The Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council in Greater Manchester has added 19 new 26-tonne (28.7-U.S.-ton) Mercedes-Benz Econic 2630 L refuse collection trucks to its operation, each featuring a high-level Delta lift bin. Eight of the trucks, however, are equipped with FAUN Zoeller Variopress bodywork, while the other 11 have FAUN Zoeller cylindrical Rotopress bodies. All have 299-horsepower (220-kilowatt) Euro 6-compliant 7.7-litre in-line six-cylinder engines and six-speed Allison automatic gearboxes built for stop-start workloads.
“This is a great step forward in our commitment to be a cleaner, greener, environmentally sustainable borough,” says councilor Adele Warren, executive cabinet member for regeneration and development. “These new vehicles will reduce carbon emissions and support our efforts to reduce pollution and deliver improved air quality in Bolton.”
Dependable & Safe
Most of the 42 trucks in the Council’s refuse collection fleet wear the three-pointed star. Its new Econics were supplied by Ciceley Commercials, and they have replaced 2009 and 2012 Econics. Their Euro 6 engines provide a 90% reduction in particulate and nitrogen oxide emissions, use less fuel, and use up to 40% less AdBlue diesel exhaust fluid. The Econics with Rotopress bodywork are dedicated to food and green waste collection and can haul about 1 t (1.1 U.S. t) more than the Variopress-equipped models. Rotopress also has less rear overhang, generates less dust and odour, and has fewer moving parts—meaning lower maintenance and repair costs. Council Waste Department Senior Team Leader Jason Molyneux cites dependability as one reason the council remains loyal to Mercedes-Benz.
“Our Econics have given us very few problems,” Molyneux says. “The drivelines are exceptionally reliable, and the cabs are comfortable and well-liked by the drivers and crews who use them. FAUN Zoeller is also a trusted supplier, and experience has shown that its products offer the performance we need. By specifying the two different types of body, we’ve ensured that we have the flexibility to manage every kind of waste stream efficiently and cost-effectively.”
The Econic In Action
Bolton Council’s new Econics feature rear-steer axles for greater manoeuvrability on residential streets. They also feature Mercedes-Benz’s camera- and radar-based Active Brake Assist 5 emergency braking technology with pedestrian-recognition ability, and Electronic Parking Brakes that automatically apply when the engine is switched off. Econics also feature a panoramic windscreen and low seating position for enhanced driver visibility and pedestrian safety.
In addition to refuse and recycling collection, the Econic is well-suited for construction, fire and rescue, local distribution, and other applications. The Econic is available with 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. Two- and three-axle options with 18-t (19.8-U.S. t) and 26-t gross weights and four-axle variants are available.
Find The Right Mercedes-Benz Truck
You’ll find hundreds of new and used Mercedes-Benz trucks for sale on Truck Locator, including a big selection of Econics.
Source: Mercedes-Benz