Chappell’s double first with Mercedes-Benz Actros Titan 04 October 2012

The UK's first Mercedes-Benz Actros Titan heavy haulage tractor unit to be equipped with a groundbreaking new transmission and the MegaSpace cab has entered service with Hampshire operator Chappell's of Stubbington.

Its new 8x4 Actros 4160S is powered by the 600bhp, 16-litre V8 engine, driving through a Mercedes PowerShift automated gearbox that works in conjunction with Voith's new VIAB turbo clutch.

This combination replaces the previous manual gearbox and torque converter clutch, which required a separate retarder.

The Voith clutch features an integrated retarder for additional braking, so the previous external retarder becomes obsolete. Being both smaller and lighter, the new component also frees up chassis space and increases payload capacity.

Voith says that the turbo clutch is also wear-free, more fuel-efficient, and offers finer control characteristics when pulling away and during low-speed manoeuvring under heavy loads. It is capable of handling and delivering some 3,000Nm of torque – significantly more than a traditional torque converter.

"The automated PowerShift transmission with turbo clutch is superb, and gives us the best of both worlds," states Chappell's director Mark Harris.

"When pulling away and working at low speeds the clutch is extremely sensitive and makes the truck very easy to manoeuvre," he continues.

"And once you're up and running, the automated PowerShift is a lot smoother than a manual," he adds.

"We wanted a factory-built eight-wheeler, rather than an aftermarket conversion, and Pentagon Commercials came up with a package that combined the right product, at the right price, and with the right back-up."

Author
John Challen

Related Companies
Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd
Voith Turbo Ltd

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