At the in-house Defense Vehicles Experience event, Mercedes-Benz presented the second generation of the Zetros heavy-duty truck to users and purchasers from the defense sector as well as system houses and body manufacturers in a world premiere. A good ten years after its market launch, the workhorse for heavy-duty off-road tasks has been significantly revised and modernized and its performance has been increased.
The hallmark of the new Zetros generation is a drive train adapted to the increasing requirements for total weights and total towing weights with more powerful engines up to a maximum of 375 kW and powerful torques of up to 2,400 Nm. Externally, you can recognize the new Zetros by the redesigned, striking radiator grille, which enables even more effective cooling through optimized air flow.
Powerful engines, optional permanent all-wheel drive and external planetary axles with differential locks, together with the high ground clearance, ensure exceptional mobility and durability. The significantly reinforced drive train components enable gross combination weights of up to 80 tons for the three-axle vehicle and even up to 120 tons as a tractor unit. The permissible total weight of the three-axle vehicles could be increased to up to 40 tons.
Optional single or twin tires enable adaptation to the traction requirements in the main applications. During use, off-road traction can be increased depending on the position using a tire pressure control system.
With engines that meet the Euro III and Euro V emissions standards, the new Zetros is available for markets with inadequate fuel quality and therefore finds its main sales markets in regions such as the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. As a heavy-duty truck, designed for the most demanding transport tasks with high payloads, it is used in the supply of remote areas, for example in the military, in energy exploration and in research operations. The new Zetros can be used in all extreme climate regions worldwide - from hot desert regions to the Arctic.
In the new Zetros, assemblies from an extensive modular system are used, especially from the Arocs. This means that the Arocs is increasingly becoming the standard vehicle for (military) heavy-duty applications. The customer is spared technical risks because reliable and high-performance assemblies are used right from the start of production.
The Zetros is one of the few hooded vehicles on the military market. This design offers numerous advantages. The vehicle is approx. 50 cm lower than trucks with a comparable load capacity. The driver's position behind the front axle reduces the vibration exposure for the driver, especially when driving off-road. The hood concept allows access to the engine compartment without tilting the cab. Equipment and personnel can remain in the cab while working on the engine. The low cab position makes it easier to get in and out. The versatile design options of the Zetros concept make it possible to adapt the vehicle to a wide range of operating conditions and requirements. The Zetros offers the advantages and flexibility of a specialized vehicle in combination with the ergonomics, service and parts availability of a large-scale truck.
Zetros 3042 6×6 all-wheel drive
Representative of the new generation of Zetros is the Zetros 3042 6×6, which was presented without a body and with single tires. (The designation 3042 refers to a total weight of 30 tons and an engine output of 420 hp.) The basic chassis, which is equipped with many features, has a 12.8 liter in-line 6-cylinder engine OM 460LA with turbocharger and intercooler, a mechanically switched 16-speed synchronous transmission G260 and a 2- Gear transfer case VG 2800 for permanent all-wheel drive and the outer planetary axles with drum brakes already known from the predecessor.
On this chassis you can clearly see the extent of the revision compared to the previous model, the new design of the frame and the new positioning of the add-on parts, all of which are part of the construction
The box comes from the current Actros/Arocs series.
The optimized access with the non-slip steps, which have now been slightly widened, makes it easier to get into the cabin and the refreshed dashboard with adjustable steering column and the speakers now integrated in the roof area offer a familiar yet modern environment. The ergonomic requirements of a modern commercial vehicle were taken into account in the design. With easy-to-read instruments and clearly assigned switches, everyday life is made easier for the driver, operational safety is increased and incorrect operation is largely eliminated.
As with its predecessor, special features such as a round roof hatch with a support for the bogie are also available on the new Zetros. A double tank system for extended range is still available, as are additional fuel pre-filters, towing eyes, protective plates under the radiator to the engine or under the tanks.
A variety of proven and well-known equipment features can be found, the installation locations have been optimized and adapted to the new vehicle. The most striking individual feature is the new design of the hood with the cab-mounted adapter, which offers space for the larger engine. The previous solution remains with the opening by folding forward and thus providing unhindered access to the engine and its maintenance points. Climbing is made easier by pull-out climbing aids and the hood can be accessed as before, making it easier to install roof structures, correct the setting of the roof lamps or simply clean the windshield.
Zetros 2642 6×6 four-wheel drive flatbed truck
The Zetros 2642 6×6 with a torsion-free platform body for the transport of people or general cargo is an example of the military design as a logistics vehicle. In addition to the general features described above, elements according to military requirements are integrated, from camouflage lights to lashing eyes to hook couplings.
With a total weight of 26 tons and an engine output of 420 hp, the vehicle corresponds to its predecessor in almost all equipment versions - especially in terms of body length. The three-axle chassis can accommodate a platform length of approx. 6.1m and thus enables customers who use the current vehicle to transfer their body concepts to the new vehicle. A particularly important feature for military users and the bodywork industry, as all previous bodywork solutions can be adapted to the new vehicle with little effort.
More Zetros variants
The Zetros product range is rounded off at the bottom with a two-axle version that is suitable for a payload of up to ten tons.
The Zetros tractor units play a special role. In the double-tire version with three axles, they can carry a trailer load of 36 tons. This means that total train weights of up to 120 tonnes are possible. An optional double winch system with 2 x 20 tons enables the loading and unloading of heavy equipment without any additional aids.
Production
Production of the 2nd generation of the hooded vehicle designed for heavy-duty operations started in October 2019 with the three-axle version. For the two-axle vehicles announced for the start of 2020, the performance range will be rounded down. Euro V engines will follow around the middle of 2020, which will result in a further increase in performance.
The 2nd generation of this vehicle concept with the low-slung driver's cab, developed for durability and ease of operation, is being launched to meet the requirements of markets outside of Europe.
Military use
In 2012, the Bundeswehr ordered a total of 110 Zetros with two axles and a protected driver's cab - designed for a military payload of five tons - as part of the Protected Transport Vehicles (GTF) armament program. The first vehicles have proven themselves in use in Afghanistan since 2013. Initial considerations for a second lot with 185 have begun. There is not yet a concrete timetable, nor are there any planned financial resources. Zetros could come into play in the event of a possible procurement.
Internationally, the Zetros is in use in Algeria, Bulgaria and Jordan. Algeria has a four-digit number in use and some of the vehicles are assembled locally in their own production facilities.
Gerhard Heiming
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