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Merc targets services by Bryan Jarvis • Mercedes-Benz's latest Econic

16th April 1998, Page 19
16th April 1998
Page 19
Page 19, 16th April 1998 — Merc targets services by Bryan Jarvis • Mercedes-Benz's latest Econic
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chassis range with its low-entry cab is bound to have a considerable impact on the municipal sector, but Mercedes will also be looking for sales of Econic fire appliances, airport vehicles, tankers and local distribution trucks.

Left-hand-drive versions will become available following the Econic's UK launch at the Institute of Waste Management exhibition in June at Torbay.

As well as that low-line chassis, the Econic has a stylish GRP-clad aluminium space frame cab, full-air suspension and disc brakes on all axles.

There are two and three-axled models, all powered by the 6.4litre 0M906LA charge-cooled inline six rated at 231hp (170kW) or 279hp (205kW) with peak torque of 810Nm (597Ibft) and 1,100Nm (8111bft) respectively. It drives through an Allison World Series MD 3060 fivespeed auto gearbox. A 279hp (205kW) natural gas (CNG) version is due next year.

Apart from the box the Econic is all-Mercedes; many parts come direct from the Actros and Atego catalogues, cutting the number of new components to just 515. Options include the usual Allison retarder and PTO, but narrowtrack or all-wheel-drive Econics are not among Merc's plans.

The Econic, which conforms to ECE R29 and Swedish impact requirements, is designed to make maximum use of interior space for the usual driver-plusthree, in-line crew arrangement.

There are two cab heights: a 2,390mm version with an inner height of 1,485mm, and a 2,840mm model with a 1,935min ceiling. The taller version is designed for waste disposal operations with rear and side loading; the shorter cab is for front or side loading work.

Lowering the frame's nose by 200mm has enabled Merc to keep the new cab floor to just 795mm high (unladen) with steps at 356mm and 510mm. The driver's door opening is restricted to around 80° but entry is still relatively easy. Crew access is via a standard two-piece folding door.

Kit can be stored in lockers in the rear header section or in the 510mm-deep, 230mm-wide space behind the two centre seats. There are also coathooks.

Large, deep windscreens and side windows provide good visibility on three sides and there's a full set of heated rear-view mirrors. Both cabs are quite well insulated and air-conditioning is on the options list.

Like Merc's Actros and Atego ranges, the Econic has the Telligent microprocessor controlled maintenance system that calculates distance and time to its next service. Both cabs tilt to 53°, giving reasonable access.

Chassis To keep dead weight down, Mercedes has opted for a flattopped, two-piece frame, bolted and riveted together behind the front axle; the front section dips by 193mm. Wheelbases for 4x2s run from 3,9004,500mm in increments of 300mm; 6x2/4s run from 3,1504,800mm.

All threeaxled Econics have electron ically and hydraulically controlled air suspension on each axle, making them suitable for demount or fixed bodies.

The 305/ 7OR 22.5in tyres allow for 12.6 tonnes on the drive axle and 7.1 tonnes on the steer or trailing axles. The drive axle has a slightly higher rating: Merc says this allows for a trailing axle to be raised.

Driving impression's Driving unladen versions on a short route around the Arbon factory left us favourably impressed. The steps are low and the entry's narrower than many established rivals; the forward folding door leaves an entry way just 508mm wide.

The light-blue interior looks well trimmed; the floor covering looks durable, too. Mind you, take the Econic out on a spot of bin collecting and the interior won't remain like that for long.

The instrumentation layout with slotted tachograph is excellent and the controls are well placed for easy use, especially the dash-mounted Allison drive buttons. Visibility is impressive too. Handling is sound with nicely balanced steering and a reasonably tight turning circle (Merc claims a 46° steer angle).

Running unladen it was no surprise that its acceleration was sharp, but there's a promise of adequate power with a full load, and with all-round discs, firstclass stopping power is on the cards. Mercedes fits a front under-run guard as standard but the radiator's lower edges might be vulnerable on sites.

Summary Daniel Coppens, Mercedes' head of European truck sales and marketing, isn't worried about competition from the likes of Seddon Atkinson, Marshall, Ginaf and Terberg. While the engineers are busy securing EC homologation, Merc's won orders for 130 refuse chassis.

The Econic will also attack new markets: Merc is in the running for a lucrative contract in Singapore and it's targeting Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland.

Coppens is aware of Dennis's dominance in the UK and of its presence in France, Germany and Switzerland, but he dismisses this as "just small numbers. Initially we expect to achieve annual sales throughout Europe of around 2,500 units and a return on our investment in just four years."


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