Working under pressure

Based on an Econic 2630 L chassis from Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle dealer Rygor Commercials, Dudley already operates 35 Econic vehicles as refuse collection vehicles. This time, however, the low-entry truck is being used as a vacuum tanker in the English West Midlands. The tasks of the new acquisition include, in addition to the suction cleaning of gullies and the clearing of blocked drains, the emptying of cesspits on private and commercial premises.

The waste-disposal specialist is powered by a high-torque 7.7-litre inline six-cylinder engine delivering 220 kW (299 hp), whose power is brought to the road via a six-speed Allison automatic transmission, perfectly designed for stop-and-go operation. The steerable trailing axle additionally ensures excellent manoeuvrability—a real plus for everyday use. After all, the Econic feels particularly at home in narrow streets with many parked vehicles.

Dudley's new 26 t waste disposal vehicle replaces its predecessor, which weighed only 18 t. The new Econic is also equipped with water tanks and a jetting and suction system from supplier Whale Tankers in Solihull. However, there is one decisive advantage: thanks to the higher permissible gross vehicle weight and a longer wheelbase, larger water tanks could be installed. That means less time lost to emptying and refilling, so the Econic can stay in service longer. For even more efficient working.

The safety of all road users is a top priority for the Econic. Its combination of generous panoramic glazing and a low seating position ensures the driver is at eye level with other road users. The Econic is also fitted with a VisionTrack camera system to provide comprehensive visual coverage of the working area around the vehicle. This is particularly beneficial in busy urban traffic for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.

The driver also receives additional support from the emergency braking assistant Active Brake Assist. The safety system can detect vehicles ahead and stationary objects in the vehicle's own lane at speeds of up to 90 km/h, allowing a braking manoeuvre to be initiated even more quickly in critical situations.

“But the Econic is not only extremely reliable, it is also very popular with our employees,” says Graham Timmins, head of the highways and traffic department. “The low entry into the cab makes life a lot easier for the workers, who often have to get in and out several times during a working day.”

Jeremy Price, the Fleet Sales Manager at Rygor Commercials, has worked with Dudley Council for two decades and regularly supplies the workshop team with spare parts. This ensures the borough never has to wait for an important part. "And when we need it, the technical advice of an expert is always just a phone call away," says Graham Timmins.

As with all new Econic vehicles delivered through the Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK dealer network, Dudley Council's vehicles are also covered by a comprehensive manufacturer's warranty of three years or 160,000 km. This means the West Midlands community is on the safe side in any case.