Mercedes-Benz unveils Zetros 4x4 truck.

On September 28 in Graz, Austria (the "nest" of the G-Class), Mercedes unveiled its Zetros truck in the four-wheel-drive variant, as the 1833 A 4x4 with a 4,800 mm wheelbase. It was already available in four 3-axle variants: the 2733 A 6x6 with 4,800 mm wheelbase, the 3643 A or 4043 A 6x6 with 5,100 mm wheelbase, and the 3643 6x4 with 4,500 mm wheelbase.
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New Mercedes-Benz Zetros 4x4 unveiled in Graz. This truck will be completed as an airport firefighting truck and shipped abroad (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Zetros chassis weight varies from 8.1 t to 11.5 t according to vehicle version, and the permissible gross vehicle weight from 16 to 36 t (in combination with trailer brake) or 40 t (without trailer brake). The standard platform body has a length of 5.1 m on the 4x4 and 6.2 m on the 6x6, with other dimensions being available on request.

The control panel of the Allison 6-speed automatic gearbox contributes to the great easiness of driving off-road as well as on-road (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The modular Zetros concept combines the best of two worlds: off-road capability and heavy payloads. Alongside the permanent all-wheel drive, a dual-stage transfer case with off-road reduction and the high-torque 6-cylinder in-line engines developing up to 315 kW (428 hp), the front-positioned engine compartment ensures that the driver feels safe and at ease. Precisely, the fact that the driver seats about 1 meter behind the front axle considerably reduces the vibrations he feels when driving on bumpy terrain, which enables him to drive faster than a driver in a cab-over-engine truck could.

Engines are available in Euro 3 to Euro 5 standards. Military customers usually chose the Euro 3 standard to make sure they can operate their trucks all over the world with poor-quality fuel.

Instead of the 16-speed manual gearbox, the optionally available 6-speed Allison automatic transmission with torque converter (as fitted on the truck Army Recognition had the privilege to drive in Graz on September 28) provides increased operational safety thanks to the gentle and smooth gear changes without interruption of tractive power, a major asset considering the impressive accelerations this truck can provide, a precious asset for firefighting trucks, for example. The driver's hands can stay comfortably and safely on the steering wheel. Nor is an incorrect gear selection possible or coupling on soft terrain necessary.

The balanced load distribution of the state-of-the-art bonnet concept allows hours of comfortable off-road driving. Voluminous 14.00R 20-inch tires afford great ground clearance of up to 428 mm below the front differential. The low-lying construction of the cab allows the installation of bodies such as work platforms and drilling rigs over the entire vehicle length. A cab-over-engine design would bring the truck about 80 cm higher, which would have an impact on the equipment possible to fit on the chassis, as well as the possibility to drive under low-height bridges.

New Mercedes-Benz Zetros 4x4 (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Advantages at a glance

* Easy-to-use and proven technology with a low maintenance requirement
* Frame concept and suspension design are extremely resilient
* Wear-resistant drum brakes, sturdy and dirt-protected cast-steel planetary axles
* Use of long-lived Mercedes-Benz standard components proven practically a million times over
* Dependable Allison automatic transmission as an option
* Perseveringly and safe driving along any route, off-road and in any climatic zone
* The interior design is practical, resilient and easy to clean

New Mercedes-Benz Zetros 4x4 unveiled in Graz. This truck will be completed as an airport firefighting truck and shipped abroad (Picture source: Army Recognition)

New Mercedes-Benz Zetros 4x4 unveiled in Graz. This truck will be completed as an airport firefighting truck and shipped abroad. (Picture source: Army Recognition)