Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks is advancing its Zetros series by introducing a factory-fitted protected driver’s cab. This enhancement, initially for the three-axle, all-wheel-drive Mercedes-Benz Zetros 6×6 truck, will extend to other models in the Zetros range, offering customers armored off-road vehicles directly from the manufacturer. A Mercedes-Benz Zetros 6×6 truck equipped with this new protected cab will be showcased at the Eurosatory trade fair in Paris from June 17 to 21, 2024.
Enhanced Protection and Integrated Solutions for Mercedes-Benz Zetros Trucks
The newly available protected driver’s cab for the Mercedes-Benz Zetros 6×6 truck provides crucial defense for the crew against threats such as bullets, mines, and improvised explosive devices, without compromising the vehicle’s renowned off-road capabilities. Previously, armoring was typically added by third-party companies post-production. Now, Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks integrates the protected cab directly into the Zetros production line for specific projects, starting with the 2nd generation Zetros. This integrated approach is made possible through a collaboration with Rheinmetall, the development partner and supplier of these advanced cabs.
Alt text: Mercedes-Benz Zetros 6×6 truck chassis with newly integrated Rheinmetall protected cab, showcasing factory armor solution.
By offering the Mercedes-Benz Zetros 6×6 truck with a protected cab directly from the factory, Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks ensures a comprehensive vehicle solution. This single-source approach encompasses everything from initial development and rigorous testing to efficient production and reliable sales. As a specialized division of Daimler Truck, Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks provides exceptional reliability, substantial production capacity, and guarantees consistent, long-term service and spare parts availability, spanning decades. For projects requiring specialized bodywork on protected variants, Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks also collaborates with trusted bodybuilder partners and OEMs.
Expanding Protected Cab Options Across the Zetros Series
Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks plans to extend the factory-protected cab option to the entire Mercedes-Benz Zetros product range, from the 4×4 to the 8×8 models, starting in 2025 at the Wörth truck plant. The cab-behind-engine design inherent to the Mercedes-Benz Zetros 6×6 truck and the entire series offers a structural advantage for protected cabs. Positioning the cab behind the front axle strategically distributes the weight of the armor, preventing excessive load on the front axle, particularly in challenging off-road conditions. This weight distribution is critical for maintaining optimal handling and durability when navigating rough terrains.
Alt text: Mercedes-Benz Zetros series trucks highlighting cab-behind-engine configuration, illustrating balanced weight distribution for off-road protected vehicles.
The development of the protected cab for the Mercedes-Benz Zetros 6×6 truck prioritized safety, ergonomic design, and excellent visibility. The cab comfortably accommodates up to three occupants on air-sprung seats equipped with four-point seat belts. A large, single-piece windshield maximizes the field of vision for enhanced situational awareness. Versatile attachment points on the cab facilitate the integration of additional equipment. Furthermore, to ensure ease of maintenance and improve parts availability, the protected cab design incorporates as many identical components as possible with the standard, unprotected cab, promoting interchangeability within mixed fleets.
Mercedes-Benz Zetros: The Off-Road Expert for Demanding Tasks
The Mercedes-Benz Zetros series, including the Mercedes-Benz Zetros 6×6 truck, is engineered for a comfortable and quiet ride, even in the most demanding off-road environments, thanks to its cab-behind-engine configuration. This design protects both the crew and cargo from excessive vibrations and shocks. The hood, which opens independently of the cab, provides easy access to the engine compartment for maintenance and repairs. This eliminates the need to tilt the entire cab forward, as is common in conventional trucks, ensuring the crew remains securely protected within the cab during engine access.
Alt text: Mercedes-Benz Zetros 6×6 truck showcasing hood access to engine compartment, demonstrating easy maintenance design for military trucks.
All Mercedes-Benz Zetros models are powered by the robust OM 460 in-line six-cylinder diesel engine, delivering up to 375 kW / 510 hp and a maximum torque of 2,300 Nm from its 12.8-liter displacement. Equipped with a 16-speed gearbox or Allison automatic torque converter, a two-stage transfer case, selectable differential locks, and optimized slope and ramp angles, the Mercedes-Benz Zetros 6×6 truck and its series offer exceptional traction and propulsion. These features ensure reliable performance in challenging conditions, including mud, river crossings, and steep inclines. The permissible gross vehicle weight ranges from 16.5 to 40 tons, and as a tractor unit, it can handle a gross combination weight of up to 120 tons. With a wide array of body solutions, the Mercedes-Benz Zetros is perfectly suited for a diverse range of heavy-duty transport and logistical operations.
At the Eurosatory trade fair, the Mercedes-Benz Zetros with a protected cab will feature a self-sealing tank from Lindner & Fischer, developed in collaboration with WEW Westerwälder Eisenwerk GmbH. This advanced tank technology automatically seals leaks, enhancing safety and operational readiness. The tank body is designed for quick mounting and dismounting using an interchangeable frame with twistlock fasteners, enabling rapid reconfiguration in just minutes. Alongside the protected cab Mercedes-Benz Zetros 6×6 truck, Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks will also exhibit other models, including an Arocs 6×6 with a double winch, a Unimog U 5000, and the FGA chassis, showcasing their comprehensive range of specialized vehicles.
