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Biffa boost their Mercedes-Benz Econic fleet
Integrated waste management and recycling leader, Biffa, has recently added another 43 Mercedes-Benz Econic trucks to their fleet. This includes its first skip loaders and hook loaders.
Words by: Auto Trader
Published on 26 May 2019 | 0 min read
These vehicles have been supplied by South Wales Dealer Euro Commercials, with the majority being 6x2 Econic 2630L variants. Biffa is currently trialling these vehicles in London where Econic has recently secured a five-star Direct Vision rating.
Greater Safety is one of the three fundamental concepts of the Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ RoadEfficiency strategy. The Econic offers superior visibility thanks to its panoramic windscreen and full-height folding side door. Together with a much lower seating position, it allows drivers to make direct eye contact with cyclists and pedestrians for improved safety. In addition, the full complement of factory-fit safety systems has given Mercedes-Benz several high-profile orders for Econic-based vehicles from operators in various industries like construction and distribution. Biffa’s newest Economics are also powered by economical inline six-cylinder engines; the RCVs produce 220 kW (299 hp), the skip loaders offer 200 kW (272 hp) and the hook loaders offer 260 kW (354 hp). They are all based on the same advanced 7.7-litre power plant. Colin Bagnall, Biffa Fleet Project Engineer, stated that “The Econic is our preferred low-entry RCV chassis. It is reliable and cost-effective in operation, while our crews appreciate its comfortable, air-conditioned, walk-through cab.” He also added, “We’ll be monitoring their performance closely but the initial feedback from drivers has been entirely positive. They particularly appreciate the excellent visibility which the Econic offers.”
Greater Safety is one of the three fundamental concepts of the Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ RoadEfficiency strategy. The Econic offers superior visibility thanks to its panoramic windscreen and full-height folding side door. Together with a much lower seating position, it allows drivers to make direct eye contact with cyclists and pedestrians for improved safety. In addition, the full complement of factory-fit safety systems has given Mercedes-Benz several high-profile orders for Econic-based vehicles from operators in various industries like construction and distribution. Biffa’s newest Economics are also powered by economical inline six-cylinder engines; the RCVs produce 220 kW (299 hp), the skip loaders offer 200 kW (272 hp) and the hook loaders offer 260 kW (354 hp). They are all based on the same advanced 7.7-litre power plant. Colin Bagnall, Biffa Fleet Project Engineer, stated that “The Econic is our preferred low-entry RCV chassis. It is reliable and cost-effective in operation, while our crews appreciate its comfortable, air-conditioned, walk-through cab.” He also added, “We’ll be monitoring their performance closely but the initial feedback from drivers has been entirely positive. They particularly appreciate the excellent visibility which the Econic offers.”