With increase in urbanisation in the State of Kuwait, its capital Kuwait City continues to expand, driven by many large construction projects. Currently, more than 30,000 houses are being constructed, which requires numerous trucks and construction site vehicles to transport material and people. Every day, these vehicles need to cope with demanding tasks in a desert terrain and under extreme heat and dust conditions. Also, repair and recovery work or even towing services must be carried out during regular operations.Â
So, it’s inevitable that the odd truck here or there will reach its limits at some point. And that’s where the Mercedes-Benz Zetros shines. The heavy-duty truck can handle demanding transport tasks involving high payloads, easily. That is why it is often used for delivering supplies to remote regions, as well as in energy exploration and in forestry operations.
Al Mulla Automobiles relies on the Mercedes-Benz Zetros for towing, recovery and repair work. The Mercedes-Benz Mobile Service provider uses a Zetros 3643A 6×6 with a powerful recovery arm from EMPL for towing trucks. The ‘Special Truck’ is operated by specially trained heavy-haulage drivers who have plenty of experience in the sometimes complicated recovery of trucks.
The extreme conditions on jobsites in Kuwait are no match for the all-wheel drive Zetros. Its tyre pressure control system adjusts the inflation of the tyres to the ground conditions at the push of a button, which means changing from the road to sand is no problem. The powerful Special Truck thus always guarantees optimum off-road mobility and, as a recovery vehicle with the EH/W 200 BISON recovery winch, demonstrates outstanding performance when pulling out vehicles which are stuck in the sand – all that without damaging the components of the vehicle.
In addition to complex towing operations, the Zetros all-rounder is also used for recovering vehicles following an accident or a breakdown. These are then taken directly to the nearest certified Mercedes-Benz workshop for repair. And best of all: all customers of Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles benefit from the Mobile Service free-of-charge in conjunction with their service contract. With this all-round carefree package, the customer can concentrate fully on their actual work – and in an emergency, a phone call is all it takes.
What’s new in the Zetros
The new Zetros has been completely re-worked all around: from a technical standpoint, the new Zetros remains available in Euro III and Euro V emission norms and comes equipped with a more powerful 12.8 litre engine, capable of delivering as much as 350 kW (476 hp) in Euro III and up to 375 kW (510 hp) in Euro V. All vehicles are equipped with a 16-speed manual gearbox with a striking 2400 Nm of torque at the highest engine output.
On the outside, the new model generation is distinctive in its striking, restyled radiator grille, which, thanks to optimized airflow guidance, ensures even more effective cooling. The new Zetros keeps its signature characteristics with a low silhouette and the cab behind the engine concept, in addition to an optional fording ability of up to 800 mm.
The new Zetros is available as a specialist truck with extreme off-roading capabilities, a product of its permanent all-wheel drive system with 4×4, 6×6, and 6×4 configurations. The portfolio will be complete in Q1/2021 with the introduction of the 4×2. All vehicles are available in three different wheelbases as well as different weight variants.
The cabin interior features numerous detail improvements, such as a re-designed instrument panel and an electronic parking brake. It keeps key characteristics of the predecessor, like the fully-fledged middle seat, as optional equipment.
Flexible concept for difficult transport requirements
Whether on difficult roads or in the desert – the Zetros is there when you need it. Its legendary reliability, durability and ease of maintenance are all hallmarks of the Special Truck. Its adaptable and flexible concept is ready to meet all transport requirements and to facilitate the assembly and operation of all types of bodies.