Zetros tractor with fully auto transmission

Harvesting demands in Germany necessitate tractors that can perform both in the fields and on the roads. The all-terrain off-road truck from Mercedes-Benz has proved more effective and efficient than a comparable tractor and harvester/trailer combination, but also has the added benefits of being able to be driven on public roads, registered as a tractor/agricultural tractor.

Harald Bruhns GmbH selected the Zetros chassis as the base because it has a flexible, robust body and a chassis which can be adjusted for off-road operation. "We immediately decided on the Allison automatic when we came to the transmission choice because it has the essential advantage of powershifting. This means traction is continuous without power interrupts, which is a mandatory requirement for our application. During gear changes with a conventional dry slipping clutch under heavy load and terrain conditions, the vehicle gets stuck, and starting it again is very difficult," said Wernicke , sales manager of agricultural engineering at Harald Bruhns GmbH.

During the transformation from Zetros to Secutor, several enhancements were implemented. All were approved by Mercedes-Benz, meaning that the Secutor can be maintained and repaired in all Mercedes-Benz commercial-vehicle garages. The wheelbase was shortened to 4200mm, to improve manoeuvrability. Additionally, stronger rear axles with increased springs were mounted. The large-volume implement tyres provide optimal protection from the ground and traction at a vehicle-outside-width of 2.75m (front axle 560/60R22.5, rear axle 600/55R22.5).

A 7.2-litre 6-cylinder engine producing 240kW and maximum torque of 1300Nm between 1200 and 1600 rpm power the four-wheel drive Zetros.