Covers puts its trust in Mercedes-Benz crane trucks

Against this backdrop it is easy to understand why Covers was so keen to trial the latest addition to Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ national demonstration fleet. The 26-tonner is from the Euro VI Antos range, the first to have been systematically developed by the manufacturer for heavy-duty distribution, and specified for operation by builders’ merchants.

The Antos 2532L is fitted with a 7.7 metres dropside body by SB Components (International), of Wisbech, and a rear-mounted Hiab radio remote-controlled crane for work with a Kinshofer grab or hook. It has a 9.0-tonne front axle as well as that all-important rear-steer set-up, and fully fuelled offers a competitive driver and payload allowance of 12 750 kg. The ClassicSpace M cab, meanwhile, is one of six available, all of them offering newly developed, comfortable seats, intuitive controls and ergonomically designed dashboards.

Most significantly for Covers, the 235 kW (320 hp) output from its responsive and fuel-efficient straight-six engine is transmitted to the road via a smooth-changing Mercedes PowerShift 3 automated gearshift, another standard feature on all Antos models.

“We’ve tried autos in the past but they’ve never offered the fine control required for our kind of work,” continues Adam Conrad. “It’s been a particular problem when engaging reverse because the vehicle has tended to lurch, at which point you’re liable to hit a customer’s gate post or worse. That’s why every one of our trucks has a manual gearbox. We were particularly interested, therefore, to see how the latest Mercedes PowerShift performed and, I have to say, it was nothing short of a revelation. The system was right on the money, and offered all of the control we could ask for – even when they engaged reverse the drivers reported no problems at all. It also made life at the wheel much easier, so that instead of fighting for the right gear as they approached a roundabout they could just point and steer, while focusing fully on what was going on around them. Plus, of course, it prevents driveline abuse, so much so that we reckon we could save at least £3 000 in wear and tear over the life of the truck.”

The superior handling of the Antos is due not only to its new chassis and suspension, but also to a much improved steering system which is both more direct and sensitive than previous versions. “That was also very obvious,” observes Adam Conrad. “The demonstrator has a 5.5 metres wheelbase and is fitted with a longer body than we’re used to. Yet it was able to get into pretty well every area we’d expect to access with one of our own trucks, which are on 4.7 metres and 4.8 metres wheelbases. The two drivers who ran the Antos over the 10 days it was with us were in no doubt that it’s more manoeuvrable and turns dramatically better than the vehicles they work with every day. It’s sometimes volume rather than payload capacity which is the limiting factor in our industry. So this has led us to think we could probably opt for a longer wheelbase and body on our next new trucks, which would allow us to squeeze on an extra pack of product.”

He concludes: “Every operator specifies vehicles to meet its own precise requirements, and there were certainly aspects of the demonstration unit that weren’t right for our own operation – the cab, for example, was longer than we need, so we’d go for one of the (ClassicSpace S) day cab alternatives. Overall, though, the Antos is a very impressive vehicle. Factor in the excellent Dealer back-up that we receive from Mercedes-Benz and it adds up to a highly attractive package.”

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Photos: Impact