New equipment roundup
In this special edition of Original Equipment, we present highlights of some of the vehicles that OEMs from around the world have recently introduced or redesigned.
by Jean L. Broge, Editor
Mercedes-Benz' upgraded Atego
 Mercedes-Benz offers factory-built three-way tippers and rear dumpers in its Atego and Actros truck range. |
Mercedes-Benz has incorporated several new features into its Atego trucks. An optional dual-function speed control combines the previously separate gear-change functions of the drive speed control—which maintains a constant speed under load—and the brake speed control—which maintains a uniform vehicle speed in hilly areas via wear-free braking systems such as constant throttle, back-pressure brakes, and retarders. If the truck is pushed down an incline at a rate that exceeds the desired speed by 4 km/h (2.5 mph), the brake system independently activates the vehicle's sustained-action braking system.
The Atego 4x2 and 6x4 tipper vehicles are equipped with disc brakes on the front axle and drum brakes on the rear axle as standard; 4x4 four-wheel-drive vehicles are fitted with drum brakes on both axles. All offer ABS as standard. The twin-circuit compressed air system works at an operating pressure of 400 kPa (58 psi) to allow the braking system to respond faster and place more braking power and time at the driver's disposal.
 The Atego range has been extended at the upper end by the addition of a two-axle model in the permissible GVW category of 18 t (20 ton). The truck is now offerend in 42 base models, four driver's cab variants, and two chasses with an engine performance range from 90 to 205 kW (120 to 275 hp).  |
A prerequisite for the low-slung arrangement of the driver's cab is the newly developed section frame. In the models up to and including the 15-t (16.5-ton) Atego, this design change consists of a lowered and widened front frame section (frame head) for mounting the driver's cab. The rear frame component for the main body is bolted to the frame head. It has the same 840-mm (33-in) frame track as its predecessors of the LK series. Flexibility is achieved for body fitting due to a grid formation of bored holes set at 50-mm (2-in) intervals. All of the attachments secured to the frame's longitudinal members such as equipment holders, fuel-tank fittings, battery, spare wheel, etc., can be moved within the grid.
Mercedes-Benz has supplied Euro 3 engines for its trucks since 1999. According to the company, in practical driving conditions, these engines conform the certification specifications for exhaust emissions in accordance with 88/77/EWG. Four- and six-cylinder engines fitted with turbochargers and intercoolers from the 900 series with the Telligent engine system provide the drive. The performance range of the OM 904 LA four-cylinder engines includes the 90-, 112-, and 130-kW (120-, 150-, and 175-hp) variants. The OM 906 LA six-cylinder engines offer performance figures of 170 and 205 kW (230 and 275 hp).
The truck also now offers the Auto Pilot System, a navigation system developed in collaboration with Bosch-Blaupunkt.
Bobcat provides option in steering
 The new Bobcat A 220 loader allows operators to select whether they want to operate in all-wheel or skid-steering models. |
Instead of having a fixed steering mode, the new Bobcat A220 loader allows the operator to select via a rocker switch in the cab the type of steering best suited for operating conditions. All-wheel steering is normally suitable for maneuvering easily on paved surfaces such as asphalt or concrete and minimizing disturbance and damage to soft surfaces such as grass turf. Skid-steering, on the other hand, allows the loader to maneuver efficiently in tight spaces with fast cycle times.
Like the Bobcat 863 skid-steer loader model from which it was developed, the A220 is powered by an oil-cooled, four-cylinder Deutz turbodiesel engine that develops 54.8 kW (73.5 hp). It features an operating mass of 3725 kg (8210 lb), 500 kg (1100 lb) more than the 863.
In all-wheel steering mode, the turning radius of the A220 is 2.9 m (9.6 ft). Designed like the 863 with two speed ranges, it offers a maximum travel speed of 20 km/h (12.4 mph). In the normal speed range, the operator can select between all-wheel steering or skid-steering. When changing to the high-speed range, all-wheel steering automatically switches to front-wheel steering. Skid-steering is possible in either speed range.
