Mercedes-Benz Actros


The Mercedes-Benz Actros is a heavy-duty truck introduced by Mercedes-Benz at the 1996 Commercial Vehicle IAA in Hanover, Germany as the replacement for the SK. It is normally used for long-distance haulage, heavy duty distribution haulage and construction haulage. It is available in weights starting at 18 tonnes and is powered by an inline-6 diesel engine with turbocharger and intercooler. Daimler Trucks/Lorries launched the version II of the Actros in 2002, and the version III in 2007. The fourth generation of the Actros, named officially "the New Actros", launched in July 2011.

First generation (MP1, 1996–2003)

The first generation Actros was introduced in 1996 and production continued until 2003 and had a Innovative features such as Electronically Controlled Air Brake System, Intelligent Disc Brakes on both front and rear, introduction of the Controller Area Network Technology for the chassis and drivetrain. Electro-pneumatic circuit on the new transmission models and the introduction of the new OM 500 V6 and V8 diesel engines with Telligent engine control.
Chassis and Powertrain
The Actros was the first truck to emerge with the collaboration between designers and aerodynamic engineers, the manufacturer was able to reduce the flow resistance by 17%.
The chassis of the Actros is available in two, three o four axles with the option of air suspension. A total of 3300 mm and 6300 mm wheelbase can be selected, the construction version of the Actros is available between 3300 and 5100 mm wheelbase with the option of Leaf or Air Suspension on the front axle and Parabolic leaf springs on the rear.
The Construction variant of the Actros with 4x2 axle configuration are equipped with drum brakes.
Engine and Transmission
The Engines for the MP1 Actros is equipped with OM501LA V6 or OM502 V8 mated to a 16-speed manual gearbox or 16-speed hydropneumatically-operated automatic gearbox.
Fuel Processing
Another new feature of the Actros is the Pump-Line Nozzle Fuel injection system, an improvement for the plug-in pumps that have been used for decades. Each Cylinder has its own injection pump which is driven by its own camshaft.

Second generation (MP2, 2003–2008)

The second generation Actros was released in 2003 with upgraded interior and exterior components such as the new Bi-Xenon headlamps and the updated Euro 3 emission compliant. A lighter rear axle and new special equipments as well
Mercedes Benz released a new special edition of the Actros, the Black Edition series which is only limited to 250 units. This Black Edition Series comes with a 612 hp OM502LA V8 engine with upgraded interior and exterior components such as Birds-eye maple, leather-wrapped steering wheel and seat covers with Mercedes-Benz "Star" badge, a specially-designed grille with chrome clasp, a new front apron with stainless steel grill, chrome-framed headlights and chrome-plated side mirrors.

Third generation (MP3, 2008–2012)

The third generation Actros was introduced in 2008 at the IAA Commercial Vehicles and it was the last revision of the previous Actros.
The Changes for the MP3 Actros is the side mirror that were adapted from the special editon models of the previous generation and has closed brackets and a slightly revised Bi-Xenon headlamps.
The third generation Actros ended production in 2011 and replaced with the New Actros but production continues in Asia.

Engine fr 0 3130

The Mercedes Benz Actros is equipped with two types of engines. The OM 501 LA-541 and the OM 502 LA-542. The OM 501 is a 12-litre V6, and has outputs ranging from 310 HP to 480 HP. The engine management system employed by this engine is the PLD which incorporates single plug-in pumps for each cylinder supplying fuel under pressure to the injection valves. A control unit MR monitors all engine operating conditions via several sensors and varies the injection pressure to suit each operating condition. OM502 is a v8 engine, has an output ranging from 350 HP to 652 HP.
The fourth version offers several engine options in either Euro-5 or Euro-6.In Euro-6 use inline six engine both series OM471 with 12,8 litre engine range power output:422 HP to 530 HP and OM473 with 15,6 litre engine range power output:517 HP to 626 HP, with common rail presure 2800 bar And Double camshaft with 4 valve per cylinder to compliant models.

Gearbox

The second generation comes with an electronic sequential gearbox that Mercedes-Benz has dubbed the "Telligent Gearbox". It pushes forward the principle used in some earlier Mercedes-Benz tractors; using the gearshift lever to command a pneumatically actuated system that changes the gears. The Telligent gearbox utilizes a computer, together with a load-sensing system on the fifth-wheel coupling, to estimate the proper gear that the truck must be in. For example, if you want to upshift, the computer estimates the load on the tractor and the current engine mode, and gives you the proper gear for decreasing engine On the other hand, if you want to downshift, the computer assumes you wish to overtake, and gives you a proper gear for acceleration.
There's an automatic version which works like the Tiptronic system found in Mercedes-Benz cars.
The fourth-version launched in 2011 offers exclusively the 12-speed powershift transmission.

Operation

The system consists of a small lever mounted under the right armrest and a flat switch underneath. The lever is slightly tilted, so that it matches the natural curve of the driver's hand when it's on the armrest. The lever has two buttons on either side. When at a standstill, the driver must push the right button, then, push the lever forward and release it select fourth fast. The current gear is shown as a large number on the main display. After doing this, the driver steps on the clutch pedal and waits for approximately two seconds. After the gearshift has completed, a double click is sounded through the speakers, and the driver proceeds with pulling off as normal.
Once moving, the driver has two choices. He or she may push or pull the lever to let the computer choose the gear for them, or they can use the splitter switch to pre-select gears. Either way, the gear is selected first, then the clutch is depressed. For example, if you're in fourth fast, pulling the splitter switch up once pre-selects fifth slow.
The left button is used to switch to neutral.

Cabin

The Actros cabs come in four types:
Depending on model either Actros 1,2 or 3 the electronics may vary. For example, the braking system known as EPB or BS from Wabco incorporates ABS and ASR functions. This system is very reliable and efficient. The stopping distance in the Actros was drastically reduced as compared to its predecessor the SK. In later models of Actros 2 and all Actros 3 models the braking System was improved to EPB 2.
The Electronics in the Actros 1 are networked via Controller Area Network in a system known as IES with the instrument cluster as the Central Gateway or the interphase. In the Actros 2 and 3 the electronics are networked also by CAN in a system known as KontAct.
There is a wide range of other electronic features, offered as extras. These include lane assist, Autonomous Intelligent Cruise Control ART, side looking radar for warning the driver about a vehicle in their blind spot, and many more, mostly oriented towards safety. All of them are marketed as "Telligent".

Military variants

Actros Armoured Heavy Support Vehicle System is a military armoured truck using the civilian Actros platform with a protected cab developed by Land Mobility Technologies in South Africa in cooperation with Composhield of Denmark for Mercedes-Benz.
Singapore uses military variants of the Actros for its Singapore Army - in heavy-lift logistical support roles, designated as the HMCT, recently as a launch platform for the air defense system and the intercontinental ballistic missile trailer. SAF operates 19 different version of Actros.
in 2010 New Zealand purchased four Actros to haul adjustable-width quad-axle low-loader semitrailers primarily for the transportation of LAVs.

New Actros (2011–present)

In 2011, the "New Actros" was introduced, and new tech, comfort, and safety features appear for the first time. Components are not shared with its predecessors.

New Actros With MirrorCam (2018-present)

In September 2018, Mercedes Benz revealed the revised 2019 Actros at the IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hannover, Germany. The vehicle now has 2 colour displays replacing the conventional instrument cluster on old Actros models and can be integrated with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Its outside mirrors were replaced with a camera and it can do semi-automated driving, using Active Drive Assist.