Mercedes displayed this interesting Actros tractor for desert use this year.

It's an 8x8 tractor of the old Actros model from the type 4661, 46 ton total weight and a 610 hp V8 engine. The engine is still the Euro 3 version, but for export that is not a problem. It has gotten the low sleeper cab.

Behind the cab stands the air intake and filters. Behind that stands a large tower, at the bottom stands a large dieseltank that stretches out over most of the vehicle's width.

The chassis also holds a dieseltank, not a luxury when driving in heavy terrain. A total of 1200 liters is carried. The front axles have tyres in the size 16.00 R20.

Here we see the whole tower. On top there is a heavy cooling for the engine, so that it can also run at continues full power during use in hot deserts. This also provides cooling for the heat produced by the VIAB, the hydraulic clutch that is installed between the engine and the 16-speed gearbox. A spare tyre is mounted above the winches.

A heavy cardanic 5th wheel was installed on top of a heavy subframe. The rear axles have gotten impressive tyres in the size 24.00 R20.5.

The other side holds the batteries and some air barrels.

This side of the tower has got a large hydraulic tank at the side. This oil is used for the trailer hydraulics and also for the cooling. Behind the tower stands a heavy rack that holds 2 heavy Rotzler HZ200 winches, each with a capacity of 250 kN (25 tons). They can be used to load or unload stranded equipment.

This side shows that the exhaust is mounted between the cab and the tower. This way the whole installation takes up more space then the cab.