News

Verdant Group has begun operating its 20th Mercedes-Benz Econic refuse collection vehicle on the streets of Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire. The Econics, supplied by Sparshatts of Kent on a seven-year waste and recycling  contract, are mainly 2629LL 6x4 or 6x2 (rear-steer) chassis, augmented by four 8x4 3233LLs.

The 26-tonne GVW trucks usually undertake more rural collections, where access is an issue the 32-tonne GVW chassis are used on urban collections to maximise payload. Built at Woerth, Germany, and designed for municipal operation, the low-frame Econic has a tight turning circle and air suspension all round including the hub-reduction drive axle(s).The SCR engine drives through an Allison six-speed automatic gearbox.

Verdant - part of Greenstar UK - operates Econics on other contracts throughout the UK. "We know it to be a reliable product, with suspension that's strong enough to cope with the rigours of tipping on landfill sites," says Pete Dickson, the company's development director.

"The Econic is smooth and quiet in operation, and is proving popular with the crews we have taken on from the council's previous waste management services supplier they particularly like  its panoramic, low-entry cab which is easily accessed and provides excellent vision. We also enjoy a very good working relationship with the manufacturer and particularly with Sparshatts."