The Metropolitan Borough of Dudley is well-acquainted with the sight of the Mercedes-Benz Econic. The Dudley Council runs a fleet of 35 Econic refuse collection vehicles, and the newest Econic is based on the same 26-tonne (28.6-U.S.-ton) Econic 2630 L chassis but equipped with a vacuum tank for suction cleaning. The new model is also replacing an 18-t (19.8-U.S.-t) Econic gully emptier, providing a more efficient solution.
“The new vehicle’s extra weight capacity and longer wheelbase has allowed us to fit larger water tanks,” says Highways & Transport Maintenance Manager Graham Timmins. “This means there’s less time travelling backwards and forwards to empty and refill, so it can spend longer on the job.”
A Versatile Yet Highly Specialised Addition
The Econic’s jetting/vacuum equipment, provided by Whale Tankers, allows it to be used for suction cleaning of drainage gullies on roads, emptying septic tanks at domestic and commercial properties, and clearing blocked drains by jetting clean water at high pressure. The powerful truck features a 220-kilowatt (299-horsepower) engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. For improved manoeuvrability in the borough, the Dudley Council configures the six-wheeler with a steered rear axle.
Crew Favourite
“As well as being extremely reliable, the Econic is very popular with our crews,” says Timmins. “The low entry step to the cab makes life much easier for operatives who are in and out through the door many times in a working day.” The extra safety features of the Econic also benefit both the Dudley Council’s operators and the borough’s pedestrians. “The deep, wraparound windscreen and low seating position give drivers an unbeatable field of vision, while any areas that cannot easily be seen are covered by the camera system,” explains Timmins.
Find The Right Mercedes-Benz
Truck Locator hosts a varied selection of new and used Mercedes-Benz trucks for sale, including Econic models such as the 2630.
Source: Mercedes-Benz