New Econic in waste management at Biffa – for good reason.
You could say the Econic trucks owned by Biffa deserve the red carpet, after all, the red trucks are the top dogs when it comes to waste management in Britain. With over 1,500 vehicles, the company based in High Wycombe is the leading provider of integrated waste disposal and recycling solutions in the UK. Most of the fleet are trucks with the three-pointed star and come from the Wörth plant, which is the largest truck works in the world.
Loyalty to the three-pointed star: 51 new vehicles, 43 of which are Econic models.
On this year's shopping trip, Biffa once again opted for vehicles from Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks. More than 80 % of the new vehicles are Econic models. Most of these are the 2630L 6x2 variant with trailing axle and waste compactor press. There are also three Econic 1827L skip loaders and two 3235L ENA hook lifters. The hydraulically steered trailing axle ensures high manoeuvrability despite the vehicle's size.
Biffa chose the Econic once again and, according to fleet engineer Colin Bagnall, there are a number of good reasons for this: "The Econic is our refuse collection truck of choice with its low entrance. It's reliable and economical in operations, and our staff like the comfortable and spacious air-conditioned cab." The fleet professional is openly enthusiastic about the Mercedes-Benz truck.
More safety: the Econic scores points for visibility and assistance systems.
In overcrowded cities like London, protecting weaker road users is hugely important. The major criterion is to have the best possible view of all that's going on. And this is where the Econic really stands out from the crowd: thanks to its DirectVision cab with low-slung windscreen and fully-glazed side door, it provides the best-possible all-round visibility. Also, the low seating position enables the driver to make direct eye contact with cyclists and pedestrians.
And last but not least, these properties, together with the safety systems installed ex works, were decisive factors in Biffa choosing these vehicles, as Colin Bagnall confirms: "With this vehicle we are going new ways and emphasising our commitment to safe, compliant use in heavily frequented urban areas."
Low consumption with modern drive technology.
The British company shows its social conscience by the choice of engine in the new Econic. All the trucks are powered by economical six-cylinder inline engines.
The extremely low fuel consumption is also helped by the PowerShift automated transmission with which the roll-off tippers and skip loaders are equipped. The advantage: compared with a conventional automatic transmission, it provides far greater efficiency in stop-start operations typical for refuse collection vehicles.
Star service at the buying stage.
Biffa was also convinced by working together with their Mercedes-Benz dealership Euro Commercials. The company from South Wales supported them from A to Z during the procurement of their new Econic trucks.
"The tender documents were compiled professionally and submitted on-time," says Colin Bagnall approvingly. Also, says the fleet professional, the dealership provided outstanding service. "Euro Commercials oversaw the bodybuilding process and worked hand in hand with the other suppliers. The dealership kept us informed regularly about our order."
For Biffa, it's this combination of safety, economy and reliable service that led to choosing the Econic once again. And it's just those qualities that make the Econic the top dog in waste disposal management – and not just on Britain's roads.
