Lake Ossiach’s water board uses an Econic 2635 to keep its sewage network clear.

Keeping things flowing.

"We try to avoid the 'fire service' approach as far as possible," explains Markus Londer, who isn't just responsible for cleaning the drain network, but also for maintaining the 240 pumping stations. "The aim is to keep the network running with as few interruptions as possible and to avoid large-scale damage in the long term. It's about keeping follow-on costs low by repairing any damage as soon as possible," says the expert. "If we were to work like the fire service – in other words, only turning out when something bad has happened – that would mean we weren't doing our job properly in the first place. However, despite our best efforts, we do still sometimes have to deal with the odd acute problem here or there across the network. Plus, at the end of the day, we're dealing with public funds and so it's up to all of us to use them as economically, expediently, and efficiently as possible."

Economic operation is an especially important aspect where this Econic scores highly. Its fresh water consumption is kept to an absolute minimum during rinsing operations. One tank filling per working day is enough water for the operations and thus also avoids time-intensive refilling breaks to pick up more fresh water. This is made possible thanks to a special filter: while the high-pressure jet and hose move through the pipes, Markus Londer uses a 150-mm tube to vacuum up the waste water and any debris which comes free. This then lands in the waste water tank of the 350-hp Econic. "Coarse material such as gravel remains in the tank and the water then passes through a filter and can be re-used for rinsing," explains Markus Londer.

A perfect partner in grime.

Even when he and his Econic aren't working directly at a manhole, the truck offers a range of comprehensive advantages. "The height of our Econic was kept nice and low. That, plus the truck's compact size, is a real advantage which shouldn't be underestimated when driving through small villages and towns. It also means I'm at eye level with pedestrians, plus with the large windows and all the mirrors, I always have a good view of my surroundings." The water board employee also enjoys the benefits offered by the low, ergonomic entrance. "Over the course of a working day, we drive forward a few metres, then have to get back out, so you really do notice the difference."

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The spacious cab is also sometimes used as a changing room. "Obviously, we're out on the road regardless of the weather, so we sometimes need to put on rain overalls. In a normal truck when you're two-up, that's pretty difficult, but here in the Econic there's plenty of space to get changed and you can even stand up normally. And after completing the work, I can take off the wet overalls and put them in the aisle to make sure the seats stay dry."

A big fan of trucks and machinery, WVO employee Markus Londer also offers up a further advantage which the special truck has and which he'd miss if he no longer had it: the Allison 3200 P automatic transmission. "It's fantastic when you're driving. It's so comfortable it's unbelievable," tells Markus Londer. No wonder, then, that he sees his Econic 2635 as a perfect partner for accomplishing the daily maintenance of the extensive sewage network.