Luton-based waste management specialist Cawleys has bought a new 26-tonne Mercedes-Benz Antos refuse collection vehicle with a Heil Powerlink body.

The Antos 2632 has a ClassicSpace M-Cab with extra storage space behind the seats. Its 7.7-litre, straight-six engine generates 235 kW (320 hp), which is transmitted to both rear axles via an eight-speed Mercedes PowerShift automated gearbox.

Driver appeal, coupled with reliability and competitive whole-life costs, prompted family-owned Cawleys to invest in its first Mercedes-Benz Antos. The range is designed for heavy-duty, short-radius roles, its rigid chassis at 18 and 26 tonnes gvw offering better driving dynamics and manoeuvrability, economical, high-torque engines which also contribute to the level of comfort.

The vehicle will be collecting commercial waste in large wheeled bins from the premises of business customers across the Home Counties and in London.

'The Antos is better suited to this application than the low-entry Mercedes-Benz Econic it has replaced, because it entails covering greater distances and making fewer stops than required for a domestic waste collection round,' said head of waste collection Phil Gudgeon.

'We spoke to other operators in our industry before placing our order, and it's clear that Mercedes-Benz trucks has an excellent reputation for reliability, which will be crucial if we're to deliver a service on which our customers can depend.

'The truck has been extremely well received by our drivers and the early indications are that it will be significantly more fuel-efficient than its predecessor. This is important because as well as reducing our operating costs, it is helping to minimise the impact of our business on the environment'

Established in 1947 and now in the third generation of family ownership, Cawleys specialises in collecting and recycling commercial waste, including food and hazardous and sensitive materials. It runs a fleet of 16 trucks which handle a variety of wheeled bins and skips.

The company has a policy of aiming for zero waste to landfill, preferring instead to recycle ' to this end it operates its own materials recycling, waste-to-energy and anaerobic digestion facilities.

The subject of a five-year Mercedes-Benz Repair and Maintenance contract, it is being inspected and serviced at Intercounty Truck & Van's Toddington workshop.