In early 1984 came the launch of Mercedes' new light-duty truck range. Customers were able to specify many different models, each with differing engine power output, wheelbase length, and gross vehicle weight. All of which sat in the 6.5-11 tonne class initially, although throughout the vehicle's production years models up to 15 tonnes became available. All of the models were available as short-wheelbase tippers which were denoted by a "K" after the model number, aside from the 1117 and 1120. A sleeper cab was available throughout the range, which was unusual for a truck of this size and year. Apart from the 709, 809, and 914, the LN 2 models were available as articulated tractor units, denoted by an "S" designation after the model number.
The initial range at the February 1984 launch consisted of seven models, which are as follows: the lightest in the range at 6.5 tonnes GVW was the 709, which was available with a wheelbase of either 3.09, 3.64 or 4.19 metres. This model was powered by the 4.0 litre 4-cylinder OM 364 diesel engine which produced 90 hp at 2,800 rpm, and the rear axle was driven by a 5-speed manual transmission. The 709 had a payload capacity of 3.9 tonnes.
The second lightest LN 2 model was the 809, whose maximum permitted weight was either 7.5, 8.0 or 8.6 tonnes. The vehicle had a payload capacity of 4.7 tonnes, and was powered by the same OM 364 diesel engine and 5-speed manual transmission of the slightly lighter 709 model. Wheelbases ranged from 3.15, 3.7, 4.25 and 4.9 metres.
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| A comparison between the day and sleeper cabs |
The next step up was the more powerful 814, which like the 809 had a gross vehicle weight of 7.5-8.6 tonnes, although the payload capacity was slightly lower at 4.4 tonnes. This was powered by the 6.0 litre 6-cylinder OM 366 engine which produced a power output of 136 hp at 2,800 rpm. The gearbox and wheelbase options were the same as the 809 model.
At 9.2 tonnes GVW, the 914 had the second highest permissible weight, with a payload capacity of 6.1 tonnes. The same OM 366 engine, 5-speed transmission, and 3.15-4.9 metre wheelbase options as the 814 were used.
Next, there was the 11 tonne 1117, which used the turbocharged 6-cylinder diesel OM 366 A with an uprated power output to 170 hp at 2,600 rpm. This model had a payload capacity of 7.4 tonnes, and wheelbases were available at either 3.7, 4.25, 4.9 or 5.55 metres. The 1117 and 1114 used the 5-speed manual transmission.
Finally, there was the 11 tonne 1120, and as the name indicates it had a power output of 201 hp at 2,600 rpm from the turbocharged and intercooled 6-cylinder OM 366 LA diesel engine, making it the most powerful of the LN 2 series. Wheelbase options remained the same as the slightly less powerful 1117 model, although the payload capacity was 7.3 tonnes. Initially this was the only model in the range fitted with a 6-speed manual transmission.
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| 1320 S articulated tractor unit with the sleeper cab |
At some point not long after production began, possibly 1985, a 7.5 tonne variant with the 170 horsepower OM 366 A turbocharged 6-cylinder diesel engine became available. It was named the 817 and was available as a standard chassis/flatbed as well as a tipper and a tractor. Wheelbases ranged from 3.15, 3.7, 4.25 and 4.9 metres.
Then in 1986 a further development of the LN 2 range arrived, and this was the availability of all-wheel drive variants, which were popular as tippers and other applications in the construction industry.
Manufacturing of Mercedes' extremely popular lightweight models continued until 1998, when they were replaced by the Atego series. Many changes occurred over the 14-year production period, including a name change in 1989 to the LK-series, in keeping with the middleweight MK and heavyweight SK models. The LK models are described here.