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The Mercedes-Benz Econic:
Safe, Smooth and Simple to Operate
The Mercedes-Benz Econic Refuse Collection vehicle has become something of a dominant force in the sector. Having been purpose designed for its application, it’s a firm favourite with operators across the country.
Export & Freight’s Garfield Harrison was invited by Northern Ireland Dealer Mercedes-Benz Truck & Van to put this much acclaimed Econic through its paces around the busy streets of Belfast to find out what all the fuss is about...
 It’s not every day we have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a refuse truck, so before negotiating the challenging and busy streets of Belfast, we headed up the M2 motorway – in cruise control mode - to get a feel for the vehicle. That then done, we took a deep breath and headed into the city centre.
So, why do operators like the Econic? We can think of many reasons, not least the low-floor cab for easy, fast and safe entry, exit and walk through. Econic comes with a hinged driver’s door and an air operated folding passenger door as standard.
The steering wheel is adjustable for height and tilt. The pneumatic locking system makes adjustment easy and precise. Safe and ergonomic interior design is ensured by special non-splintering, hard-wearing materials with rounded panels and matching seat fabrics.
There is ample space for up to three crew members, plus the driver, with lots of individual locker room in the cab for all four, including clothes hooks and even a bottle holder. In the rear roof section of the high cab version, too, there are four stowage compartments with flaps that provide plenty of room for workwear or personal gear.
The presence of rubberised matting helps the crew to keep the floor clean, and contributes to its low maintenance.
 In Control
The driver has a great driving position, with all the necessary controls easily accessible and visible, while the all round view from the cab, courtesy of the huge windscreen, is exceptional. Indeed, suffice to say that even my green house hasn’t as much glass as the Econic! Such a high level of visibility, of course, is vitally important from a safety perspective, considering the busy and oftentimes restricted environment refuse vehicles operate in. It means the driver can see everything and everyone, and can park or position the truck accurately and safely.
This is further enhanced with the provision of electric mirrors, electric sun visor, and electric windows. It was also fitted with a very impressive rear camera; really, a must nowadays, as the driver needs to know what is exactly going on at the rear of the vehicle.
 Econic benefits from Mercedes-Benz’s unique BlueTec SCR technology. Our test vehicle boasted an impressive 290 bhp turbo intercooled 6 cylinder direct injection diesel to Euro 4 emission standards, giving loads of torque low down.
In its natural habitat of stop-go urban operation Econic must also be easy to drive: the 6-speed Allison automatic transmission was simplicity itself, with push button electronic gear selection - one button for drive, one button for reverse and one button for neutral. You can also use the manual mode if you wish to hold the gear going uphill.
All of this helped relieve the stress of negotiating the vehicle through the congested streets of Belfast.
The engine retarder on the right hand stalk featuring just one setting was very impressive as on many occasions we slowed down to the appropriate speed without touching the foot brake for cornering and roundabouts, this saving on brake wear and tear.
 Safe & Stable
And what a turning circle; we have all heard the saying that it could turn on a sixpence. Well, the Econic can turn on a sixpence; I have never seen better for a vehicle of this size!
We were very impressive by the steering - and by the truck’s stability on the road. Having air suspension means that when you have to go off road all you do to compensate is engage a button on the central dash and hey presto – you have the benefit of extra ground clearance of approx six inches, thus preventing you picking up debris and dirt, keeping underneath the vehicle a lot cleaner, as well as giving you a more balanced ride as the vehicle gets heavier with an ever increasing load.
Incidentally, the Econic has a very clever mechanism to prevent overloading; this onboard weighing feature is standard on all Econic chassis cabs and gives a read out for both gross weight and individual axle weights, information that is easy to see on the main instrument display panel. As such, the driver can keep his operation legal, knowing exactly when it’s time to return to base, without courting the danger of overloading.
An on board computer also helps you with your various daily checks, such as servicing intervals, adblue and fuel tank levels.
As well as being affordable to buy, Econic is inexpensive to own. Telligent electronic management keeps operating performance high, with fuel consumption and maintenance costs low.
An optional gas engine delivers zero smoke and particulates. This not only easily beats forthcoming Euro 5 requirements, but makes Econic the greenest RCV chassis ever.
Econic has another environmental advantage too - at the end of its life, it has been designed to offer the highest level of recyclability!
Verdict
We agree with Mercedes-Benz: this is a truck that’s truly been purpose-designed for its application, with a cab, chassis and driveline that are all 100% focused on the job in hand.
It offers an ideal working environment for its crew, while being robust, practical, safe and simple to operate.
The Mercedes-Benz Econic is one of the top spec-ed refuse vehicles on the market; this makes it a little more pricey than its competitors but few Councils buy on price only. They also take into account whole life costs, and that includes servicing.
Since its inception Econic has a great record for keeping going. It is hardly ever in the workshop and has long service intervals for this type of vehicle, so what you may pay on the purchase price is easily justified when the long term is taken into account.
Specification:
Model: Mercedes-Benz Econic 2629LL 6x2 Rear Steer Rigid Low Entry Crew Cab Bluetec 4
Engine: Mercedes-Benz 2629LL 6.37 litre 290 bhp turbo intercooled 6 cylinder direct injection diesel Euro 4
Max Torque: 1120Nm @1200-1600 rpm
Transmission: Allison automatic 6 speed with push button electronic gear selection with retarder
Brakes: Disc brakes with ABS
Cab: Low entry low floor cab design
Weight: 26 tonnes GVW
Suspension: Air suspension all round |
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