Focus on the hydraulic clutch on the Mercedes construction trucks
Mercedes chose to equip their construction trucks from the Arocs and Actros range with an hydraulic clutch « VIAB » created by the company Voith. It makes the construction truck more efficient and safer than with a classic clutch. This system is ideal for steep roads and the difficult tracks on construction sites. Zoom on this innovative feature.
In general, construction trucks are equipped with an automatic clutch with torque converter. Mercedes chose to equip their trucks with the VIAB with two wheels with opposed blades : a pump blade wheel and a turbine wheel. When starting the engine, the pump blade wheel is supplied pressured oil thanks to a system of compressed air controlled by the accelerator. The pump blade wheel carries the turbine wheel directly linked to the transmission through the gearbox. That's how the two wheels form the clutch.
The three advantages of the VIAB by Voith hydraulic clutch
1- With this clutch, the construction truck start on a slope is easier, it starts without jolt and the engine doesn't stall.
2- The VIAB system allows a direct mechanical transmission, it means that from the start the operator can drive without waiting while avoiding an overheating.
3- Finally, the VIAB gives the construction truck an important braking capacity. The driver brakes faster and with more control in case of extreme situations.
On which trucks does Mercedes offer the hydraulic clutch ?
The VIAB turbo-retarder is available on the Arocs Heavy Duty 6x4, 6x6, 8x4 and 8x8 with a total driving weight of 30 to 60 tonnes. It is also available on the Mercedes 6x4 and 8x4 tractor units with a AGVW up to 120 tonnes. The Mercedes Actros for heavy convoys are also equipped with an hydraulic clutch.
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