Dacorum Borough Council standardises its refuse collection fleet on 25 reliable and efficient Mercedes-Benz Econics

7 October, 21

West Hertfordshire’s Dacorum Borough Council has made a second major investment in the Mercedes-Benz truck technology that is already delivering enhanced reliability and uptime, greater safety and improved operating efficiency.

The authority has just added a further 14 Econic refuse collection vehicles to the 11 it commissioned in January 2020. All 25 trucks were supplied by S & B Commercials, which has been trading as Motus Truck & Van since the completion in August of its formal tie-up with another member of the manufacturer’s franchised Dealer network.

Dacorum Borough Council’s fleet of 32 refuse collection vehicles is now dominated by Mercedes-Benz, the only trucks that do not wear the three-pointed star being smaller and more specialised.

Like their predecessors, its latest Econics are 2630LL models, in 6×2 rear-steer configuration. They are powered by 7.7-litre in-line six-cylinder engines that transmit their 220 kW (299 hp) outputs via six-speed Allison automatic gearboxes ideally suited to stop-start applications.

The new trucks are fitted with Geesinknorba MF Series 21H25 compactors and Terberg Omnidel Triple lifts. The bodies offer a smart solution for modern waste management by providing two sealed compartments that can be operated independently, preventing any cross-contamination. This means that two waste ‘streams’ – residual domestic refuse and recyclable food, for example – can be collected and discharged separately.

The Econics are also equipped with ISS four-camera video systems, which have live-view and recording functions, and Cyclear detectors to warn drivers of the presence of vulnerable road users on the nearside.

Those trucks that have been in service since last year have single-compartment Geesinknorba GPM IV compactors and Combi Split bin lifts.

The outstanding reliability of its first batch of Econics was instrumental in persuading Dacorum Borough Council to commit to its second order. Transport Manager Simon Smith confirmed: “The vehicles we took on last year have not missed a beat.

“They start first time each morning, and that’s crucial as our teams start work at 6.30am. In doing so, they have borne out my previous experience with other local authorities that also operate Econics.”

The improvement in vehicle availability – its previous trucks spent significantly more time in the workshop – was a major ‘plus point’ in the Econic’s favour. However, it was not the only reason behind Dacorum Borough Council’s decision to switch to Mercedes-Benz.

“We undertook a thorough evaluation of the various products on the market and trialled demonstrators by several suppliers,” recalled Mr Smith. “The package from Mercedes-Benz and Geesinknorba gave us everything we wanted, and at a competitive price, with the promise of timely, customer-focused aftersales support should we need it.”

Standardisation of what was previously a diverse refuse collection has also delivered efficiencies. “When I took up this role in 2018 we were running vehicles by a variety of manufacturers and in several different configurations,” said Mr Smith.

“We’re now dealing with a much smaller group of suppliers. This means our bin collection teams don’t have to familiarise themselves with different vehicles and sets of controls, while the technicians who look after our trucks benefit from specialised training provided by the team at Motus Truck & Van, who also support our workshop with regular parts deliveries. A fleet that’s built around a single truck model means parts stock can be much more streamlined.”

Dacorum Borough Council covers an area that includes towns and historic villages with a combined population of more than 150,000. Most of the refuse vehicles are based at its headquarters in Hemel Hempstead, with a smaller number working from a depot at Tring.

Purpose-designed for urban duties, the Econic range employs innovative catalyst technology that helps to reduce emissions of particulate matter and oxides of nitrogen. Advanced Euro VI engines offer exemplary fuel-efficiency while also restricting AdBlue consumption, and plenty of torque, even at low engine speeds.

The Econic’s air-conditioned cab has a deep, wraparound screen and low floor, ensuring ease of access for crew members stepping in and out. The vehicle’s standard-fit safety armoury includes Active Brake Assist 5, which uses camera and radar technology to spot potential hazards in the lane ahead, at speeds of up to 56 mph (90 km/h).

Detection of a dangerous situation triggers a three-stage reaction: first, the system warns the driver with visual and audible alerts; then, if the driver fails to react, it applies partial (approximately 50%) braking; finally, if the driver has still not intervened, it initiates maximum braking to bring the truck to a halt, activating the hazard warning lights to alert drivers behind.

At speeds of up to 31 mph (50 km/h), Active Brake Assist 5 can apply full braking when encountering pedestrians crossing its path, approaching from the front or walking ahead. This remarkable capability increases safety for vulnerable road users and vehicle crews, while also helping to relieve stress for drivers.

The electronic architecture required for operation of Active Brake Assist 5 means Dacorum Borough Council’s Econics also feature Electronic Parking Brakes, which are applied automatically as the engine is switched off. When the truck is at a standstill, after full braking for example, the automatic HOLD function prevents the vehicle from rolling away.

www.dacorum.gov.uk

Related posts

6 February, 24
Warburtons, Britain’s largest bakery brand, has chosen Tiger Trailers to provide 38 rigid box vans to join its nationwide fleet of vehicles delivering fresh bread to 18,500 stores across the country every day.
Advertisement
TK23-022-Banner-AxlePower-1400x1200

Latest posts

27 March, 24
Parksafe Group, the vehicle safety specialist, has entered into a fleet technology partnership with Queclink Wireless Solutions to develop industry-leading telematics and connectivity systems.