| 
|
|
 |
Riding high…Braintree’s twin-compartment Econic can be used simultaneously for recycling and refuse collection and tipping, ensuring maximum operational efficiency.
The local authority with the best recycling record in Essex has discovered that when it has to send waste to landfill it pays to do so in a Mercedes-Benz Econic.
The reason is the Econic’s factory-fitted air suspension on all axles, which allows drivers to use the in-cab control to raise their vehicle’s ride height clear of hazards. The Mercedes also benefit from additional under-run shielding that protects the engine and aluminium casing around the Allison automatic gearbox, which would otherwise be vulnerable.
As James Egan, Waste Services Manager at Braintree District Council, explains: “We have traditionally operated a different make of refuse vehicle that does not have air suspension. This has led to expensive problems in the past, with deep ruts on landfill sites causing damage to the underside of our trucks, mattresses and other rubbish getting wrapped around differentials, and bin lifts being ripped off.
“With the Econic, though, we can use the air suspension to raise the vehicle, which has led to a significant reduction in the amount of landfill damage we’re experiencing.”
An impressive performance from two Econics which it had on long-term hire, coupled with the competitive price submitted by specialist bodybuilder Geesink Norba in response to the Council’s tender document, saw Braintree take delivery of its first five Mercedes-based refuse collection vehicles in 2005. Four were 26-tonne 6x4 Econic 2628LL models, the other an 18-tonne 4x2 1823LL.
To these it recently added three more Econics, all new-generation 6x4 2629LLs with low-emission Euro 4 SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) engines. Like their predecessors, the new chassis were supplied by Ipswich dealer Orwell Truck and Van and are fitted with Geesink Norba compactor bodies; two have Terberg triple-split bin lifts, the other an open back.
Their arrivals mean that of the 30 refuse collection vehicles on the Braintree fleet, eight now wear the three-pointed star.
The District Council makes fortnightly collections from 60,000 households. It operates two waste transfer stations in Braintree and, when last measured, its recycling rate of 35.2 per cent was the best in Essex. Recent initiatives aimed at further increasing the proportion of waste recycled could, Mr Egan believes, soon take the figure as high as 44 per cent.
“We operate a ‘clear bag’ scheme, which is easier for householders and gives us a high level of productivity, because the sorting is done by an external processor and not at the kerbside,” he continues. Waste which cannot be recycled is sent to one of two privately-owned landfill sites near Colchester.
“We work with public money and the Council has currently to make a £3-million saving on its annual budget,” says Mr Egan. “So we must demonstrate ‘best value’ and price will always be a key component in any purchasing decision.
“But we also take account of factors such as the vehicle’s quality, reliability and suitability for the job, and it’s fair to say that on all of these counts the Econic is an outstanding success. It’s also very popular with our crews, who really appreciate their air-conditioned, low-entry cabs.
“We’ve received first-class back-up from Orwell Truck and Van too. Although, strictly speaking, we’re not even their direct customer because Geesink Norba is the prime contractor, the dealer’s Fleet Sales Manager Martyn Beverley has made himself available on several occasions to provide technical assistance and advice.” |
| | |
Models
Your toolkit