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Volvo lowers the bar...
Page 14
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The domination of the low-entry refuse truck market by Dennis and Mercedes-Benz could soon be over now that Volvo has developed its own low-entry municipal. warrior.
Worasimages: Brian WeatherLey
IF YOU'RE LOOKING to buy a low-entry refuse chassis in the UK, the choice isn't overwhelming.
But considering how much of a stranglehold the two leading contenders have on the market, you could be forgiven for thinking that the Dennis Eagle Elite and Mercedes-Benz Econic provide what most refuse operators want.
Despite the fact Scania and BMC also have low-entry chassis offerings in the UK, the 'big two' have the sector pretty much sewn up. Yet this hasn't deterred Volvo Trucks UK from developing its own low-entry contender that could well upset the status quo come the end of the year.
Last week, CM was given an exclusive 'extra-early' preview of Volvo's new LEC (short for low entry cab) FE 26-tonne refuse chassis — and we were impressed.
Interesting questions
What's interesting about the LEC is that it is a UK-generated project, rather than initially coming out of Gothenburg, hut Volvo's European market planners will be looking very closely at how well the FE LEC does when the vehicle is launched sometime before the end of the year.
The LEC's arrival also raises some very interesting questions as to possible future positioning against the Renault Puncher in Europe, not least if it proves a success. The latest low-entry contender starts life as a conventional rigid FE built at Volvo's Ghent plant, before being extensively modified by the Dutch cab and chassis engineering specialist Estepe.
Options available
After creating a drop frame at the front, Estepe mounts the modified FE cab 600mm further forward and 200mm lower.
With no engine hump to worry about, the FE cab's floor has been reworked to allow easy walkthrough access.
The suspension on the LEC can be lowered. The LEC cab 'kneels down' some 80mm when the nearside door is opened. It returns to the normal ride height when the conventional (nonscissor) door is closed.
Volvo is looking to offer the FE LEC with the 300hp version of its Euro-5 D7 diesel, although a 290hp is also being considered (for a 4x2) as well as a 340hp rating for a 8x4 (tridem) eight-legger. Behind the D7 sits the industry-standard six-speed Allison AL306 auto box.
Richard Osborne, Volvo's fire and municipal account manager and project leader for LEC, confirms that Volvo is already talking to potential bodybuilders about the LEC, with a final decision on providers to be announced. He adds: "We've had a few potential clients here to see it—the feedback has been very constructive."
Volvo is also planning to offer the LEC with a full R&M contract package through its existing dealer network which, says Osborne, "will be attractive because many dealers work late or are open 24 hours" Volvo intends to offer the FE LEC as a 6x2 tag steer or 6x4, with 4x2, 6x2 pusher and 32-tonne 8x4 (tridem) versions later on.
Osborne adds: "We started on a 6x2 since landfill sites are used less. A majority of domestic refuse now goes to transfer stations where you don't need double drive."
While some may question the wisdom of launching a new vehicle into a niche market during the middle of a recession, especially one so dominated by two major players, this preview of the Volvo FE LEC will remind municipal operators that 'other low-height refuse chassis are available....
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