Precon Products replicates Mercedes-Benz Econic chassis to ensure safety

Precon Products has developed a dropside body concept based on a Mercedes-Benz Econic chassis.

The new 26-tonne vehicle is fitted with hydraulically operated walkways which run the full length of its bed and are accessed via fold-out steps.

This ensures the driver does not have difficulties reaching over the back to get the load.

Mike Philpot, managing director at Precon Products, said: “It’s all multi-drop work in London, which means that drivers often have to access the back of the truck to move products and materials around, and get them off.

“These days customers insist that vehicles must have side rails so no-one falls, which is great from a health and safety perspective.

“But if the truck is fully loaded there’s no room for the driver, so he ends up clambering over everything. That’s potentially dangerous in itself, and understandably the sites don’t like it.”

Precon Products recently relocated to its purpose-built premises four-acre site in Bury St Edmunds.

It has acquired its first truck. Which was chosen for its low-entry cab and Direct Vision safety credentials. It won the London Cycling Award in 2016 for these reasons.

The Econic 2635 L was supplied by East Anglia Dealer Orwell Truck & Van, and it is powered by a high-torque, 7.7-litre straight-six engine which generates 260 kW (354 hp) and drives through a 12-speed Mercedes PowerShift 3 automated manual transmission.   

The company was founded in 2008, and now has a turnover of £44 million.

Its Primary duties include supplying a comprehensive range of products, tools, and accessories to the construction and building sectors across the country from its depots in Northamptonshire, South Yorkshire, and Surrey.