LondonWaste takes Mercedes Arocs for eco energy drive 15 May 2015

LondonWaste – wholly-owned and contracted by North London Waste Authority (NLWA) to provide environmentally waste management – is running a fleet of new Mercedes-Benz eight-wheelers.

The firm, which is not only diverting household rubbish from landfill but also generating energy to supply more than 72,000 homes, went for seven Arocs 3240K trucks via a Mercedes-Benz Financial Services operating lease with R&M.

The new 32-tonners are powered by Mercedes' 394bhp straight-six engines, driving through PowerShift automated transmissions, and have been fitted with Hyva hook-loading equipment.

"As we look to reduce waste, reuse it, recycle it, and recover energy, with disposal as the last resort, these low-emission, Euro 6 vehicles are playing a vital role in moving materials to the right places in order to increase their value and usability," states Julian Appleby, LondonWaste's head of operations.

The Heathrow branch of Mercedes-Benz dealer Rygor won the vehicle supply contract on the basis of its technical, quality and service credentials, as well as pricing. The dealer also supplied a demonstrator, which was trialled for a fortnight.

"The trial allowed the team to get fully involved in the decision-making process and the driver feedback has been entirely positive," states Appleby.

"Serving the capital city we work in some tight spaces so access is essential to our efficient and responsible operation – and, compared to our previous trucks, these vehicles offer a vast improvement, in terms of their manoeuvrability and control," he continues.

"They provide a secure and smooth drive, seating is much better, as is the design of the dashboard, which wraps around the driver," he adds.

Appleby also rates visibility from the high cab, as well as the enhanced safety that comes from blind spot warning sensors and the company's standard specification camera safety systems, which record from both sides as well as the front and rear.

"The automated gearbox enables the driver to keep both hands on the steering wheel, and the engine brake is another great safety feature that slows the vehicle on descents, again assisting our drivers to reduce risk and increase safety," comments Appleby.

LondonWaste has also specified its new trucks with Mercedes-Benz FleetBoard telematics.

"This allows us to collect vehicle-use data, track fuel consumption and review driver performance against a range of criteria, such as speeds, engine revving and harsh braking," explains Appleby.

"With this information we are able to identify trends and training requirements, and reward excellence."

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd

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