Essex-Based Gold Fish Transport Chooses Mercedes-Benz Econic Delivery Trucks

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“The extent to which the Econic’s ride height can be raised on the air suspension is certainly impressive, and means it is very capable off-road,” says Lee Nix, transport director for Gold Fish Transport. (Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz.)

Construction materials distributor Gold Fish Transport of Brentwood, Essex has acquired its first Mercedes-Benz vehicles, namely a pair of Econic trucks selected primarily for their safety features. Local dealer Motus Truck & Van supplied Gold Fish with a 6x2, 26-tonne (28.7-U.S. ton) Econic 2630 L and a 4x2, 18-t (19.8-U.S. t) Econic 1827.

“I’ve always liked my Swedish trucks previously but I’m now a Mercedes-Benz convert!” says Gold Fish driver Alex Fenemore. “The Econic is the perfect vehicle in which to drive around central London, and the cab is clearly built and equipped to a very high standard.”

Visibility Is Key

“These trucks are working almost exclusively in London, where they deliver to major construction and civil engineering sites,” says Lee Nix, transport director for Gold Fish. “It’s a challenging environment, in which our drivers tell us the biggest issue they face is dealing with pedestrians and cyclists. With this in mind we were determined to choose vehicles best-suited to working on busy streets, and the Econic fits that bill perfectly.”

With optional full-height glass in the side door, the cab of Gold Fish’s new Econics rates a maximum of five stars under the Direct Vision Standard. Its panoramic windscreen and uncommonly low operator’s seat allow the driver to make eye contact with pedestrians and cyclists on the road, helping each to understand the others’ intentions and avoid mishaps. The Econics’ air-conditioned cabin seats four and is easy to enter and exit with a single step, according to Mercedes.

“The drivers are highly impressed with the range of vision they get from the low cab,” Nix says. “They like the access, too—it’s very easy to cross the cab floor and step out through the folding passenger door.”

Performance, Even Off-Road

Gold Fish’s new Econic 2630 L is powered by a 300-horsepower (220-kilowatt), 7.7-litre, inline six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz diesel engine. The 1827 L has a 272-HP (200-kW) version of the same motor. Both trucks utilize 12-speed Mercedes PowerShift 3 automated manual transmissions.

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“The drivers are highly impressed with the range of vision they get from the low cab,” of the Econic, Nix says. (Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz.)

ZJB Engineering in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire built the two Econics’ platform bodies. Each of the trucks’ axles has a full air suspension that is height-adjustable from -50 to +160 millimetres (-2 to +6.3 inches).

“Our trucks still have to cross some rough terrain on construction sites though, so good ground clearance is important,” says Nix. “The extent to which the Econic’s ride height can be raised on the air suspension is certainly impressive, and means it is very capable off-road.”

The Mercedes-Benz Econic Range

Mercedes offers two- and three-axle Econic trucks for applications such as construction, distribution, and waste and recycling. They have wheelbases of 3.45 to 5.7 metres (11.3 to 18.7 feet) and electrohydraulically steered leading or trailing axles.

The Econic’s Euro 6 engine is available in 272- to 354-HP (200- to 260-kW) power levels. The PowerShift 3 AMT is optional; a six-speed Allison automatic transmission comes standard in the vehicle.

Another standard feature of the latest Econic range is Mercedes’ Active Brake Assist 5 emergency braking system. It warns the driver of pedestrians and obstacles ahead with visual and audible alerts, but will also slow down and stop the vehicle with its hazard lights on if the driver fails to act.

Find The Right Mercedes-Benz

Truck Locator offers a selection of new and used Mercedes-Benz Econic trucks for sale, including models such as the 2630.

Source: Mercedes-Benz