At a glance
Make & Model: Mercedes-Benz Actros 2554LS Megaspace Engine: OM502 LA 16-litre V8, Euro 3 Power: 540hp Torque: 2500nm Gearbox: Telligent II electronic manual Operator: Armco Civils UK
Mercedes-Benz had a long history of V8 engines, with the last ones produced in the MP3 Actros up to Euro 5 in 2013. With a huge cab, plenty of power and comfort, the top power Mercs were more than a match for rivals of the time.
During this period, curiously you could have either a V6 or a V8 engine in the Actros, while the fleet-spec Axor used a straight six engine. Most of the Actros models sold here were V6s, which were mostly 440/460/480hp and more than enough for general haulage. The V8 was available at Euro 3, 4 and 5. When Euro 6 arrived, there was a completely new range of engines introduced, all in-line sixes.
The V8s were fairly rare when new, but like all Mercs, they were in big demand for export. The Far East and Africa love them so many models aren’t around for long. Today, there’s a huge market for MP4 models, some have even been converted to left-hand drive – showing just how much customers want them.
MP3s of any type are now a rare sight in the UK and we knew we had to find a V8 model for this special issue of T&D. So we were delighted to spot this awesome example at the Causeway Coast Truck show in 2019. We’ve since also found a couple more, so look out for those in T&D next year.
Denne historien er fra December 2020-utgaven av Truck & Driver.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra December 2020-utgaven av Truck & Driver.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Well forked Daf
Remember, we like to cover all sorts of different trucks here at T&D – like this impressive new CF rigid complete with Moffett Mounty forklift
King of the hill
Moving heavy equipment off road calls for a truck with plenty of power and traction, which is why M&J Plant chose a mighty 6x4 FH16 750
Time Machine 2015-2019
It’s the final part of our series on the history of UK haulage. Let’s look back at those innocent times before that pesky virus turned up
Original and best
There are few trucks which have been customised to the level of the Scania 143, but let’s not forget that the standard product was pretty awesome just as it left the factory, like this rare 420
GOING ALL THE WAY
Simon Rogers got behind the wheel as soon as he was able to, and nearly 30 years later, his company is going from strength to strength, with a striking all-black, top-spec Iveco S-Way 570 the latest addition to the fleet
Abnormal loads
In the distant past, when dinosaurs roamed the planet, truck drivers were a very different breed, made from sterner stuff than us mere mortals
Range change
After a gap of 13 years, Renault trucks have reappeared in the unique colours of MacRitchie Highland Distribution. T&D takes the high road to Inverness to meet owners, Donald and Catriona MacRitchie
Cutting a dash
Freshly showered and munching a healthy egg and cress sarnie in Gloucester North services, Chris has a Foden update
Air we go!
On Saturday 29 May at 6pm, 240 drivers gathered with their trucks at South Mimms Services for a parade to raise vital money for Essex & Hertfordshire Air Ambulance
A Cutt Above
From coal to turf to fencing and loads more, there’s not much the Calcutt fleet hasn’t transported over the years
