Dutch target binmen
Page 12
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
by Brian Weatherley
• Dutch specialist vehicle builders Terberg and Ginaf have targeted the British refuse vehicle market in an export attack.
Benschop-based Terberg has just launched the narrow-track TS1000 refuse chassis with Volvo running gear and its own 2m wide VCI three-man cabin. At the RAI Show last week export manager Paul Michon declared: "We're looking at the UK market and we're planning to present the TS1000 at the Institute of Waste Management Show," which takes place from 13-16 June at Torbay.
The two-axle TS1000 has a GVW of 18.4 tonnes with both axles air suspended; is powered by the 172kW (230hp) Volvo TD73E six-litre engine and can take refuse bodies of nine, 11 and 14m3 capacity, says Michon.
The Terberg cab provides three-abreast seating and a entry step of 410mm. A bigger crew cab can be specified. Terberg has sold 11 of the chassis and has a demonstrator equipped with a German Haller refuse body.
Fellow Dutch manufacturer Ginaf is developing an ultra-lowfloor cab—part of its Eureka municipal vehicle project. According to marketing and sales manager Steven Ketel, a prototype version of the refuse truck with a flat 350mm step/floor height and full-height side door will be unveiled around May.
After trials, production versions should appear by the end of the year "and pretty soon in the UK," says Ketel. "We're going to investigate British legislation and make it pass tests for the UK." Ginaf will look at TWM as a possible venue to present the Eureka bin wagon.
With tougher safety laws and more back-end equipment, loaders are no longer able to ride on the back of vehicles between pickups, says Ketel.
However, the Ginaf cabin is designed so they can stand up in the cab while the vehicle is moving and allowing easy boarding: "We think this is the real solution, they can stand up and the door can stay open as the truck goes along."
The 2.2m interior height Ergotruck cab is made of GRP over a steel and alloy frame and is light. It can be mounted on Ginafs own two or three-axle chassis in left or right-hand drive; power will initially be provided by Dafs 6.2-litre NS inline six although Ketel says "if people want a Cummins BSeries or a Perkins they could be fitted."
The engine will be mounted partly over the front axle: "We'll still have rear-wheel-drive, we've made the chassis so it takes regular refuse bodies."
The first models will be 2.4m wide with a 2.2m version expected in 1995. Other special options include a raise/lower hydraulic suspension, rear-wheel-steering and a crew cab.