. Examples include the new

X-Pulse injection system with enhanced

pressure boosting, an asymmetrical exhaust

gas turbocharger produced in-house at

Mercedes-Benz and the use of new low-

friction engine oils. When paired with the

Mercedes-Benz PowerShift transmissions,

which have been further optimised in terms

of efficiency, the new six-cylinder engines

can reduce fuel consumption and therefore

carbon emissions by up to 3%.

For low-body applications with an overall

height below that of the Arocs cab roof, ap-

plications with roof recesses such as timber

or crane transporters, as well as applications

on routes with limited headroom due to low

bridges or height restrictions at construction

site or yard entrances, the Mercedes-Benz

Arocs is now also available with a lower

driver’s cab.

The M and L versions of the new

ClassicSpace LowRoof cab with a width

of 2 300 mm feature an all-new design in

the roof area. It is 100 mm lower than the

ClassicSpace cab and will bridge the gap

between the ClassicSpace cab and the

26 mm lower CompactSpace cab.

Features that enhance comfort and

enhance resale value include the new-

ly introduced SoloStar-Concept for the

Mercedes-Benz Arocs StreamSpace and Big-

Space cabs. Numerous configuration options

in the cab allow a combination of workplace

and comfortable, generously proportioned

living and sleeping quarters.

Bell launches new L-series TLB

Bell Equipment has launched its new L-Se-

ries Tractor Loader Backhoe (TLB). Though

regarded as an entry-level machine for gen-

eral earthworks, the newly launched Bell

L-series TLB is said to come with a wide

range of features often found on much larg-

er and more sophisticated equip-

ment.

Driven by a John Deere Pow-

erTech engine, the 315SL has a top

speed of 40km/h when travelling to

a jobsite. The five-speed Power-

Shift transmission provides smooth

shifting and reliable performance

with on-the-fly all-wheel drive en-

gagement. These features, togeth-

er with the standard limited-slip

differential on the front axle and

fully locking differential on the rear,

deliver greater tractive effort and

overall 4WD performance. The rear

differential lock protection can also

be enabled through the machine’s

monitor, which prevents potential

damage from rear differential lock

engagement at high speeds.

According to Dale Oldridge,

Bell product manager, the Sealed

Switch Module (SSM) in the cab

offers a central location for the

machine’s functions and is com-

pletely sealed to protect against moisture,

dust and debris. The SSM comes standard

with keyless start and a machine-security

system, which requires a passcode to pre-

vent unauthorised operation of the TLB.

To boost productivity, the new L-series

TLB has improved cab ergonomics, making

the operator’s workspace even more us-

er-friendly. “An enhanced Loader control

grip has a new ergonomic design that in-

tegrates fingertip controls into the grip for

ease of use. Additionally a multi-function

lever has been introduced on the steering

column to control lights, wipers and indi-

cators to create a feel more like a modern

car, keeping the operator focused on his

surrounds while operating in the Loader po-

sition,” says Oldridge.

In keeping with proven concepts from

the very first Bell TLBs, the L-series retains

its unitised mainframe and excavator-style

boxed structures which are light weight

to provide maximum rigidity and structur-

al integrity for the life of the machine. A

welcome enhancement is the addition of

external shimming of the stabiliser legs

to reduce machine movement and improve

accuracy during backhoe operation.

MERC SHOWS NEW OFF-ROAD VEHICLES AT IAA

The new Mercedes-Benz Uptime service

increases vehicle availability.

The Bell 315SL is an

entry-level machine

ideal for general

earthworks.

CONSTRUCTION NEWS