Totally Local Company (TLC) Limited’s fleet includes a number of Mercedes-Benz Econic trucks, and the newest models are equipped quite differently than Econic refuse collection trucks previously selected by the Stockport-based operator. These robust, 32-tonne (35.2-U.S.-ton) Econic trucks feature tipper grab bodywork and are built to work at TLC construction projects across the public and private sector.
“We needed eight-wheeled tipper grabs for on-highway work that often entails muckaway duties,” says Head of Fleet Services Alastair Burns of his firm’s exacting specification for the new Econic trucks. “We also wanted low-entry cabs that would provide drivers with optimum visibility, and rear-steer axles to ensure the trucks were as manoeuvrable as possible, given that they would be working in an urban environment.”
Keeping An Eye Out
The Econic construction trucks are made safer by what Mercedes refers to as a “deep, panoramic windscreen” and a driver seat that is situated low enough to let drivers make eye contact with nearby pedestrians and members of their crew. In addition, the trucks have a bus-style folding nearside door that provides a much clearer view of people in close proximity when working in urban environments.
“The quality of visibility from the cab is crucial to the safety not only of our own crews, but also of the public, and particularly vulnerable road users,” Burns says. “Econic drivers can see so much more than is possible from a traditional, high-riding construction truck.”
Thanks to these design choices, the trucks meet London’s highest, five-star Direct Vision Standard rating for top-of-the-line safety. “We undertake the vast majority of our work in the North West, but the benefits encouraged by the Direct Vision Standard apply here every bit as much as they do in the capital,” says Burns.
Built For Urban Construction
TLC’s new Econic trucks are both 3235L ENA models featuring a single front steer axle, a double-drive bogie, and a rear-steer axle, configuration choices that provide better manoeuvrability than a standard 8x4 truck. Each truck features a steel tipping body and a PALFINGER EPSILON M135L crane with a maximum lift capacity of 1,500 kilograms (3,307 pounds) and up to 8.2 metres (27 feet) of reach. The Econic’s 7.7-litre, six-cylinder engine is rated for 354 horsepower (260 kilowatts) and provides the power necessary for TLC’s heavy-duty work.
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Source: Mercedes-Benz