Mercedes-Benz Zetros spreads the word

Crossling Contractors, a family business based in Naracoorte in South Australia, has become the first operation in Australia to use the unique 4x4 bonneted rig to spread fertiliser and other soil improvers.

Zetros trucks sold in Australia are generally used as mining trucks, fire trucks and as a maintenance vehicles in remote, or hard to get to places.

The Zetros is available as a 4x4 or 6x6 and runs a 7.2-litre six-cylinder engine with 330hp and 1300Nm of torque and is equipped with low range and front and rear diff locks for serious off-road capability.

Crossling Contractors was established by Colin Crossling 40 years ago. He still works for the business, but his sons John and Damien now run the show.

The team bought the new Zetros recently, encouraged by a positive experience with a cab-over Axor, which has some parts commonality with the Zetros.

“The Axor was the first four-wheel drive spreader we had. We had that for seven years, I drove it for the first five,” said John Crossling.

“Spreading is tough on the trucks given they are exposed to fertilisers, so they have a tough time. It was a good truck and ended up doing 8500 hours,” he says.

After trying out a different brand, the Crossling family was tempted back to the Mercedes-Benz fold and the unique Zetros.

They say they are glad they did as the truck hasn’t missed a beat.

“It’s been a bloody good truck for us,” says Damien Crossling.

“It does everything you ask and the Allison automatic is absolutely brilliant,” he adds.

John Crossling adds that the driver comfort of the bonneted truck, that is running wide tractor tyres designed for slippery conditions, is excellent.

“Being a bonneted truck, it certainly is very comfortable,” John Crossling added.

John says the spacious and well-laid out cabin is also a big plus.

“It has the same interior as the Axor, so that’s good,” he says.

The Zetros was added to the Crossling Contractors fleet at one of its busiest times and has been worked hard ever since.

The Crossling team is a family business and John joined the operation 23 years ago, before Damien joined four years later.

“Damien and I took over the business about 17 years ago and now Dad works for us,” John says.

“We all get on really well, which is really good. We couldn’t not run Crossling Contractors with just one of us, we have to work together.”