• The Ludwigsburg fire department has opted for the Mercedes-Benz Arocs 3743 all-rounder.
• Multiple uses are possible thanks to the flexible roll-off container concept.
• The four-axle vehicle comes with 428 hp engine, a Palfinger loading crane and deployment-specific Walser roll-off containers.

Leinfelden-Echterdingen/Ludwigsburg – For its latest vehicle procurement, the Ludwigsburg fire department has opted for a Mercedes-Benz Arocs 3743, making it even better equipped for future emergency operations in the city and district of Ludwigsburg. The integral swap body concept allows the truck to be used extremely flexibly. “Florian Ludwigsburg 1/65-1”, the radio call sign of this extraordinary vehicle, can turn out ideally equipped – to fit the nature of the situation – for example in case of a fire with heavy smoke or environmental incidents.

Adaptable: Interchangeable roll-off containers for versatile deployment

The new Arocs utilizes the modular swap body concept: A number of mission-specific swap body containers are available at the station so the fire crew can respond flexibly to different situations. For example, the "Respiratory Protection" roll-off container is used for cases when a great deal of smoke or the release of toxic gases can be expected. The “Technical Assistance” roll-off container is designed for serious road traffic collisions or incidents involving rail vehicles, but also handles comprehensive requirements in case of severe weather emergencies. The most suitable roll-off container can be loaded in the shortest possible time thanks to this variable concept. This flexibility gives the vehicle a high tactical value because the firefighters can provide fast and targeted assistance on the scene with all the necessary material. The vehicle conversion and the roll-off container equipment were done by Walser.

A full range of equipment for emergency response

The four-axle vehicle is equipped with a front-mounted winch and a loading crane with a hooklift system behind the cab. The loading crane is made by Palfinger. The 9-ton front axle and the steered, relievable and liftable trailing axle give the vehicle the necessary robustness and agility in driving operation. This also helps to reduce the turning circle and makes it easier to maneuver through narrow spaces and between obstacles. Crew safety in the Arocs is enhanced by ADR equipment (ADR is the European agreement on hazardous materials in the transport industry), an electronic parking brake acting on the front axle, bi-xenon headlamps and a driver airbag. An OM 470 diesel engine powers the vehicle with 315 kW/428 hp and develops a maximum torque of 2100 Nm.

Mercedes-Benz Arocs – ideal carrier vehicle for fire departments

The Mercedes-Benz Arocs has been designed for the toughest operating conditions and is already used internationally for a very wide range of applications. Volunteers, professional fire departments and works fire departments put their trust in the reliability, robustness and economy of the Arocs. The series portfolio ranges from the OM 936 with 7.7 l displacement to the economical OM 473 with 15.6 l displacement, from the 4x2 model for group fire-fighting vehicles to the 8x8 airfield fire-fighting vehicle, and wheelbases from 3600 mm to 6350 mm. With this extraordinary variety, the Mercedes-Benz Arocs can provide almost any chassis solution for fire department vehicles.