With the addition of two new Mercedes-Benz Econic 2630 L trucks, the refuse collection vehicle fleet of the Nuneaton & Bedworth borough council in the West Midlands now numbers 16. The 26-tonne (28.7-U.S.-ton) 6x2s join a stable dominated by the three-pointed star, and if the council’s previous experience using Econics serves as any indication, the new Econics will serve the council ably for a long time to come.
“These new trucks were part of our rolling replacement programme and have slotted seamlessly into our bin collection operation,” says Glen McGrandle, council head of waste and transport. “Experience has proved that the Econic is extremely well-engineered and can be trusted to provide many years of dependable service.”
The Preferred Configuration
The council provides about 57,000 households with refuse collection services that cover recyclable materials, general waste, and garden cuttings collected in wheeled bins. The new Econics carrying out these tasks were delivered by the Coventry branch of Mercedes-Benz dealer Midlands Truck & Van. Both Econics feature rear-steering axles that provide drivers the nimble manoeuvrability needed to navigate the narrow, terraced streets they regularly encounter. The trucks’ 7.7-litre, straight-six 299-horsepower (220-kilowatt) engines are paired with a six-speed Allison automatic transmission. The council also equipped each truck with a FAUN Variopress compactor body and Zoeller Delta high-level automatic split bin lift.
“The 6x2 rear-steer Econic with FAUN Zoeller bodywork is now firmly established as our preferred configuration,” McGrandle says. “The chassis offers excellent build quality and reliability, cost-effective performance, a high level of safety, and comfort and ease of use for our crews.”
A Focus On Safety
The Econic is also a good match for flight operation, construction, fire and rescue, local distribution, and other applications. The truck comes in two- and three-axle options with 18-t (19.8-U.S. t) and 26-t gross weights, four axle variants, and engines rated for 272 to 354 HP (200 to 260 kW) and 1,200 to 1,400 newton-metres (885 to 1,033 pounds-foot) of torque. A semi-automated Powershift transmission and 302-HP (222-kW) natural gas or biogas engine is also available.
Econics also come with numerous safety features as standard, including an Active Brake Assist 5 emergency braking aid that uses camera and radar technology to spot vehicles ahead and stationary objects in the same lane at speeds up to 90 km/h (56 mph). Ultimately, the system can apply maximum braking if needed to bring the truck to a full stop, apply the electronic parking brake, and turn on the hazard warning lights.
“Operatives appreciate the ease of access, while the cab is spacious, airy, and well laid out,” says McGrandle. “The low seating position and deep, panoramic windscreen provide drivers with a great view and makes it much easier for them to keep a close eye on colleagues working around the vehicle, as well as other vulnerable road users, particularly cyclists and pedestrians.”
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Source: Mercedes-Benz