| Finally, they took the plunge recently, with the Mercedes-Benz Actros tipper. The 4040K 6x4 and the 4840K 8x4 are available as completely built-up imported chassis. |
| Powering the Actros is a 12,000cc six-cylinder behemoth that develops 394 horsepower at 1800 rpm and a staggering 190 kgm of torque at just 1080 revs "" which DC claims is the most powerful amongst tippers in India. |
| The motor is paired to a 16-speed "Telligent" gearbox that selects gears automatically, leaving the driver to concentrate on moving the mass. |
| I jumped into the cabin to take a short spin on a fully loaded 8x4 4840K. The view, of course, is commanding, but what I liked was the overall layout that's designed to allow the driver ease of operations. And I even espied some bits from the Actros' saloon cousins! |
| The gearbox makes it pretty easy to drive, just learn to manage the size, and well, Wilhelm's your uncle. Being used to driving cars, driving one of these loaded mega-tonners makes you feel as if everything is happening in slo-mo. |
| But I drive vintage cars regularly, so I am used to the sensation of bureaucratic braking and acceleration. |
| Built for mining applications, the Actros is built like a Panzer and can handle the abuse. With an amazing ground clearance and nifty safety features, one of these would have been nice during the recent Mumbai delug. |
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