Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK says it is responding to market demand by introducing the 12-speed Mercedes PowerShift 3 system for certain 4x2 and 6x2 variants. An 8x4 rear-steer version is also being developed.
“For those undertaking domestic waste and recycling collections, the Allison gearbox will continue to offer the best compromise in terms of usability, comfort, durability and economy,” says Rupert Barnard, Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK product manager. “However, for some trade-municipal and haulage applications, the well-proven Mercedes PowerShift 3 system offers optimum fuel efficiency and is likely to be more appropriate.”
Travis Perkins has ordered ten 18-tonners with PowerShift 3 transmissions, supplied by dealer Intercounty Truck & Van. All are Econic 1830 models with 295bhp straight-six engines, dropside bodies by Sheffield-based Massey Engineering and HMF 1210-L long boom cranes.
The latest ten Econics will join five 26-tonne Econics delivered early last year and three 6x2 versions with cranes two years ago. All have five-camera cctv recording systems and Sidescan proximity scanners. They will be based at depots in and around London.
Travis Perkins’ central fleet manager James Taylor says: “The advantages it offers in terms of enhanced visibility mean the Mercedes-Benz Econic is ideally suited to work in urban environments, where we share the roads with so many cyclists and pedestrians, as well as other traffic.
“We have been leading calls for the Econic to be offered with the Mercedes PowerShift transmission, and it is gratifying that the manufacturer has listened to what we’ve been saying and acted on it.
“The Mercedes-Benz system offers improved fuel economy and significant cost savings, compared to the Allison version. It is our intention, therefore, to standardise on Mercedes PowerShift when placing future Econic orders.”