The first batch of new Volvo FE’s in the UK has gone into service with Veolia Environmental Services (UK) Plc, the UK’s leading waste management provider.

The order for the eight new FE’s consisted of six FE-240, 4x2 18-tonne GVW skiploaders and two FE-280, 28-tonne GTW drawbars which are coupled to two-axle trailers. All the vehicles are Euro 4 compliant and fitted with Volvo’s SCR technology, and are complete with VBG drawbar couplings and Hyvalift skiploader bodywork and hydraulics.

The vehicles were supplied in a single-source supply agreement via Volvo Dealer, Thomas Hardie Commercials in Manchester, who have been supplying Veolia for 20 years. According to Veolia Environmental Services’ Fleet Director, Rob Stubbs. “Our single-source agreement with Thomas Hardie also enables us to be ready for the introduction of the European Whole Vehicle Type Approval Directive in 2009.”

According to Rob Stubbs, the excellent torque characteristics of the FE’s D7 engine, which produces 922 Nm between 1200 and 1700 rpm, was also a major factor in choosing the Volvo’s. “This amount and spread of torque is unique for this size of engine,” he says, adding. “In addition to its increased flexibility, the larger engine has helped reduce noise levels while the PTO is engaged, as it produces higher torque at lower revs.” This has resulted in reduced fuel usage during PTO operation, he adds.

Back-up is also an important consideration and he describes the Volvo Dealer Network’s Parts supply infrastructure as ‘second to none’.

Rob Stubbs adds, “Quality and safety are two of the core values which we share with Volvo, both of which are central to our mutual business philosophies. In addition, in operational terms, we also focus very hard on ensuring compliance with all the legislation pertaining to our waste transport operation, whether that is via the benefits of the digital tachos, which we view as an absolute positive, or safety features such as the electrically operated near-side mirrors. To that end, we have also equipped the Volvo FE’s with a very sophisticated, custom-designed, on-board weighing system where the skip-chains are anchored to load cells. In fact, we are moving away from underbody weighing as this new system provides + / - 1% accuracy with a lower overall centre of gravity for the vehicle.”

Axles are rated at 7100 kgs and 11,500 kgs for the front and rear respectively, thus allowing 600 kgs of loading tolerance at the 18 tonne plated weight.

The FE’s were specified by Veolia for optimum traction and durability on landfill terrain. They have been supplied with hub-reduction drive-axles with diff-locks, parabolic-spring rear suspension and the park-brake operates on all four wheels. Wheelbases are 3.9mm for the solo rigids and 4.1 metres for the drawbar prime-movers.