Concrete mixer operators from the Sola group deplore an accident rate for falls of 33%. They perform no less than 40 cabin ascents and descents per day. At the same time, the blind spots of their tops pose threats to pedestrians. These are also threats for fans of soft mobility: bicycles, scooters, unicycles, etc. Wishing to eliminate these dangers from his activity, Othmane Jennane, manager of Sola and Trans Route Béton, convinced his clients Unibéton and Eqiom. For Sola, this involves testing three highly secure Mercedes-Benz Econic concrete mixers with a low cabin since November 2021, two in Île-de-France and one in Nantes.
The Econic concrete mixer, a 360° vision for Sola trucks
Designed on an Actros chassis, the Econic rotor has a power of 350 HP for a width of 2.49 m. Its empty weight reaches 9,100 kg for a payload of 19 t, i.e. 8 m3 of concrete. Increased by 80 cm, its length is “compensated by its maneuverability”, declares Othmane Jennane. With its panoramic DirectVision windscreen, glass door, large mirrors, 360° vision camera and surrounding motion sensors, the Econic makes it easier for drivers to spot road users. Its glass door opens like an accordion. Its two steps open onto a flat floor. Its full suspension allows the chassis to be lowered to curb level. All of this equipment increases driver comfort and improves their work by eliminating the risk of falling.
Zero accidents since November 2021
The test result is already positive. “These Econic rotors have not experienced any accidents since they joined the fleet,” says Othmane Jennane. The fleet of 100 high cabin tops still has one accident per week despite the precautions taken. The drivers are also satisfied: “They no longer want to return to a standard truck”, adds the manager. As for Unibéton, the company is admiring. “These two mixer trucks make the transport of concrete totally reliable. They respond perfectly to safety issues on construction sites and in built-up areas,” she says with satisfaction.
40% surcharge on purchase
Othmane Jennane would like his customers to support him in the acquisition of other copies. But these are holding back investment for two reasons. “Its limited production makes the Econic router 40% more expensive than a conventional router and my three routers run on diesel. Electromobility thus does not offer a technically accomplished solution for our profession, comments the manager. I am currently testing the XTL biofuel provided by Altens. It emits 90% less CO2 than diesel. But it can only be Crit’Air1 when Daimler Truck has made its use irreversible on its trucks. If the manufacturer assures the Econic a TCO equivalent to that of a standard router, I will order other copies from them. »
