RHA alerts operators to Low Emission Certificate engine number requirement 24 September 2007

Operators should be aware that if they are presenting a vehicle to undergo the London Low Emission Smoke test required for Euro I and Euro II vehicles, those carring out the test are tipping vehicle cabs to ensure that the engine details are correct. Testers will not issue the Low Emission Certificate (LEC) from information supplied on documents, they will want to check details on the engine plate. "VOSA have confirmed that they will carry out a physical engine detail check before issuing an LEC, and hauliers should be aware of this before presenting a vehicle. Checking for the vehicle number before setting out could save operators time and money,” said RHA Head of Technical Services, Steve Biddle

Newry chooses Mercedes Econic 04 September 2007

Three new Mercedes Econic refuse collection vehicles are cleaning up on the streets of Newry and Mourne. Newry and Mourne District Council has added the trucks, supplied by dealer Mercedes-Benz Truck and Van (NI), of Newtownabbey, to its fleet of 15 refuse vehicles at 26 tonnes and above. Two of the new arrivals are 6x4 Econic 2629LL 26-tonners, with Farid bodies and Zoeller automatic split bin-lifts. The third is a 32-tonne 8x4 Econic 3233LL with Dennis Phoenix body and Terberg lifts. The trucks are the council’s first from the new-generation Mercedes Econic range, launched last year. Powered by fuel-efficient, low-emission BlueTec® SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) engines, they are also its first Euro 4 vehicles. The latest Econic builds on the strengths of the original model, which has proved a huge hit with operators across the UK since its launch in 1999, by offering a fresh, distinctive cab design, improved comfort and safety, and a new five-speed automatic gearbox. Like most manufacturers, Mercedes-Benz chose SCR technology as the most fuel-efficient way to achieve Euro 4 emissions targets. The SCR system relies on AdBlue, a harmless additive carried in a separate tank, which is injected into the exhaust system. The trucks are now on general domestic waste collection duties across the district, and also work on the council’s ‘brown bin’ bio-degradable collection service. Jim McCorry, Director of Technical and Leisure Services, says: “The 32-tonner is a great asset as it provides much greater flexibility. “Much of our district is very rural, and the collection routes can be long and far-flung, so the ability to stay out and collect much more in one journey is a major advantage. It’s also well suited to ‘brown bin’ work, where the loads tend to be significantly heavier.” He continues: “In the immediate future we’ll be looking to replace another two of our refuse vehicles and we’re working on a comprehensive rescheduling of our collections.” Councillor Michael Cole, Mayor of Newry and Mourne, adds: “These vehicles were purchased after a competitive tender, and their low entry cabs and general user-friendliness make them a popular choice with staff, while our workshop technicians are already familiar with the model.”

Scarab’s Vitos make it a clean sweep 04 September 2007

Leading road sweeper supplier Scarab Sweepers is cleaning up with its new fleet of fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz Vito vans. The firm, which is based in Marden, Kent, has assigned the ‘magnificent seven’ Long-bodied Vito 115CDIs to its national Service Support Team. Supplied by Sittingbourne dealer Sparshatts of Kent, its vans certainly cut a dash in their metallic silver paintwork with colour-coded bumpers. But their beauty is more than skin deep, as they also boast optional automatic transmissions, cruise control and Thermotronic automatic climate control systems, providing Scarab’s engineers with a comfortable and relaxing drive. Optional COMFORT Packs add other luxury touches such as Comfort seats for driver and passenger, a soft touch dash with Silverstone trim, and tinted glass, as well as an airbag for the passenger (the driver’s comes as standard). Scarab’s service engineers work in the field and at the factory, supporting the growing number of road sweepers built by the company that are now in operation throughout the UK. Transport Co-ordinator Tony Lawrence is a long-standing admirer of the three-pointed star. “We regularly build sweepers on Mercedes truck chassis and have operated Mercedes Atego as our own demonstration units for some time,” he says. “Our previous, mixed fleet of vans included a Vito110CDI with manual gearbox. We found it reliable and it commanded a high residual value, so we decided to take a look at the latest Mercedes product. “After consultation with our engineers, we were pleased they all chose the new Vito; in fact, the engineers reckon their smart silver Mercedes are the best thing since sliced bread.” According to Mr Lawrence, the 150hp common rail diesel-engined Vito 115CDIs are also “miles better” in terms of fuel consumption than Scarab’s previous, mixed-marque van fleet. “These are still early days, of course, but I’m sure our new Mercedes will prove to be very reliable too,” he continues. “My confidence is based not only on the marque’s reputation for strength and durability, but also on the performance of a larger Mercedes Sprinter van which we run as a utility vehicle and which has so far clocked up 170,000 trouble-free miles.” Founded in 1979 by Managing Director Rodger Hoadley, Scarab has pioneered the single-engine sweeper, which uses the vehicle’s engine to power its suction fan and brushes via a hydraulic drive. Now one of the country’s leading road sweeper suppliers, it also exports its custom-built vehicles to Europe and beyond. www. scarab-sales.com