Mercedes-Benz Econic Mixer With 5-Star DVS Rating Joins Best UK Transport Fleet

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To improve manoeuvrability, the new Econic is spec’d with an ENA configuration, a single front-steer axle, double-drive bogie and rear-steer axle, making it ideal for work in London. (Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz.)

Best UK Transport configured its newest concrete mixer truck for deliveries to construction sites throughout London by selecting a Mercedes-Benz Econic with a full-height, glazed folding side door. The additional side views pair with the Econic’s panoramic windscreen and low seating that positions the driver on a similar eye level with vulnerable road users. The enhanced visibility lets the new Econic 3235 L achieve a five-star Direct Vision Standard rating from Transport for London.

“For this application there’s nothing to touch the Econic,” says owner-driver Andrei Balean. “It combines the reliable, cost-effective performance for which Mercedes-Benz is renowned, with fantastic visibility from the low-entry cab.”

Built To Manoeuvre

Operating in and around the capital can be a challenge for eight-wheel construction vehicles with a standard axle configuration. Best UK Transport’s new Econic is equipped with an ENA configuration, which includes a single front-steer axle, double-drive bogie, and a rear-steer axle. The result is a tighter turning circle and overall better manoeuvrability than a conventional construction vehicle. An 8-cubic-metre (10.5-cubic-yard) Schwing Stetter drum resides at the rear of this rigid. The Econic 3235 L is powered by a 7.7-litre, 354-horsepower (260-kilowatt) engine, and the powertrain’s efficiency is bolstered by the 12-speed Mercedes-Benz PowerShift 3 automated manual transmission.

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“For this application there’s nothing to touch the Econic,” says owner-driver Andrei Balean. “It combines the reliable, cost-effective performance for which Mercedes-Benz is renowned, with fantastic visibility from the low-entry cab.” (Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz.)

Safety Technology

Best UK Transport purchased a used Econic with McPhee mixer in 2020, and the new Econic goes a step beyond the used machine with Mercedes-Benz’s latest driver assistance technology and safety enhancements. For instance, the Active Brake Assist 5 emergency braking system can recognise pedestrians and initiate emergency braking if need be; the system uses both camera and radar technology to detect vehicles in motion and stationary objects. To give drivers a complete view of their surroundings, the Econic 3235 L also features Mercedes-Benz 360-degree camera system.

“With the addition of a 360-degree camera system, this Econic is the safest, most compliant vehicle available, and effectively future-proofs my business against any tightening of regulations that might be coming down the line,” Balean says.

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Source: Mercedes-Benz