Marcopolo launched the Ideale 800 Agrotech model this Monday (5th). This bus was developed in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz with the aim of transporting workers to locations where pavement does not reach.
The vehicle is aimed at companies in the agribusiness, pulp, and mining sectors, which need to move their teams daily over uneven terrain, mud pits, and dirt roads.
In compliance with NR-31, a standard established by the Ministry of Labor and Employment for rural activities, employees must travel seated in a vehicle that is inspected annually and duly authorized, replacing the old precarious transport method known as 'pau de arara' on truck bodies.
The chassis used is the Mercedes-Benz OF 1619 Euro VI, equipped with a four-cylinder 4.8 turbo diesel engine, generating 185 hp and 71.4 kgfm. The bus has dimensions between 11 and 11.5 meters and can accommodate up to 43 passengers, who can be seated in Executive or Semi-bed type seats.
The body received several structural reinforcements, including underbody protection and lateral reinforcements at critical points, as well as an enhanced intrusion prevention system. The fuel and AdBlue 32 tanks, an urea-based additive used to reduce diesel emissions, were protected with steel plates, as was the battery box.
Adjustments were made to the bumpers, increasing entry and exit angles, and the body can be installed up to 10 cm higher on the chassis, resulting in a greater ground clearance. Options are available for mud tires and differential lock axle. Additionally, the modular bumper consists of three sections, allowing only the damaged segment to be replaced.
Internally, the vehicle features coated aluminum flooring and synthetic finish seats. To facilitate cleaning, there are optional drains in both the cabin and the saloon. The Spheros CC357 roof air conditioning system offers a capacity of 140 thousand BTU/h, comparable to approximately 12 room split units, and can operate even at temperatures up to 55 °C, according to information provided by the manufacturer.