- Mercedes-Benz Trucks redefines heavy-haul excellence with the Mercedes-Benz Arocs 4863AS/48 and Mercedes-Benz Actros 4058S/39.
- Mercedes-Benz’s Trucks sets the benchmark with purpose-built specialized trucks, designed to handle South Africa’s most demanding jobs and conditions.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks continues to lead the way in specialized trucking solutions, with performance, durability, and innovation in the heavy-haul segment. With a legacy of engineering excellence and a commitment to meeting the toughest transport challenges, Mercedes-Benz Trucks offers a range of purpose-built models designed to handle South Africa’s most demanding conditions.
All Mercedes-Benz specialized trucks are engineered and built to handle the unique challenges of African terrain and logistics. With an extensive dealer network across Southern Africa, operators benefit from reliable service, parts availability, and expert technical support. Whether navigating steep inclines, hauling massive loads, or operating in remote regions, Mercedes-Benz Trucks endeavor to deliver the performance, safety, and durability that professionals demand. From the legendary Arocs 4863AS/48 SLT to the versatile Actros 4058S/39, each model is engineered to deliver capability, reliability, and safety, straight from the factory floor.
“In the specialized trucking segment, we understand that our customers demand more than just power — they need reliability, safety, and long-term value they can count on. At Mercedes-Benz Trucks, we take pride in engineering vehicles that are not only built for the toughest jobs but also designed to deliver consistent performance over time. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and support is what makes Mercedes-Benz Trucks a trusted partner in this demanding industry.” Olaf Petersen, Vice President for Sales and Marketing at DTSA.
Arocs 4863AS/48 SLT: The Heavy-Haul Powerhouse
The Arocs 4863AS/48 SLT is the flagship of Mercedes-Benz’s specialized truck lineup. Powered by the robust 15.6-litre OM473 engine, it delivers 460 kW (630 hp) and a staggering 3000 Nm of torque. In addition, the high-performance engine compression brake also produces up to 425 kW of retardation when running down long steep hills before considering the hydraulic retarder. This model is built for serious hauling, with a Manufacturer’s gross combination mass (GCM) rating of 250 tons.
Key features of the Arocs 4863AS/48 SLT include:
- Full-Time 8×8 Traction: The Arocs 4863AS/48 SLT is noteworthy in the South African heavy haul landscape as it utilizes a torque proportioning transfer case, which offers full time 8×8 traction without compromising turning circle. This importantly permits full lock turns at maximum power when trying to negotiate difficult turns with large multiaxle trailers, minimizing risk of the front and rear axles fighting one another, as is the case when a conventional solid transfer case is employed.
- Fulfils national requirements: The 8×8 also easily fulfils the national requirement that 20% of the mass of any combination of vehicles be carried by driven axles. The tractor unit has a Manufacturer’s GCM rating of 250 tons, which exceeds what can be hauled behind a standard four-axle tractor unit in South Africa.
- Durability and longevity: The Mercedes-Benz 8×8 drivetrain employed in heavy haul applications has an excellent track record for longevity and durability. The longevity of the truck drivetrain is extended due to the fact that the strain of pulling combinations of more than 200 tons is distributed over eight wheels instead of four.
- Turbo-Retarder Clutch (TRC): Probably the most unique feature offered by the Arocs 4863AS/48 SLT is that it is equipped with the Turbo-Retarder Clutch (TRC). This is a fluid coupling fitted between the engine and the automated sixteen speed transmission, which allows for very smooth pull-aways with heavy loads on steep inclines. This is a fluid coupling that doesn’t generate excessive heat and doesn’t wear like a conventional dry clutch when pulling away with abnormal loads on steep inclines. It also eliminates jerking and snatching entirely. This prevents a loss in traction and protects drivetrain components from shock loads. The TRC operates from idle up to a speed of approximately 1200rpm when the vehicle is moving (at which point the fluid coupling locks up), offering the same mechanical efficiency as a conventional clutch system. The TRC also functions as a transmission input retarder when descending long inclines. It offers effective dynamic braking-down to a fast-walking pace, whereas typical output retarders lose their efficiency below about 30 km/h, requiring the drivers to rely heavily on their service brakes at low speed – this may be problematic with multi-axle trailers, given the huge amount of air they consume to operate (typically 24 trailer brake boosters on a combination hauled by a truck of this size).
