Few trucks fit the challenging topographical and climate extremes, as well as the transport tasks, in the region, than the capable beast that is the Mercedes-Benz Zetros.
The toughest climate of all could be the blistering roads and territories of Saudi Arabia, and Heiko Schulze, CEO of Juffali Commercial Vehicles ( JCV) says the latest generation of the Zetros – created by Mercedes-Benz – is more powerful, uncompromising, and versatile than ever before.
“Right down to the smallest of details, it’s made for extreme conditions, be those on the road or in rough terrain. Get to know the Zetros and discover why we rightfully stand by our slogan: Trucks you can trust, adding more power than ever, he says. Tried and tested features remain while what is better has been further improved. Without compromise, the Zetros is now pursuing its mission: to reach every destination. And now it’s even more powerful.”
This is a region characterised by its extremely hot summers temperatures with a high humidity and the newest generation of the Zetros is equipped in standard with the 92dm 2 radiator ensuring the best possible cooling for the engine. Another extreme is the dusty environment that you find in Saudi Arabia, and the New Zetros has been fitted with a cyclone pre-filter as standard with a filling level which is clearly visible from the outside and easy to clean.
To cope with the high sulphur and water content in the available fuel of the Saudi market, the New Zetros is equipped with a specific fuel filter with water separator to separate the water from diesel (optionally a second fuel filter is also available) and the engine is designed for fuel with sulphur content greater than 1,000ppm for so-called bad fuel areas without any additional modifications being required.
The new Zetros also combines the strength and characteristics of its predecessors with a series of gradual improvements being included to further improve its usefulness for fleets in the market.
The truck boasts extreme off-roading capabilities; meaning it’s especially suited to deliver high loads to the remote areas with difficult terrain that are characteristic in this region. It also offers easy maintenance due to the cab-behind-engine concept and easy access to the maintenance points.
The improvements made with the new generation are an increased engine output, increased cooling capacity and new features like the electronic parking brake and therefore is even better prepared for the toughest operations.
Limitless resilience
The latest generation of Zetros results from more than 120 years of experience and know-how. Manufactured in Wörth at the largest truck assembly plant in the world, this unique
off-road truck stands for the excellent quality associated with the Made in Germany label.
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, too: For rough and dusty tracks, for example. Or for asphalt roads in disrepair.
When developing the new Zetros, the decision was taken to close the missing wheel configurations for the 4×2 segment with chassis, tipper and tractor head in order to offer local fleets a complete product portfolio with the cab-behind-engine concept.
Additionally, fleet operators and their drivers benefit from the low overall height of the truck which is lower than a equivalent a cab-over-engine truck. This is a huge benefit for bodies in which an over-cab installation is needed.
Out in the field, the Zetros has always been known as a truck which can overcome potholes and muddy ruts, mountains and hills, sand, dust, cold, and, of course, heat.
While impressing driver and crew alike with its comfort and safety, the lastest Zetros is the ideal vehicle off-road and on the road. Wherever a conventional truck reaches its limits, the new Zetros is able to continue its journey thanks to a proven suite of electronic systems and easily accessible technology from Mercedes-Benz.
Twelve variants of the Zetros are available ex-works in Saudi Arabia. As a dumper, platform vehicle, or semitrailer truck. With two or three axles. With or without all-wheel drive. Compliant with Euro III emissions standards. Whatever the destination, the Zetros is a perfect choice
 talks to T&FME about the limitless resilience of the New Zetros){kind=link}