Supplied by dealer Rygor, the 18-tonner is powered by a high-torque, 7.7-litre straight-six engine which generates 295bhp and drives through a 12-speed PowerShift 3 transmission – recently introduced for the Econic model, in addition to the more usual six-speed Allison automatic system.
Paul Vernon, fleet manager at Brakes, says he has “high hopes” for the Powershift system, adding: “We’ve already seen some very encouraging fuel returns. The Econic is averaging 10mpg, which is on a par with the 18-tonne Mercedes-Benz Antos trucks we operate from the same location.”
The Econic 1830L is operating from Brakes’ Premier Park distribution centre, in west London. The insulated body is by Solomon Commercials, of Lancashire, and is equipped with Carrier Transicold’s PIEK-compliant Iceland Twincool refrigeration unit, a PTO-driven multi-temperature system. The refrigeration unit is underslung, rather than mounted above the cab roof – a Brakes specification for all new trucks since 2013.
The truck also features in-cab CCTV with live streaming, an array of proximity sensors and recordable cameras.
Like the operator’s other vehicles at the Premier Park site, the new Econic runs on Shell GTL (gas to liquid) fuel, a ‘paraffinic diesel’ which does not require any engine modifications and which reduces NOx and particulate emissions.
Nationally, Brakes has a 1,500-strong temperature-controlled truck fleet, most of them 18-tonners, and 300 vans. Rygor has supplied around half of the total fleet, including 50 Mercedes-Benz Antos 18-tonners last year.
Vernon says: “We back our Mercedes-Benz trucks with service contracts so we know what we’ll be paying over the life of the vehicle. The impressive longevity of the product means those whole-life costs are highly attractive.
“As for the dealer, I’ve been working with Rygor for 12 years now and am very pleased with the support they give us.”