- Cooling Tower System: The Arocs 4863AS/48 SLT employs a large cooling tower behind the cab to assist with engine cooling at low speed. The cooling tower is also employed to provide cooling of the TRC. The TRC retarder is rated to provide continuous retardation of up to 720kw in combination with the high-performance engine compression brake. This means 720kw of continuous retardation is available for as long as a mountain pass takes to descend, not just short bursts of high retardation followed by waiting for an overheated retarder to cool down.
- Factory-Ready for Heavy Haul: The Arocs 4863AS/48 SLT is supplied with a double oscillating 5th wheel, as well as certified front and rear tow hitches rated to 314kN D value ex works. The truck should not need to be modified or altered for heavy haul application; it is built to handle the biggest heavy haul jobs on public roads straight out of the factory gate.
Actros 4058S/39: Versatility Meets Innovation
The Actros 4058S/39 is a lighter, yet equally capable, stablemate to the Arocs 4863AS/48 SLT and remains a popular choice for operators who require high performance without the full heavy-haul specification of the Arocs SLT. Powered by the proven 15.6-litre OM473 engine, it delivers exceptional heavy-haul capability, advanced braking performance, and precise Turbo Retarder Clutch control. With its combination of durability, capability, and long-haul driver comfort, the Actros 4058S/39 is purpose-built to move the heaviest loads safely, smoothly, and efficiently.
Key features of the Actros 4058S/39 include:
- Powerful Engine Performance: The Actros 4058S/39 is powered by a 15.6-litre Mercedes-Benz OM473 engine that delivers an impressive 425 kW (580 hp) and 2,800 Nm of torque. While the horsepower is notable, it’s the torque that truly matters for heavy-haul applications—providing the pulling power needed to move massive loads efficiently.
- Advanced Braking Systems: Safety on steep descents is enhanced by a high-performance engine compression brake that produces up to 380 kW of retardation on its own. This system works in conjunction with the Turbo retarder clutch, offering a combined sustained braking capability of at least 500 kW. This ensures controlled braking even on long, challenging downhill stretches which require strong retardation for long periods of time.
- Heavy-Duty Capability: With a 6×4 configuration and a Manufacturer’s gross combination mass rating of 180,000 kg, this truck is currently the highest-rated standard execution tandem-drive axle truck tractor available in South Africa. It is built for the toughest heavy-haul operations.
- Turbo-Retarder Clutch (TRC): Unique to Mercedes-Benz heavy-haul trucks, the TRC ensures smooth pull-offs on steep inclines by using a fluid coupling between the engine and the automated 16-speed transmission. This prevents clutch burnout and protects drivetrain components from shock loads. The TRC also doubles as a transmission input retarder, offering effective dynamic breakdown to walking pace, something conventional output retarders cannot achieve.
- Driver Comfort & Cab Design: The Actros boasts a flat-floor, high-roof sleeper cab that’s 2.5 meters wide and equipped with double bunks. Designed for long-haul comfort, it provides exceptional visibility and a spacious environment for drivers who spend weeks on the road. Beneath the cab, a large tunnel accommodates a one-square-meter radiator, ensuring optimal cooling even under extreme conditions.
- Factory-Ready for Heavy Haul: This model comes equipped with a double oscillating fifth wheel and front and rear clevis and pin tow hitches, enabling push-pull operations with a second Actros 4058S/39 for hauling combinations approaching 300 tons GCM. These features make it ideal for transporting oversized mining and power-generation equipment.
- Trailer Compatibility: The rear chassis includes a cover plate for use with the hydraulic foot found in the neck of multi-axle trailers, simplifying uncoupling operations.
- Comprehensive Support: Every system on the Actros 4058S/39 is engineered by Mercedes-Benz Trucks and backed by a robust dealer network of 40 outlets in Southern Africa—ensuring peace of mind wherever the road takes you.
