Regional council buys Volvo trucks

To reduce emissions and increase driver comfort

Bundaberg Council has recently selected the Volvo FE for its next waste collection units in order to reduce its environmental impact and improve operator comfort. The council will also be using Volvo’s Dynafleet fleet management system which tracks every aspect of truck performance.

The Volvo FE compactor trucks are powered by a Euro 5-compliant, 7 L, 6-cylinder diesel engine, which generates 300 hp. The engine is turbocharged and the wide torque range and quick response to accelerator ensures good driveability, making it suitable for urban waste collection.

“In recent trials, the council has been extremely impressed by the driver comfort due to the four-point coil cabin suspension and air ride driver’s seat. Also, the light steering means the truck is easy to manoeuvre,” says James Stanfield, Manager of Waste and Recycling Services.

“The truck has been engineered to require lower engine rpm to lift the bins, making it significantly quieter in and out of the cabin. The drivers also noticed there was no wheel or brake squeal.”

The FE Dual Control is claimed to be the only side-loader in Australia that can deliver 2011 emissions standards (Euro 5), today, reducing nitrogen oxide emissions by 43% compared to current Euro 4 regulations.

The FE trucks are built in a CO₂-neutral factory in Ghent, Belgium, where solar, wind and hydro power combine with energy conservation techniques to eliminate CO₂ emissions.

The side-loader features a noise-reducing compression braking system, making it suitable for sensitive residential and city areas.

The EBR engine brake with exhaust pressure governor provides 188 kW of engine retardation. This system works in conjunction with the exhaust brake to ensure minimum braking noise.

Furthermore, a thick layer of insulation under the cab reduces engine noise. Good aerodynamics help eliminate wind noise and the all-round insulation of the cab further reduces road noise to keep cabin sound levels low, making the working environment for the operator quieter.

The truck also features an electronic braking system for near instantaneous brake response. The system includes hill start assist to reduce the risk of rolling back, traction control to improve durability in slippery or uneven road conditions and, on truck and trailer combinations, electronic brake-force distribution to enhance stability.