CC Global: Mercedes-Benz And Nooteboom – Bridge Formula

Bolk - Mercedes-Benz Actros - Nooteboom - 1

At first sight, something seems to have gone terribly wrong here. At second sight, it’s a type of low loader that has taken a short position. A 2017 Nooteboom ‘ketelbrug’ (called ‘vessel bridge’ in English), completely disconnected from the gooseneck. Everything is still wired up though.

Bolk - Mercedes-Benz Actros - Nooteboom - 2

There’s the stout Benz with the gooseneck, a 2018 Actros 3358 6×4 tractor in heavy haulage trim (3358 = 33 tonnes factory GVWR, 580 DIN-hp). It’s powered by Daimler’s biggest truck diesel, the 15.6 liter OM 473.

Bolk - Mercedes-Benz Actros - Nooteboom - 3

The Nooteboom’s lower beams are extendable and carry more extension beams. Now where does this all lead to?

Bolk - Mercedes-Benz Actros - Nooteboom - 4

Ultimately, to a 29 m (95’2”) long framework that can also be widened to 3.12 m (10’3”), measured between the beams.

Bolk - Mercedes-Benz Actros - Nooteboom - 5

Bolk - Mercedes-Benz Actros - Nooteboom - 6

Perfectly suited for transporting big, long, cylindrical objects, like boilers and silos. A robust scooter is on Nooteboom’s option list, so I’ve heard.

Stretched Mercedes-Benz Nooteboom-Class limos: photo courtesy of Bolk Transport Almelo.