Mercedes-Benz Arocs review

The majority of Arocs sold are rigids with 3 or 4 axles. For this test, we have taken out one of the most popular versions – the 3240K 8x4/4 Tipper. As the name suggests, this is a 4-axled rigid tipper producing a nominal 400 horsepower. The second-generation Euro VI compliant OM470 engine has a capacity of 10.7 litres developing 394hp (290kW) and torque rated at 1900 Nm.

Behind the engine is a 12-speed version of the very familiar and proven Mercedes PowerShift 3 automated manual gearbox. It comes with “offroad” and “power” driving programs. Both possess three driving modes: offroad, standard and manual. The offroad mode is specifically designed, as it says on the tin, for use on rough sites, and supports a power-oriented driving style at the push of a button.

There are a multitude of cab variants for the Arcos, with two widths – narrow (2.3m) and wide (2.5m) – and three cab lengths, from 1700mm to 2300mm, as well as what can loosely be called ‘trim’ levels. For our test we had a middle-of-the-road, 2.3m-wide ClassicSpace M-cab with 320mm tunnel.

The ClassicSpace M-cab has plenty of storage areas, as demanded by the typical 8-wheeler operator, but is essentially designed for a day-based work pattern. Comfort starts in the drivers’ seat. Our truck had the standard-fit air suspended Comfort seat which, matched to the fully adjustable steering wheel, made it easy to get into a comfortable driving position.

The Arocs has the usual set of electronic braking systems including; ABS, ASR, Brake Assist and hill holder. There are also more advanced safety systems available on the Arocs range, such as Stability Control Assist, Active Brake Assist, Proximity Control Assist with a stop-and-go function, and Attention Assist. Some of these (like ABA) aren’t available on four-axle rigids like our test truck though.

The chassis has a wheelbase of 5.15m and weighs in at around 9636kgs. Pure road versions are equipped with steel suspension on the front axle and four-bellow air suspension on the rear axle of the wide frame. Our truck had the steel suspension on the rear bogie, which helped with the off-road application.

Plenty of construction operators are very happy with the running costs of their Arocs tippers. Brunel Recycling, for example, switched to Mercedes-Benz four years ago, and runs a selection of 8-wheeled tippers and tipper grabs. Managing Director Brian Venables says of his Arocs: “They’ve been totally reliable and are very economical.” SRC Aggregates, of Great Dunmow, Essex, bought an 8x4 Arocs tipper, and less than a year later was back for four more. Transport Director Clint Layzell recalls: “We’d not run Mercedes-Benz trucks before, so took a bit of a gamble when we ordered our first Arocs. It’s certainly paid off, though, because that truck has been the most fuel-efficient eight-wheeler on the fleet – it’s at least 0.3 mpg ahead of our established vehicles.”

Pricing is invariably sensible but chances are you’ll pay less for a competitor’s chassis which, on the face of it at least, looks to be similarly specified. As always with Mercedes-Benz, though, the key is to look beyond the ‘up front’ purchase price and weigh up the likely whole-life costs of operation. Factor in the brand’s reputation for bullet-proof reliability and fuel-efficiency, as well as the strong residual values that go hand-in-hwarrenand with the three-pointed star, and an Arocs starts to look like a very attractive proposition indeed.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks has national coverage with over 80 dealer locations, and a one-year bumper-to-bumper / 2-year driveline (up to 250,000kms) warranty.

Mercedes-Benz thoroughly researched the on/off road multi-wheeler market. Our drive of the muscular Arocs, with its good unladen weight, fuel efficient straight-six engine and comfortable cab, indicates the manufacturer listened to the right people. Browse all our new trucks here.