The latest generation truck is more powerful, uncompromising, and versatile than ever before, and is made for extreme conditions, be those on the road or in rough terrain

Juffali Commercial Vehicles (JCV), the sole distributor of Mercedes-Benz trucks in Saudi Arabia, now offers the latest generation of the Zetros in the kingdom. The unique off-road truck represents the excellent quality associated with the ‘Made in Germany’ label, according to a top company official.

"As a pioneer in the KSA, we understand the complex and demanding requirements of the oil and gas industry and offer suitable transport solutions to fully support businesses, which include the transportation of pipes, chemicals, drilling equipment, staff, fuel, water, and other materials to and from explorations and drilling sites — many of them in very challenging terrains and remote locations," says Heiko Schulze, CEO of JCV, which represents Daimler trucks, vans and buses, including the Mercedes-Benz brand, in Saudi Arabia.

"Zetros are trucks you can trust and result from more than 120 years of experience and know-how. They are manufactured in Wörth, Germany, at the largest truck assembly plant in the world. Each vehicle is developed, built, and tested with daily use in mind," he adds.

Schulze comments: "The latest generation of the Zetros is more powerful, uncompromising, and versatile than ever before. Right down to the smallest of details, it is made for extreme conditions – be those on the road or in rough terrain. Tried-and-tested features remain or have been further improved. Without compromise, the Zetros is now pursuing its mission: to reach every destination. And now, it's even more powerful."

In addition to its extraordinary off-road qualities and proven operational strength under extreme conditions, the striking cab-behind-engine truck is now a reliable contender for long-distance haulage, and over rough and dusty tracks or asphalt roads in disrepair, he adds.

The Zetros overcomes potholes and muddy ruts, mountains and hills – through sand and dust, in heat and cold – while impressing driver and crew alike with its comfort and safety.

"The Zetros is the perfect vehicle off-road and on the road – whatever the destination, this truck is a perfect choice. Wherever a conventional truck reaches its limits, the Zetros continues its journey – thanks to proven electronic systems and easily accessible technology," Schulze comments.

Twelve variants of the Zetros are available ex-works – as a dumper, platform vehicle, or semi-trailer truck – with two or three axles, with or without all-wheel drive. They are compliant with Euro III emissions standards.

ENGINE CONCEPT

The overall concept of the Zetros is also reflected in the engine, which offers a high output (360 hp to 476 hp), with long maintenance intervals and low service expenditure having been the focus from the start.

The Zetros is available as a 4×2/4×4 vehicle with a six-cylinder in-line engine in the 18- to 22-ton weight variants. The 6×4/6×6 variants of the Zetros with a six-cylinder in-line engine are available as 25 to 40-ton weight variants.

As a three-axle semitrailer tractor powered by the OM 460 engine, with a permissible gross combination weight of up to 120 tons, the Zetros offers enough reserves to reliably transport the heaviest loads on multi-axle trailers far beyond paved roads, Schulze concludes.

BONNET CONCEPT

The Zetros meets the highest demands in ergonomics and ease of operation. The position of the cab minimises jolts and impacts as well as the inherent motion of the cab to offer significant ride comfort and relief to both driver and co-driver.

The generously fashioned cab of the Zetros offers sufficient freedom of movement and an optimal arrangement of controls and indicators.

Another plus is the optionally available air-conditioned driver's cab without an engine tunnel; with lots of storage space, unhindered entry and exit, and full-fledged seats for up to three people. Outstanding visibility and a maximum overview round off the ergonomic overall concept.

AXLE CONFIGURATIONS

Tyres of size 14.00 R 20 are standard on the Zetros. The single tyres afford further traction benefits and additional ground clearance. Alternatives are available (optionally 395/85 R 20), while twin tyres are optionally available in different weight variants and sizes.

The spare tyre, wholly equivalent to the mounted tyres, is located securely under the frame on the left side of the vehicle, saving space and affecting neither the vehicle's break-over angle nor its ground clearance. And using the spare wheel jack it can be removed and replaced easily.

REINFORCED FRAME FOR OFF-ROAD APPLICATIONS

The Zetros offers superior handling characteristics thanks to special spring-damper tuning. The chassis is sturdy and specially designed for off-road operations.

Long spring travel, shock absorbers, and stabiliser bars provide a high level of ride comfort and top-off-road capability. The axle suspension utilises parabolic springs. Variants for adjusting the axle loads are possible.

Optimal frame conditions are off-road. A sturdy, long-life ladder-type frame with open C-section longitudinal members and bolted C-section cross members was conceived based on the straight frame of the Actros. Inside reinforcements yield the utmost resilience.

The frame is torsion ally flexible with axle articulations of 2 x 500 mm along the diagonal. The front end of the frame was also appropriately designed for attaching front-mounted implements and raising or towing the vehicle. The frame concept moreover allows high flexibility about the bodies.

Brakes on the Zetros come as standard with powerful and maintenance-free drum brakes. The engageable anti-lock braking system (ABS) shortens the braking distance – even off-road and on loose terrain.

The Zetros offers as standard hydraulic 1-circuit power steering of type ZF 8098 with high operating pressure of up to 150 bar. The bleeding of the hydraulic system occurs automatically and the steering column is adjustable, for non-tiring and comfortable operation of the Zetros.

With elevated ventilation and air intake above the cab, as well as fording-capable headlamps, the Zetros achieves a standard fording depth of 800 mm; the appropriate modifications (special equipment) make even up to 1,190 mm possible.

Owing to their design, which places the cab behind the front axle, cab-behind-engine vehicles benefit the driver in valuable ways – particularly on poor roads and surfaces.

The bonnet in front increases driving comfort with smooth, forgiving handling. The lack of an engine tunnel enhances the freedom of movement in the cabin and enables safe entry and exit on the side of the vehicle facing away from traffic.

The generous cab provides space for three state-of-the-art single seats and stowage space for equipment or a berth on the back wall. The result: Drivers safely handle the Zetros and cover long distances with less fatigue.

The Zetros is available from Juffali Commercial Vehicles with a two-year or 250,000-km warranty, whichever comes first (the first year covers bumper-to-bumper while the second year is a powertrain warranty).