Mercedes-Benz launches Intercity coaches (2 and 3 axle)

[AlphaKilo]

Originally Posted by swiftdiesel

A small query: Why does the Volvo multi-axle has its trailing axle (single wheel) at the front whereas the Mercedes multi-axle has its trailing axle (single wheel) at the back of the main axle?

Originally Posted by silversteed

There is no particular reason for it to be like that. Volvo's B12B also has the trailing axle behind the powered axle. There were rumours that the B12B will be the next product to be launched by Volvo in India

In Europe, the Mercs/Most multi-axle buses have steerable trailing axles for better maneouvreablitiy. I dont think the Indian models have the steerable wheels at the trailing axle. Although the bus retains(mercs only) the same engine(detuned) and rest configuration remains the same sans the restroom facility. In Europe, even the Volvos dont have steerable wheels and the config is similar to indian ones. Keeping the steering point far behind helps in turning a huge 15mts bus(euro spec.) In India they have retained the chassis as such so the config. I am not sure if that is the real reason but there has to be reason behind the trailing axle position.

[Ashley2]

Originally Posted by swiftdiesel

A small query: Why does the Volvo multi-axle has its trailing axle (single wheel) at the front whereas the Mercedes multi-axle has its trailing axle (single wheel) at the back of the main axle?

Though its not clear why Volvo brought this design but MB have some advantage when the tag axle is behind drive axle.
Dummy tyre wear in MB much lesser compared to Volvo.
When the rear axle is approaching a bump, when its received by a twin tyre rear axle as in MB the shock received by passenger will be comparatively less than as in the case of single tyre rear axle as in the case of Volvo. Though this effect can be reduced by providing softer suspension but it will still have some effect on tyre wear.

Apart from this MB has a larger wheel base which translates to higher luggage compartment 11Cu.m Vs 10 Cu.m.
Also globally all majority of the Multi axles has tag axle at the rear and drive axle before that.
From Vanhool Astromega to Neoplan Starliner and Scania Touring to Man Lions coach

[swiftdiesel]

Originally Posted by Ashley2

Though its not clear why Volvo brought this design but MB have some advantage when the tag axle is behind drive axle.
Dummy tyre wear in MB much lesser compared to Volvo.
When the rear axle is approaching a bump, when its received by a twin tyre rear axle as in MB the shock received by passenger will be comparatively less than as in the case of single tyre rear axle as in the case of Volvo. Though this effect can be reduced by providing softer suspension but it will still have some effect on tyre wear.

Apart from this MB has a larger wheel base which translates to higher luggage compartment 11Cu.m Vs 10 Cu.m.
Also globally all majority of the Multi axles has tag axle at the rear and drive axle before that.
From Vanhool Astromega to Neoplan Starliner and Scania Touring to Man Lions coach

Going by international builders, Volvo seems to have the odder design. Probably they found it easier to couple the drivetrain to the driven axle. Thanks Ashley2.

[black12rr]

Does these buses such as mercs or volvos have toilets/rest room in them ? . I have never traveled in these hence asking .

[scopriobharath]

No - There are no toilets. There was a Hyderabad Bangalore Bus (Non Volvo) with a toilet. To know how (in)convenient it is just step into the bus. Trust me the whole bus stinks. In fact i do not book in a bus which has toilet facility.

The average Joe does not leave the toilet clean. People use the wash basin to "shave" their beards / moustache etc and not use it just to wash hands post toilet usage.

In the west almost all buses have a toilet, which is clean and usable. In India for a clean toilet and all people to be courteous (comparing with USA) to others it will take at least 500 more years.

[rejoycjohn]

The long cherished dream of traveling with star accomplished yesterday when I traveled from Hyderabad to Bangalore with Orange transports .
We had specially booked this Benz as me and my friend wanted to experience the difference between the 2 direct competitors in this market .

To be honest , I was very much disappointed with the comfort that the bus offered us . We were sitting in the last but oneth row , and booked it only because of our experiences with volvo buses in the same seat .
The ride was very bumpy and we were almost thrown in the air at almost every single undulation on the road . The side swaying made the ride even worse while negotiating curves .

The only thing that I loved was the gear knob which was very classy compared to the long stick in the volvos

[sary]

News from the MB bus cockpit:
I came across a Volvo driver who choose to leave a travel company that operated MB buses, reasons:

1. No "tool box" provided with the bus by MB
2. Diesel smell traveled all the way into cabin, passenger often complained. Apperently they changed 7 tanks in 11 months. Known defect !
3. In multi axel buses, the rear axel design i.e. 4 wheels first and single wheel later makes it quite un-menuarable especially when you turn high speed.
4. Very difficult to replace the tyre when punchiered
5. Spare parts scarcity (4 out of 10 buses lying at the operator yard)
6. Expensive to buy one (compared to Volvo)
7. Poor pick up especially on ghat sections

PS: These are the practicalities coming directly from the driver perspective and not from passenger.

[n.devdath]

Originally Posted by Ashley2

When the rear axle is approaching a bump, when its received by a twin tyre rear axle as in MB the shock received by passenger will be comparatively less than as in the case of single tyre rear axle as in the case of Volvo. Though this effect can be reduced by providing softer suspension but it will still have some effect on tyre wear.

Sounds true technically, but in reality, I had a very bad experience in the Merc that I traveled in, the day before yesterday. It was new 54k km run multi axle and the journey was a total disappointment, to say the least.

[ranjithrnath]

Originally Posted by AMATMO

blue lines bangalore had a mercedes benz bus looked like a doudle deck bus above
it was golden biege in colour, bluelines had bought it 2-3 years ago

Found these pics from Yeshwanth Kadri's website
http://kadri007.com/


The coach pics from Sutlej website and Preetam Almeida's picasa web albums