Triple treat at Bris Truck Show in May

Three brands from the Daimler Trucks stable - Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner and Sterling – are on show this year at the renowned show.

Sterling – Working it
Sterling Trucks at Brisbane this year will show the model range, with cost-effective and ever-reliable options suitable for an even greater number of roles.

The Sterling range comprises three models – the HX7500 and the larger HX9500 in two engine variants.

The HX7500 is still the vocational workhorse. With a Cummins ISC engine producing 315 hp and 950 lb/ft, this model is perfect for an agitator, a vocational rigid or for pulling a single axle trailer. It can be configured as a 4x2, 6x4 or 8x4 or 10x4.

The larger HX9500 is available with two engine options. The HX9500- MBE4000 is powered by an up-rated MBE4000 power plant that boasts 450 hp at 1650 ft/lb of torque and has a GCM of 55 tonnes, ideal for pocket B-double or quad dog applications.

Then there’s the real heavy mover, the HX9500. Powered by either a Detroit Series 60 EGR or the Cat C15 ACERT, the HX9500 provides up to 625 hp and an impressive 2,050 ft/lb with an advanced ‘engine mounted’ cooling module. This means the HX9500 will handle 130 tonnes GCM with ease, making B-double or B-triple applications a highly cost-effective reality.

Mercedes-Benz – New Actros makes the star shine brighter
The biggest news for Mercedes-Benz is the local launch of the new Actros, winner of the Guinness Records world’s most fuel efficient truck and the 2009 International Truck of the Year.

With more than 30 further enhancements for the global truck, the new Actros simply leads the field in terms of economy, comfort, design and safety, so it’s no surprise it is the reigning Truck of the Year.

Its economy is indisputable. At a test track under the watchful eye of Guinness officials, the Actros consumed exactly 19.44 litres of diesel per 100 km (equivalent to 5.144 km/litre), hauling a 25 tonne payload at an average of 80 km/h.

The new Actros range comes fitted with the improved Mercedes PowerShift 2, 12-speed automatic gearbox as standard, providing faster, optimised gear shifting and therefore better fuel economy.

In standard highway configuration, rated up to 55 tonnes, there’s a choice of six outputs for the 11.9 litre V6 engine from 235 kW (320 hp) to 350 kW (476 hp).

In heavy duty configuration, three variants of the 15.9 litre V8 engine provide from 375 kW (510 hp) to 440 kW (598 hp). Rated up to 90 tonnes normally, the heavy duty Actros can be approved for up to 130 tonnes.

At the same time, the new Actros has a 7.5-tonne front axle with FUPS, is 26-metre B-double compliant, and can handle up to130-tonnes GCM.

The Mercedes-Benz range of safety systems is unrivalled and available for the Actros, Atego and Axor models. It includes the Telligent® Brake System with ABS and ASR, a Voith retarder, Active Brake Assist, Telligent® Proximity Control, Telligent® Lane Assist and Roll-Back Prevention.

Freightliner – Delivers the lot
All three models – Columbia, Century Class and Argosy Evolution – are available with either the Detroit Series 60 EGR or CAT ACERT engines. These impressive power plants are exclusive to Australian customers, meeting all ADR 80/02 emission requirements while providing excellent fuel economy and highly reliable performance.

Arguably the best US styled cab-over on the road, the 2009 Freightliner Argosy Evolution now comes with even greater levels of standard equipment. Able to handle up to 140 tonnes GCM, the ’09 Evolution comes with a newly-designed taller grille to improve engine cooling efficiency, which doesn’t compromise the original cabin safety design objectives.

The Freightliner display will also showcase the Columbia CL112 and CL120, both models displaying Caterpillar ACERT engines with advanced engine-mounted cooling modules for supreme cooling efficiency. The Columbia is perfect for any application, from tipper to on-highway, and with the aerodynamic cab it can really help you run smart.