Arocs Special: the tow truck

Things are quiet in the workshop for the moment. Most employees are at the back of the hall. Gabriele Cervone is sitting at his desk. There is a toy Arocs tipper next to him on the desk. The small model of a white Actros is parked on the monitor base. From here, in the WACKENHUT workshop, the team works every day until 11 p.m. to put trucks that have broken down back on the road. 

The phone rings. Gabriele answers it. “OK, I’ll set off right away,” he says, and marks the map displayed on the monitor in front of him. 

A tractor unit has to be towed from where it is parked nearby. Gabriele goes to his black Arocs 4163 and climbs into the cab. A colleague wants to speak to him, but Gabriele taps his left wrist – later! He has to get going. The engine is already running.

Also for heavy trucks.

When the Arocs leaves the hall, it becomes clear what kind of vehicle it is. The 460 kW truck has a Masterlift body manufactured by Brechtel. In combination with the power of the in-line six-cylinder OM 473 engine and the turbo retarder clutch, Gabriele is ideally equipped for recovery tasks. Thanks to the turbo retarder clutch, the Arocs can also tow or recover very heavy trucks on the towing hook without any wear.

One more trip in his preferred truck: because Gabriele, who came to Germany from Italy 15 years ago, likes driving the Arocs 4163 best. Gabriele lives in Gaggenau, but had already learned the profession of truck mechanic in his home country. However, his qualifications were not recognised in Germany, so he repeated the training here. Gabriele worked for a freight forwarder before joining WACKENHUT. With its eight locations in Baden and Württemberg, WACKENHUT offers various mobility solutions – including towing services. Five years ago, the company paid for Gabriele’s HGV licence. Since then, he has been doing this job and also deputising for the workshop foreman.

Four control units.

Shortly afterwards, he arrives at his destination. Gabriele gets to work right away. The hydraulic lifting arm at the rear of the truck can be lowered right to the ground. Gabriele has a total of four control units for operating the truck’s recovery and towing function: he is able to pick up vehicles to be towed on the hook from the rear, from the side or via radio and cable remote control. To do this, Gabriele raises the lifting arm at the push of a button, and this in turn lifts the truck. A supply unit is located in the body of the Arocs in order to supply the tractor unit that is to be towed with electricity and compressed air.

Photos and video: Henrik Morlock