New street cleaning vehicle combines Econic and Allison 21 August 2013

A joint project between the city of Düsseldorf and specialist vehicle manufacturer Assmann has led to the development of a new jetting and vacuum gully emptier.

Featuring an Allison 3000 Series fully-automatic transmission, the Mercedes-Benz Econic-based truck relieves the strain of operating a manual gearbox on busy, traffic-filled streets, enabling the drivers to focus on clearing drains and gullies.

The transmission features Allison's Continuous Power Technology, which helps to improve vehicle manoeuvrability and control, says the company, when inching through congested streets and narrow roads.

Allison also claims that its torque converter and power shifts deliver unrivalled 'startability', while its fifth generation electronic controls optimise shift strategies for fuel economy.

Meanwhile, a liquid-ring pump (VacuStar WR 3100, from CVS Engineering, rated at 94kW) provides for solids suction, while a high-pressure pump (P45-75/80, from Speck Pumpen, rated at 80 bar and delivering 75 l/min) covers the jetting side.

The truck also features an intelligent hydraulic and telescopic jib-arm, which automatically raises the cast-iron gully grates (using magnets) and then repositions them after cleaning.

"With regard to our ageing employees, we need vehicles that are comfortable to board, offer increased crew safety within city traffic, while working in front of the vehicle and are equipped with tools which facilitate the physically demanding work," comments Achim Tölle, fleet manager of Düsseldorf's municipal drainage company.

Author
Brian Tinham

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