Mercedes-Benz is set to release a waste industry-specific version of its Econic, built on feedback from customers here and in Australia.
The dual control is a bin-grabbing beast aimed squarely at waste collection services that prefer to run a side loader.
Steeering wheels and controls on either side are a response to customer demand, with drivers able to operate the truck from the side closest to the kerb, enabling bins to to be more easily seen when being picked up.
Single control Econics have been used here as waste pickers and as ladder tracks for fire and rescue applications over the last year.
Mercedes says the factory build makes the new vehicle superior to after-market conversions.
The Econic will be available as both a 6×2 and 6×4. Both use a 7.7-litre diesel engine delivering 223kW, that’s mated to a fully-auto six-speed Allison transmission. It meets rigorous Euro VI emissions standards and has top-end safety features like ESP, an electronic braking system and ABS.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks sales manager Dave Ballantyne describes the dual-control Econic as “an advanced dual control truck that ticks all the boxes from quality through to safety and environment.”
“The big news is that this is a factory-developed and built solution,” he says, “which means the highest possible quality. We think that is something that local operators will really appreciate.”
