Riney takes first Econic tipper-grab

The 8x4 Econic was supplied by dealer S & B Commercials and it is working at the Aldgate gyratory in the City of London, where road improvements are being carried out. It is carrying spoil from the site back to JB Riney’s transfer yard, from where it is sent for recycling, and delivering materials such as sand, concrete and paving slabs. It is expected to be on this scheme until late summer.

The Econic has a panoramic windscreen and a fully-glazed kerbside door. This, coupled with a much lower seating position compared to a conventional construction truck, helps the driver to see motorbikes, cyclists and pedestrians. Safety is further enhanced by a set of cameras. With the safety of cyclists, in particular, a hot issue currently, the Econic has become one of the go-to vehicles for the safety-conscious operator.

Riney’s new truck is an Econic 3235 ENA model with a single front-steer axle, a double-drive bogie and a rear-steer axle. This configuration makes it more manoeuvrable than a standard 32-tonne construction eight-wheeler, an advantage for operation in the City’s tight streets.

The truck is powered by a 7.7-litre six-cylinder engine which produces 260 kW (354 hp) and drives through a six-speed Allison automatic gearbox. It is fitted with a Charlton steel tipping body and Palfinger Epsilon M135L radio remote-controlled crane with clamshell bucket.

City of London business improvement & performance manager Vince Dignam encouraged JB Riney to commission the new vehicle. “I really like the concept,” he said. “We are committed supporters of the CLOCS (Construction Logistics & Cyclist Safety) and FORS (Freight Operator Recognition Scheme) initiatives, and this vehicle is definitely setting new standards. Like the view from its cab, the safety benefits are clear to see.” 

JB Riney transport & vehicle purchase manager Barry Parker said: “We spent a lot of time talking to representatives of Mercedes-Benz and to S & B Commercials’ key account manager Vick Croker to ensure we had the specification spot on. It’s a beautiful piece of equipment, the rear-steer system being particularly impressive.”

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