Supplied by dealer S&B Commercials, the line-up comprises two Actros tractors, five Arocs rigids and 15 Econics.
As a FORS Gold operator and CLOCS champion, east London-based Kilnbridge trialled the Econic and Arocs before committing to the deal.
The low-entry Econics are all 1827L variants with 269bhp six-cylinder engines and PowerShift 3 automated transmissions, and are already delivering fuel savings and emissions reductions of 2-3% compared to their predecessors.
Fourteen of the Econics are fitted with Hyva skiploading equipment; the other has a cheese-wedge plant body, by Sterling GP.
The two 444bhp Actros 2545 StreamSpace tractors are plated for operation at up to 68 tonnes gcw. The five 32-tonne Arocs rigids, meanwhile, are all powered by 389bhp engines. Four of these are 8x4 Arocs 3240Ks with Hyva hookloading gear; the fifth is a low frame-height 8x2 Arocs 3240 L ENA model, which also has a Sterling GP cheese-wedge plant body, as well as a Hiab crane supplied and fitted by Walker Cranes.
The skiploaders and hookloaders are in operation with Kilnbridge’s waste management division. The tractors and beavertail-bodied vehicles are in service with K-Plant, the operator’s plant and equipment services business.
K-Plant director Thomas Barrett says: “We opted for the Mercedes-Benz Econic because it represents the benchmark in terms of ergonomics, and offers terrific visibility, with a generously sized windscreen and glazed folding door on the co-driver’s side.
“As well as ensuring that our drivers are at the same eye-level as pedestrians and cyclists, the low-floor cab with its wide-opening driver’s door scores very highly thanks to its outstanding ease of entry. This reduces the risk of drivers sustaining injuries, particularly by slipping while frequently getting in and out of the cab on construction sites.”
The dealer, he adds, provided “exemplary” support throughout the delivery process, coordinating with the various bodybuilders to ensure vehicles were delivered to deadline.
“We’re also very happy with the aftersales arrangements, not least because the dealer’s West Thurrock workshop is ideally located for our Canning Town headquarters, and materials recycling facility in Rainham,” he adds.