BharatBenz 5528TT

5528TT Highlights

September 10, 2020: In the heavy-duty top-end tractor-trailer segment, BharatBenz presents its modern 5528 tractor-trailer. This is the highest GVW truck which pulls 55,000 kg of the colossal trailer over long-haul routes. The 5528TT is a promising prime-mover offering a choice to customers with its promise of performance, reliability and support across India. This massive tractor-trailer finds application in some of the niche cargo transportation including the huge over-dimensional cargo. 

The trailer is equipped with OM 926, 280hp of a powerful engine that churns out a massive 1100 Nm of torque and tuned to a 9-speed gearbox. The clutch is 430 diameter, the front suspension is parabolic type leaf spring with 2- hydraulic shock absorbers and the rear one is bogie type. For better control at higher speed, an anti-roll bar comes as a standard on the front axle. The service brakes are pneumatic type, foot-operated dual line with ABS, while the parking brakes are pneumatically operated hand control valve, both the front and rear axle brakes are drum type.

A comfortable and safe cabin is a key aspect of this tractor-trailer. The truck operates on long-distance trips, and driver productivity is critical for higher utilisation of the truck. Hence, BharatBenz offers its signature cabin with a comfortable sleeper type feature with a 3975 mm wheelbase. For effortless driving experience, the steering is hydraulic power-assisted. The fuel tank is 455L along with a 60L Adblue tank. This tractor-trailer's maximum gradeability is 23.60%, and the turning circle diameter is 16.7 for the respective wheelbase.

BharatBenz 5528TT Tractor- Expert Review

Overview

The 5528TT is a top-end prime mover in BharatBenz's India HCV portfolio. This massive truck carries 55,000 kg of trailer for long-haul logistics and transportation needs, for several applications such as steel coils, tankers, cement bulkers, or containers. Some of the most expensive trucks, used mostly by the organized large fleet-operators, and they prefer a highly efficient and productive vehicle. Despite intense competition, BharatBenz has successfully created a niche for itself in this segment. 

The tractor-trailer segment is witnessing reasonable growth as India's infrastructure is getting better. A growing network of modern highways has pushed the average truck speed in India to much higher. Hence, to tap the demand in this segment, BharatBenz's India portfolio consists of some advanced tractor-trailers. The 5528TT is one such high-end product that comes with all the necessary productive characters to help the owner-run an efficient and profitable fleet. We offer you detail on this high-class truck to help understand it better. 

Exterior

BharatBenz 5528TT looks exactly similar to other HCV trucks in its portfolio with the signature factory fitted sleeper cabin and overall impressive fit and finish. The cabin gets long-lasting paint, which has undergone 800 hours of testing. The cabin is designed with advanced aerodynamic angles for better speed, less drag, and add-on bumper spoiler with a splitter for enhanced aerodynamics. The 3-piece bumper is strong and rugged; in the event of a collision, only the damaged part can be replaced to avoid the higher cost of replacing the whole bumper. 

This tractor-trailer's wheelbase is 3975 mm, length of 6935 mm, and width of 2490 mm. The ground clearance is 255 mm. The chassis frame section is (D x W x T) 288x 70 x 9 in mm. The fuel tank is 450L and the Adblue tank of 60L capacities.

Interior

5528TT is deployed for long-haul trips lasting more than a week. Hence the driver spends all the time inside the cabin, mostly driving the truck and often resting. Taking the usage pattern into account cabin comfort is extremely important for the overall truck's productivity. This tractor-trailer is equipped with heating, ventilation, and AC, which throw high air and maintain the pleasant and fresh cabin even during the most challenging weather conditions, especially India's extreme summers. The air suspended seats ensure higher driver comfort, and also, for the driver's entertainment, a music system is provided. The power windows can be used with just a button, and the truck has got central locking for easy access and safety.

There is a gearshift advisor that provides the right gear options for superior driving and optimal vehicle performance. Another important feature is enhanced cruise control for effortless driving and better fuel efficiency by intelligent gradient monitoring. The tilt and telescopic steering also add comfort to the driver, especially on long stretches by adjusting the right driving position. 

Performance

The 5528TT 6x4 prime mover fitted with the proven OM 926 BS6 engine with a maximum power of 280hp and a massive 1100 Nm of torque. This engine is tuned to the 9-speed gearbox for superior mileage and ensures a higher turnaround time. Because a minor fuel efficiency gains mean the operator can save considerable operating costs. The engine is complemented by highly durable aggregates, including a 430 mm single dry plate, hydraulic control clutch. The front suspension is a parabolic type leaf spring with 2- hydraulic shock absorbers and rear suspension bogie type. The anti-roll bar is standard on the front axle for higher safety. The service brakes are pneumatic, foot-operated, dual-line with ABS, and the parking brake pneumatically operated with a hand control valve. 

An inbuilt engine overrun buzzer to detect engine over speeding and provide an alarm to the driver; this vital in avoiding any potential engine damage. The maximum gradeability is 23.6%, the turning circle radius is 16.7m. To enhance performance further, BharatBenz offers all its trucks with Profit Technology Plus. This new technology combines five key pillars: better fuel efficiency, superior safety & comfort, unmatched reliability, lowest maintenance costs, and connected trucks.

Safety

Some of the safety features on this tractor-trailer are driver monitoring systems, which is optional but helps identify and alert drivers from falling asleep or being distracted during driving. Then the standard seat belt reminder ensures the driver and the passenger are always safe while driving. The diffuser tailpipe ensures exhaust temperature management and reduction of dust throw. Also, daytime running lights ensure truck visibility during the daytime. To durability, reliability, and safety, the chassis frame comes with 9 mm thick. The anti-roll bar increases truck stability and improves driver confidence in some challenging stretches.  

Verdict

The 55T gross weight tractor-trailer segment is India's highest tonnage category of trucks. All the OEMs cater to this segment with several variants and a combination of powertrain and features. If you are looking out a colossal tractor-trailer, many top contenders in the market will explore and choose. BharatBenz 5528TT is among the top models offering all the key factors of a powerful prime mover. It has everything you would expect from a high-performance truck; besides the well-built quality and impressive aggregates, powerful engine, factory fitted cabin, the company offers 24x7 support and spares across India. This makes equally compelling options in the premium segment. Check out more detail before you visit the dealership to explore the truck.