Indeed, so impressed has the Council been with the reliability and efficiency of the Swingo, that it plans to add another one to its street cleaning operation in the New Year.
The three new sweepers certainly have their work cut out and operate 7.25 hour shifts seven days a week across the Borough’s 42 square miles, focusing on major towns like Basildon itself, Billericay and Wickford, along with a host of smaller towns and villages.
Driver choice wins the day
Mark Aldridge, Operations Manager Neighborhood Services at Basildon BC, said the Swingo has been chosen after a careful selection process.
“I brought in four or five manufacturers with demonstrators to evaluate the most suitable for our needs. While each one had its merits, the one that really stood out and which most impressed our driver and maintenance teams was the Schmidt Swingo,” said Aldridge who is responsible for a fleet of around 50 street cleaning, parks and ground maintenance vehicles.
“Our driver operators rate the new equipment very highly, especially their sweeping capabilities and their reliability. And the air-conditioned cabs have been essential in the very warm weather we’ve been experiencing.
“Any minor teething issues we may have had initially have been quickly rectified by Aebi Schmidt engineers who have provided an excellent level of support,” he added.
The sweepers have been provided on contract hire by NRG Riverside, the Council’s preferred fleet maintenance and contract hire supplier.
Training draws praise from drivers
All Basildon sweeper drivers have undergone a 24-hour training programme with an Aebi Schmidt trainer to familiarise them with the vehicles.
“Our drivers really valued the level of training and commented on the professionalism shown by Aebi Schmidt, which made it stand out from its competitors,“ said Mark Aldridge. “And we have also had tremendous support and help from Paul Pudney, our account manager, for whom nothing is too much trouble,“ he added.
Aebi Schmidt Area Sales Manager, Paul Pudney, commented: “We are thrilled to have played a key role in helping meet the street cleaning needs of Basildon Borough Council and look forward to working closely together in the future.”
