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The arrival of GRS Group’s latest batch of Mercedes-Benz trucks means the operator is now running the country’s biggest fleet of low-entry Econic tippers.

The three new trucks take GRS Group’s Econic line-up to 15 – all are 3235 models, and were delivered by Dealers Motus Truck & Van and Sparshatt Truck & Van. Based at depots in Rainham, Kent, and Bow, East London, they are currently working full-time on construction projects in Central London related to the HS2 high-speed rail link.

They were chosen for the unrivalled field of view offered from the driver’s seat, a key factor in allowing the Econic to achieve the highest possible rating from Transport for London’s Direct Vision Standard – a full five stars.

But that’s not all they offer. The Econic combines this significant attribute, which helps make it one of the safest trucks on the road for both operating crews and other road users, combined with proven Mercedes-Benz build quality, reliability and Dealer support.

GRS’s trucks are powered by 7.7-litre six-cylinder engines that produce 260 kW (354 hp) and drive through 12-speed Mercedes PowerShift 3 automated manual transmissions. The operator chose ENA configuration chassis, with single front steer axles, double-drive bogies and rear-steer axles, which allow for an impressively tight turning circle. The resulting, enhanced manoeuvrability compared to a standard 32-tonne construction eight-wheeler is a major advantage for operation in the capital.

The Econic’s deep, panoramic windscreen and the full-height, glazed folding side door chosen by GRS afford unbeatable visibility. Coupled with a seating position which is much lower than that of a conventional construction vehicle, this allows drivers to make direct eye contact with vulnerable road users, particularly cyclists and pedestrians, a major advantage in enabling each to understand the other’s intentions.

The vehicles are also equipped with Active Brake Assist 5 emergency braking technology, which boasts an industry-leading pedestrian recognition capability, and an Electronic Parking Brake that is applied automatically when the engine is switched off.

They were acquired with competitively priced funding from Daimler Truck Financial Services, and will be maintained on Mercedes-Benz Service Contracts. All 15 have Thompsons Loadmaster Lite tipping bodies and are fitted with Samsara telematics.

Matthew Johansson, GRS Group’s Plant & Logistics Director, said: “Our decision to invest so heavily in the Mercedes-Benz Econic was driven by a desire to go beyond minimum requirements and set the highest possible standards for safety, while at the same time future-proofing our fleet against any tighter future restrictions. We believe these trucks are the best option available for work in the busy urban environment of London.

“The low-entry cab makes life easier and safer for our drivers – the reduced height floor means the cab is very easy to access, while the seating position allows them to keeps a much closer eye on other road users. We take our responsibility to operate in the safest way possible very seriously, so this package made the Econic a very attractive choice.”

He continued: “The trucks have now been well proven in a tough application – removing excavated materials  from HS2 sites. We took the first examples early this year and the most recent arrived in October. Between them they’ve already shifted the best part of a million tonnes of construction spoil, and they often deliver aggregates on the return leg of their journeys too. I’ve no doubt we’ll be adding more soon.”

Mark Starosolsky, Logistics Director for HS2 contractors SCS JV, added: “GRS have proved themselves to be a trusted partner with their investment in five-star Direct Vision Standard tippers.

“These Econics, with their lower driving position, place the driver at the same level as vulnerable road users. The cab design, with much larger windows, maximises visibility while minimising the blind spots present in traditional truck design.

“We’re committed to using the safest vehicles available and are please we could work with GRS to support this investment to deliver our programme.”

Driver Peter Watson is among those tasked with piloting a GRS Econic in and out of London. He added: “Some of the guys were unsure about the cab design when we first started with these vehicles – being so low down is not what we’ve traditionally been used to in a construction truck.

“However, we were all quickly won over. The panoramic view and the fact that you’re much closer to other people on the road makes the job of negotiating busy city streets much less stressful. As an all-round package the Econic is unbeatable for this role.”

As with all new Econics supplied through the manufacturer’s UK Dealer network, GRS Group’s trucks are covered by a three-year/160,000 km warranties.

Construction output in the UK hit a record high in March, despite poor weather conditions and weak performances in the housing and commercial sectors

In March 2023, there was an estimated 0.2% increase in the volume of monthly construction output due to a 0.7% rise in new work, according to the latest ONS figures. Since records began in January 2010, construction output has reached its highest level of £15,616 million. This increase was partially offset by a 0.6% fall in repair and maintenance output.

“The modest increase in output will provide a measure of good news for the construction industry, especially given a large proportion of work during the month would have been impacted by it being the wettest March for more than 40 years,” said Clive Docwra, managing director of property and construction consultancy McBains.

Construction output varied across sectors

Four out of nine construction sectors witnessed an increase in output. Infrastructure and public work were the main contributors to the rise. Infrastructure work increased by 2.2% (£51 million), and public work increased by 6.5% (£48 million).

A rise in repair and maintenance output of 4.9% also contributed to an increase in quarterly construction output in early 2023. There has been continued strength within the repair and maintenance sectors across 2022 and early 2023, with all repair and maintenance sectors increasing in the quarter.

“The private housing and commercial sectors are still weak, with the 0.2% increase in the output being largely down to other work sectors. The picture in the housebuilding market in particular is not surprising because although reports elsewhere show house prices are rising, which would normally trigger an increase in construction activity,” said Docwra,

“Most developers are still planning to reduce by about a quarter the number of homes they planned, and further land purchase is also on hold until the economic forecast becomes clearer,” he added.

The weather may have helped the repair and maintenance sector

According to anecdotal evidence, adverse weather conditions in January 2023 increased the need for repair work. However, weather conditions improved in February 2023, which allowed for more work to be done in general.

There was a 12.4% decrease (£1,571 million) in total construction new orders when compared to the previous quarter. This was largely due to a decline in private commercial and private housing new orders, which fell by 22.3% (£773 million) and 18.4% (£607 million), respectively.

Six out of the seven sectors witnessed a decrease in total construction new orders in Quarter 1 2023, with the largest contributor being other new work new orders (non-housing) which fell by 9.7% (£874 million).

Private commercial new orders saw the largest decline, decreasing by 22.3% (£773 million). This was due to falls in office and entertainment projects. Infrastructure decreased by 8.2% (£183 million). However, there was an increase of 11.1% (£177 million) in public new work new orders during the same period.

Furthermore, the annual rate of construction output price growth was 8.5% in the 12 months leading up to March 2023. Although this growth rate is still high, it has slowed down slightly from the record annual price growth of 10.4% that was observed in May and June 2022.

Source: pbc today