The new Mercedes-Benz construction Actros, part of the Truck of the Year 2009 family, is about to be launched. Just as the third generation of the Mercedes-Benz Actros is one of Europe's top-class long-distance trucks for road-based operations, the new construction Actros occupies the same position for operations in the construction sector. Even if the previous version of this vehicle family was known as a robust workhorse, the construction Actros now benefits from several dozen new features and improvements, making it even more tailor-made for construction-site applications than ever.

The new tippers, all-wheel-drive tippers, concrete mixers, semitrailer tractors and special-purpose chassis units come with a choice of two, three or four axles and with nine power outputs spanning the range from 235 kW (320 hp) to 440 kW (598 hp). The drive configurations offered include the "4x2" two-axle model with rear-wheel drive and the "8x8/4", a four-axle model with all-wheel drive and two steered front axles.

The new Mercedes-Benz PowerShift automated transmission is now also available for the new construction Actros in a specially adapted off-road version. A transmission with fast, precise gearchanges in particular is very important for off-road operations. Thanks to PowerShift, ultra-short shift times and correspondingly minimal interruptions in tractive power prevent the truck from becoming bogged down on difficult ground, or from losing speed unnecessarily on steep uphill gradients.

Features that come into their own under the tough conditions of construction-site operations include tailor-made Mercedes PowerShift functions like Rocking mode and the four reverse gears. The same applies to the fine transmission control made possible by the integrated tilt sensor. To cope with the harsh conditions on construction sites, the transmission is fitted with specially developed, extremely robust and durable, forged steel linkages.

The new construction Actros has the same, attractive design as the recently upgraded Actros for road-based operations, but also boasts numerous additional attributes which allow the vehicle to cope with the rough conditions of a construction site even more capably. All of which saves annoying and expensive repairs.

The new construction Actros comes, for instance, with a three-millimetre-thick, high-strength stainless steel guard plate that protects the radiator and engine against damage - not to mention its very attractive styling. Another typical construction-specific feature is the improved pivoting entry step. This now also gives way to lateral pressure, is corrosion-resistant and can even be retrofitted to the previous models. The pivoting entry step is available in two versions for all-wheel-drive and conventionally driven trucks.

Other practical features include the shrouded exterior mirrors, whose robust housings are made out of impact and scratch-resistant plastic. The protective headlamp grilles are also new: they are made out of steel and effectively protect the lenses and lamps against damage. The fuel tank, one of the most vulnerable parts of a construction vehicle, is now protected underneath by a guard plate.

The rain and light sensor along with numerous other equipment items designed to enhance driver comfort even further make their premiere on the new construction Actros. Another very important feature for a construction truck is the one-piece handrail, which is now routed across the cab roof, thus ensuring more safety and comfort.

The tried-and-trusted OM 501 LA and OM 502 LA engine range is used for the new construction Actros. The line-up comprises six 11.9-litre six-cylinder engines developing 235 kW (320 hp) to 350 kW (476 hp) and three 15.9-litre V8 engines with 375 kW (510 hp) to 440 kW (598 hp). The engines with their particularly economical and environmentally friendly BlueTec technology have proved their worth more than 200.000 times over.

Compatibility for mounted bodies is a major criterion when choosing a vehicle for the construction sector, as special-purpose bodies tend to be the norm. The new construction Actros is ideally suited to such requirements, thanks to features such as the adjustable exhaust pipe behind the cab; its height can be quickly and easily adapted to suit the relevant body. It consists of an end section and an intermediate section with two stainless steel clamps, and can be extended to a height of up to four metres. At the same time the direction of the exhaust flow can be adjusted. This adjustability feature does away with the need for awkward retrofit solutions which may not be executed properly.

The extensive line-up covers everything from the 4x2 construction Actros to the 8x8 construction Actros, the four-axle variant with all-wheel drive. Bodies and dedicated equipment for major segments of the construction industry are now available ex factory.