The Mercedes Benz Axor proved something of a revelation when it landed in 2001 as a standard manual fleet solution for volume-truck operators. Its secret was its simplicity. Powerful torque based 12-litre driveline with an eight-speed slap-over transmission that any agency driver could cope with. Since then fleet operators and its transport managers have raised standards and seen semi-automation as the way forward. It reduces driver interference even further, they argue. That Powershift is already available in Actros is an anomaly. Manufacturer always introduce automated systems into long distance trucks that spend hours doing the same national speed without changing gears while fleet trucks, that are more active with transmissions, get the leftovers. For those who have driven the Actros with Powershift and Telligent transmission should recognise the controller. It is a fore-and-aft joystick mounted on the arm rest. You press the safety button, nudge forward and you’re away from second gear. From here it chooses the next gear depending on how much oomph you give the accelerator. If you want more action, or feel you don’t want to be replaced by a machine, you can mess around with the Auto/Manual button and do the work yourself. A toggle gives you split gears [single ratios] for any fine tuning the on-board computer ignores. It is worth noting that nudging the stick in Auto overrides the computer to change down enhancing engine braking with greater revs.After all that pressing the accelerator pedal restores Auto mode. Other transmission tricks include a manoeuvring mode where engine speed is reduced to 1,000rpm, it allows direct first to reverse movement without using the handbrake and a hill hold for seven seconds. At the moment the system is only designed for 4x2 configurations, 6x2 gets it next year, and it costs £1,500. To employ the system and make it pay you have to look at the cost of a traditional transmission and clutch set with its shelf life before moving to Powershift. Its life span on your operation is always more relevant than any manufacturers suggestion. If your driver makes a lot of spot/start trips Powershift is worth considering as it will take the pain out of driving in heavy-traffic and urban areas with its network of roundabouts, traffic lights and pedestrian crossings. The practical side of Powershift shows how it might benefit a fleet with many drivers swapping around. It allows your driver to concentrate on unfamiliar terrains and even less unfamiliar driving standards without missing a cog. Those two achievements should prolong clutch life if nothing else.
Axor doesn’t get the performance mode fitted to the Actros, a pedal kick-down that gives you an extra 200rpm, so hill climbing in less powerful trucks will take that extra second or two, and the adjustable downhill cruise control Ecoroll is also missing. Those two thing aside it delivers a calming effect on driving when it comes to dealing with fellow road users. There is a slight delay in changing gears but that doesn’t hamper the experience. Perhaps half way up Shap it might lead to choosing a gear too late but you can go manual to compensate. On A-roads at 40mph manual will keep you in top on flat sections but undulating sections might warrant Auto to make sure momentum is maintained. And its that final phrase which stands out. Maintaining momentum these days is what all the manufacturers promise. In Actros Powershift is an important tool in matching flagship motors with its direct competitors. In the volume truck market Powershift is there is make life easier for the overlooked driver working for own-account business operators looking to minimise risk. Powershift is a welcome addition to the ranks.
