Econic is launched by Bryan Jarvis Mercedes has given CM
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a first glimpse of its new Econic 4x2 and 6x2/4 chassis-cabs, designed to compete head on with the likes of Dennis, ERF, Marshall and Seddon Atkinson in the municipal sector.
The Econic range will also be marketed as fire appliances, airport vehicles, car trans porters, road tankers and local distribution trucks.
It uses a stylish GRP-clad aluminium space frame crew-cab based on a new two-piece chassis with air suspension and disc brakes all round.
There are two power ratings of 231hp (170kW) and 270hp (205kW) but just one gearbox choice; the Allison fivespeed World Series automatic.
The four-seat cab comes in two heights; the taller for rear and side loading and the shorter for fa -nt or side loading. it extra-low model is availai,ie for crane work or car trarsporting.
In standard 4x2 form there's a choice of three whetv:es from 3.9-4.5m; Axied Econics have outer axle spreads up to 6.15m depending on whether the extra hydraulic steer axle is ahead of or trailing the drive axle.
The range is being produced at Merc's NAW "specials" factory at Arbon, Switzerland. The 4x2 will debut at this year's IWM show in Torbay in June and then become available to UK bodybuilders around August.
E CM has been to Arbon to drive an Econic fitted with refuse collection bodywork; see next week for our impressions. SPECIFICATION Model Wheelbase(s) mm Drive Engine hp/kW GVW tonnes 1823 3,900 4x2 0M906L8 18 4200, 231/170 4,500 1828 3,900 4x2 0M9061A 18 4,200 279/205 4,500 2628 3,150+1,350 6x2/4* 0M906L4 26 3,450+1,350 279/205 3,900+1,350 4,200+1,350 2628 3,900+1,350 6x2/4** 0M9061A 26 4,200+1,350 279/205 4,500+1,350 4,800+1,350 *Forward trailing axle/hydraulically steered **Trailing axle/hydraulically steered