Waste trucks meeting 2011 emission standards

Council reducing emissions and noise

The Volvo FE waste truck is powered by a new Euro 5-compliant, 7-litre, 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.

The City of Whittlesea council north of Melbourne is one of the largest municipalities in the metropolitan area, almost 500 km² with a population of 150,000. It has recently added eight Volvo garbage trucks and four recycling collections trucks to its waste management fleet in a contract with provider Visy.

Being compliant to Euro 5 regulations means the trucks can deliver Australia’s 2011 exhaust emission standards, reducing nitrogen oxide emissions by 43% compared to current Euro 4 regulations. This was one of the factors that impressed the City of Whittlesea when choosing the trucks. According to Peter Ali from Melbourne’s Whittlesea Council, it was prepared to pay the 2% premium on price because of what it was getting. As well as meeting 2011 emission standards, the trucks also provided a list of other features including easier and quieter operation.

Volvo says the trucks emit 80% less PM than Eu3, emit 60% less NO_x than Eu3 and emit 43% less NO_x than Eu4. The company is also releasing a software upgrade later this year called EEV - Enhanced Environmentally-friendly Vehicle. It can be fitted to existing Eu5 engines and offers even greater reductions in harmful gases, versus Eu5, in transient cycles including: 46% less hydrocarbons (HC); 25% less carbon monoxide (CO); 33% less particulates or soot; and 70% less smoke (ELR).

Gary Bone, General Manager Volvo Trucks, says, “In recent trials, customers have 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 in tight corners.

The Volvo FE Dual Control also features a unique, noise-reducing compression braking system, making it suitable for sensitive residential and city areas.

The Electronic Braking System (EBS) for near instantaneous brake response 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.

The Volvo FE features telescopic fully tilt-adjustable steering wheels on both sides of the cab, using two dedicated steering boxes for maximum handling, durability and reliability.

“To top it all off, the Volvo FE Dual Control is engineered to require less maintenance, fewer oil changes, less fuel and less downtime,” says Gary Bone.

The Whittlesea garbage and recycling trucks started operating in July and the council is expecting a positive response from the community.