In the course of its planned growth strategy Daimler Truck will be presenting four trucks from its current portfolio at IDEX from February 17 to 21: Two high-terrain Zetros, an Arocs heavy-duty tractor unit and the variable chassis for protected bodies (FGA).
On display is the Zetros 3351 AS 6×6 as a tractor unit for transporting wheeled or tracked vehicles and the Zetros 2036 A 4×4 with Euro III engine and 265 kW (360 hp). There is also an Arocs 4042 AS 6×6 as a heavy-duty tractor unit and the chassis for protected superstructures (FGA).
Details of the Zetros 3351 AS 6×6
Powered by a Mercedes-Benz OM 460 Euro V engine with 375 kW (510 hp) and Allison 4500 SP automatic transmission with retarder, the driving dynamics of the Zetros 3351 AS 6×6 are high even in demanding off-road applications. Thanks to fully automatic gear selection, the six-speed transmission control system enables fast and smooth starting and acceleration without tractive power interruptions. The differential locks on all axles and the tire pressure regulation system provide additional traction off-road. The diesel tank has a capacity of 780 liters, which makes particularly long operations with the Zetros possible.
The Zetros is equipped with the TLS 2.25 transport loading system with double winch from HPC Maschinenbau. The pulling force of each winch is up to 250 kN and thus enables the loading of wheeled or tracked vehicles with total weights of up to 50 tons. The Zetros will be shown on site with a coupled gooseneck low-loader from the manufacturer Louault, which allows a maximum speed of 80 km/h even with a fully loaded payload of 70 tons. Hydraulic supports, lashing elements, additional storage space on the frame and loading area and a tire pressure regulation system make the trailer a transport specialist for heavy loads, even on unpaved terrain.
Details of the Zetros 2036 A 4×4
The chassis of the Zetros 2036 A 4×4 is equipped with a Mercedes-Benz G 260-16/11.7-0.69 transmission with twin-disc clutch. The compact dimensions of 8,840 millimetres in length, 2,550 millimetres in width and 3,560 millimetres in height and the comparatively short wheelbase of 5,100 millimetres make the truck relatively manoeuvrable. The permissible total weight of the two-axle vehicle is 16.5 tons. The driver’s cab with center seat offers space for three people and has additional storage space with attachment points in the cab so that even extensive equipment can be easily carried. The Zetros is built with a low-torsion platform body as a material and troop transporter.
In general, the Zetros series was developed for military operations in regions with limited infrastructure. In the hood vehicle, the driver’s cab is positioned behind the front axle. This ensures a low overall height, a noticeably reduced vibration and impact load for personnel and cargo, greater driving safety and higher speeds on unpaved terrain. The cab does not have to be tilted for work in the engine compartment; parts of the crew can remain in the vehicle and ensure the use of communication systems and other vehicle functions in the meantime.
All Zetros models are equipped with the OM 460 in-line six-cylinder diesel engine, which offers an output of up to 375 kW (510 hp) and is also suitable for operation with NATO F-34 fuel. A maximum torque of up to 2,300 Nm is available from a displacement of 12.8 liters. A 16-speed gearbox or Allison automatic torque converter, two-stage transfer case, selectable differential locks, large slope and ramp angles and fording capability make traction and propulsion possible even in sand, mud, river crossings and steep terrain. In the semitrailer tractor version, the Zetros can achieve gross combination weights of up to 120 tons and, thanks to numerous body solutions, a wide range of transport tasks can be solved.
Details of the Arocs 4042 AS 6×6
The Mercedes-Benz Arocs offers customers a wide variety of drive variants, cab sizes and equipment elements. This individual configuration allows the vehicle to be adapted to different customer requirements and deployment scenarios. High-torque engines, heavy-duty drive components and the solid chassis and suspension design ensure a high level of resilience off-road.
The Arocs is available with efficient Euro VI engines. The engine spectrum ranges from 7.7 liter displacement with 175 kW (238 hp) to 15.6 liter displacement with 460 kW (625 hp). This enables heavy-duty transport with total towing weights of up to 250 tons. The Arocs is also available with Euro III and Euro V emissions certification for use in regions with lower emissions requirements or inferior fuel qualities.
A turbo retarder clutch (TRK) can be installed as an option, via which the torque is transmitted. It enables smooth power transmission from the engine to the transmission even under high loads. For the driver, this means more driving comfort when starting and stopping and more sensitive maneuvering with input torques of up to 3,000 Nm and full utilization of the engine power up to the traction limit. The reduced wear on the transmission and the increased service life of the drive components help to increase the maintenance-free operating time.
The Mercedes-Benz on show at IDEX 2025 Arocs 4042 AS 6×6 is a heavy-duty tractor unit with double tires and double winch suitable for off-road heavy haulage, for example as an armoured tractor unit. The double cable winch can also be used to recover damaged vehicles and load and unload them onto the low-loader.
The Arocs 4042 AS 6×6 is fitted with the same engine as the Zetros models. The OM 460 in-line six-cylinder diesel engine with Euro III emissions standard delivers 310 kW (421 hp) in this variant with a displacement of 12.8 liters. The Mercedes-Benz Powershift 3 transmission shifts gears fully automatically for a fuel-efficient driving style while simultaneously reducing the driver’s workload. If the driver wants to rely on his own instincts when changing gear, he can use the manual mode as an option.
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The dimensions of the three-axle Arocs 4042 AS 6×6 are 8,200 millimetres in length, 2,500 millimetres in width and 3,500 millimetres in height with a wheelbase of 4,200 millimetres. The three-axle vehicle has a gross vehicle weight of 40 tons (nine tons on the front axles and two times 16 tons on the two rear axles) and a total towing weight of 250 tons.
The special equipment relevant for defence operations includes the roof hatch, which can be opened and closed instead of having to be folded down, and the camouflage lights, which minimize visibility when driving at night. The Arocs also has a tire pressure regulation system with infinitely variable pressure adjustment for improved off-road mobility.
Details of the chassis for protected bodies (FGA)
The FGA chassis is the basis for armored tactical-military wheeled vehicles (Armored Personal Carrier, APC) with protected cells up to 14.8 tons gross vehicle weight. Numerous international military special vehicle manufacturers build their products on this chassis derived from the Unimog and thus benefit from the Unimog DNA, which has proven itself over decades: Portal axles, push tube technology and coil springs. These components enable the usual high off-road capability of a Unimog, with extensive service and spare parts supply and support and advice from the experts at Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks.
The driveline of the FGA chassis 14.8 on display is equipped with the Euro III six-cylinder OM 926 LA diesel engine, which offers an output of 240 kW (336 hp) and is coupled with the Allison 3500 automatic transmission with six gears. The chassis features mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic interfaces suitable for various superstructures.
