Mercedes Vario arrives in varied applications
The Mercedes Benz Vario has entered into the Nigerian commercial vehicles market, but in a different variation under Weststar Associates Limited, the local franchisee of Mercedes Benz in Nigeria.
The Vario is a commercial van which offers extensive scope for individualisation as well as use of special-purpose bodies. Available at Weststar is the Mercedes Benz 814DA 4×4 Tow-Truck. It is powered by an OM 904 LA 4-cylinder Euro 3 diesel engine at 177 hp.
The tow truck comes with several equipment like the anti-lock braking system (ABS), rear under-ride protection EEC, an under frame reinforced stabiliser rear axle, CD radio, a single-pole battery main switch, a 24 V/starter 24 V Electric equipment, Co-driver’s Cab S23 double seat and a wide angle exterior mirror on the front passenger side.
Other features include a 90-litre main tank, halogen fog lamps, left and right revolving yellow flasher on the cab roof, cruise control for manual transmission, Linear speed limiter of 90km per hour and a spare lifting device under the end of the frame.
It comes standard with a skid lift/hydraulic ejector, a hydraulic lifting arm with hydraulic extension and is fully tiltable on load operation. The sub-frame is made of very fine-grained steel, resulting in a very flat lifting arm. A 3.6 ton winch is mounted on the arm, and works with a 2-speed manual freewheel.
Vario has a lot to offer in terms of accessories i.e. side markers with LED technology, a tool box with illumination, and Flyer with two LED work lights mounted on it, to name a few.
More to offer is the hydraulic system which has overload valves, sandwich hydraulic valves, a hydraulic 2-circuit system which includes a dual-circuit pump, and integrated hydraulic filter and tank. There’s also a separate relay and fuse box for additional power supply and fuse, plus a 12 + 24 V Jump-starting facility and cable.
The Vario stands out as not only boasting easy handling, and an extremely comfortable workplace, but also advantages of a Van and strengths of a light duty truck, which ultimately gives it a special position in that segment.
Business Day was told by a source inside Weststar that the franchisee has fully equipped workshops and skilled technicians to help maintain Mercedes-Benz vehicles and ensure their longevity in service.
MIKE OCHONMA