Is it me... Or is this the prettiest garbage truck on the market? Word reaches Biglorryblog that Mercedes Econics are 'cleaning up' in Essex after being chosen by Redbridge Council to form the backbone of the Borough's refuse collection fleet. The local authority issued a tender for new trucks that was won by a combination of Heil compacting bodies mounted on 26-tonne Econic 2629 chassis supplied by S&B Commercials, Hatfield. Twenty-seven trucks have already been ordered and by March the council expects to have nine Econics with Heil Eurocycler bodies in service on kerbside collections of recyclable waste, and a further 15 trucks on standard domestic and trade refuse duties. But there's more to come if only you click through here, including a reference to Radio 4's most popular quiz show...
"The contract runs until 2010," explains Redbridge Council's engineering manager Eddie Cross. "By then we expect that the majority of the vehicles on our refuse and recycling fleet, which currently extends to 40 units, will be Econics." The council's Strategic Procurement Department selected the Mercedes-Benz municipal chassis after undertaking a detailed evaluation. "The Econic ticked most of our boxes - and points make prizes!" says Eddie clearly referring to 'I'm Sorry I haven't a Clue" which I understand is due to come back in the summer on Radio 4 with a new rotating chairperson. Which should please yours truly and a certain chum of mine at Volvo.
Eagle-eyed viewers would also have noticed the Econic in the picture is a 6x2 tag. Eddie explains: "We chose the rear-steer chassis option as we have a lot of narrow streets and tight corners to deal with, so its manoeuvrability is proving a big advantage. We've also had excellent feedback from the crews who like the comfort, accessibility and general ease of use of the cabs." Redbridge Council is unusual in that it owns the vehicles but they are operated on its behalf by waste disposal partner Enterprise. It is also one of few authorities that collects domestic refuse in black bags, rather than wheeled bins. Quite right too.
WELL WHAT ELSE WAS THERE TO CHOOSE. S&D DEAD, SEDON ATKINSON DEAD ,ERF DEAD,DENNIS.......
Oooo, 50 trucks! More imports from the foreign competition, they must be really happy, just what the British economy needs at the moment.
The really good news is that Dennis Eagle has won an order to supply around 100 dustcarts to the Nottinghamshire Vehicle Consortium. Haven't seen that particular British success story on Biglorryblog and I'm pretty sick of reading about German victories over us.
And they're better looking than those Econic things