Mercedes-Benz Econic stays the course for West Suffolk07 February 2013

The local authority for the Suffolk towns of Bury St Edmunds and Haverhill has stood down a Mercedes-Benz Econic that dates back to 2000.

And St Edmundsbury fleet and technical manager Phil Clifford says that level of service was enough to persuade the council to purcahse more Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles.

Supplied by East Anglian dealer Orwell Truck & Van, 13 of the new vehicles are 6x2 Econic 2629LL models with rear-steer axles. They have been fitted with single compartment 24m³ Faun Zoeller Variopress VP2 compactor bodies and Terberg bin lifts.

This latest order also includes an 8x4 Econic 3233LL, which has a 31m³ Heil Big Bite body, capable of lifting and emptying skips. This truck has replaced a 32-tonne Mercedes-Benz Actros.

Although commissioned by Bury St Edmunds and Haverhill, the new Econic trucks are also working in neighbouring Forest Heath District Council – the two authorities operate a shared waste and street scene services fleet under the West Suffolk brand.

The total fleet now comprises 41 heavy trucks. Of these, 27 are three-axled 26-tonne Econics, several 6x4 variants which were purchased in 2004-05 but are now being phased out as waste is no longer sent to landfill. The line-up also includes a Mercedes-Benz Axor skip-loader downrated from 26- to 23-tonnes gvw.

"I was a bit sceptical when the Econic was introduced but those doubts were dispelled a long time ago, as Mercedes-Benz established itself," says Clifford.

"Our crews appreciate the Econic's brand image and high build quality, as well as its day-to-day functionality. We particularly like the low-entry cab with its air-operated folding door, and all-round air suspension with on-board weighing." he adds.

Author
John Challen

This material is protected by MA Business copyright
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.