Innovation aids vehicle fleet management

The Commercial Vehicle Show 2001, which incorporates IRTE and Tipcon, is the subject for the first time of a selective LAWE Focus on exhibitors offering products and services for the environmental services and waste management sectors.


This Preview is based on information supplied by exhibiting companies. The Show runs from 20-22 March 2001 at the NEC, Birmingham. For further information Tel: 01634 261262 or refer to the Show website www.cvshow.com

ATLAS HYDRAULIC LOADERS LTD is launching three new models at the Show – the 12.5 metre tonne 125.2, the 17 metre tonne 170.2 and the 19 metre tonne 190.2. All three models come complete with powerlinks on the lift and jib rams and incorporate new bases with heavy duty bearings.

Also on show is the versatile 95.1, supplied by TLS, which was launched at last year’s show.

Completing the line-up is an Atlas 3500C from Jewsons. The 3500C has a maximum hydraulic reach of 7.9 metres at which it is capable of lifting 1.12 tonnes.

Axle weighing specialist AXTEC is unveiling the latest version of its On-board load indicateor. Smaller, neater, and using fewer components with greater processing power than its predecessor, the new system is stated to offer greater reliability, accuracy and more facilities to customers.

The latest on-board retains the best features from the old system, such as having no manual controls for ease of use and a customer calibration facility to minimise maintenance costs.

It has greater capacity to store data and interface with other microprocessors, such as GPS systems.

BANDVULC TYRES, manufacturer of the Westminster range of tyres designed specifically for the waste industry, is demonstrating further developments in its systems. The company, one of the UK’s largest independent manufacturers of remould truck tyres, has been at the forefront of IT systems which provide customers with detailed information on casings, lost tread depths and fleet checks.

Fleet engineers using the Bandvulc CCC casing control programme have the benefit of continuous reporting which they can access through their own computer screens.

Over 200 local authorities and major waste contractors in the UK and Ireland specify Wastemaster tyres, and most of them make use of the CCC programme.

Following the recent launch of the BRITAX Aerolite 420 light bar the range has now been extended to include a stylish magnetic version. The new magnetic Aerolite 420 features the same aerodynamic styling as the permanent fix Aerolite 420, complementing modern vehicle design. Suitable for all types of vehicles with steel roofs, from cars to trucks and agricultural vehicles, the magnetic Aerolite 420 has been wind tunnel tested to speeds in excess of 200mph and can be used at vehicle speeds of up to 70mph.

Exhibitor CHEVIN COMPUTER SYSTEMS, which lays claim to being one of the world’s most experienced producers of fleet (and equipment) management software, specialises in easy-to-configure systems, allowing users to customise screens and reports simply and quickly, without having to call in the “techies”. At the show the company is launching its Fleet Monkey Internet and Intranet-based fleet management package, which allows data to be stored in a central remote server, instead of on the user’s desktop. It also frees managers from the task of inputting much of the information, as drivers can do this themselves electronically. Departments within organisations can be given password-protected access. The company is also displaying its large fleet (50-plus vehicles) product RoadBASE.

DEE WARLEY is launching its all-new Panther range of aluminium-bodied, high-speed discharge running floor trailers. The 96m3 capacity, taper-framed tri-axle features Meritor LMC 9000 axles with D-Duco 22.5 inch disc brakes and Meritor single-leaf composite road springs, which, Dee Warley states, makes it the first bulk trailer manufacturer in Europe to use this innovative suspension system. Claimed to save 500kg over conventional air suspension, the composite springs contribute to the Panther’s low unladen weight of around 6,500kg – enabling a 30-tonne payload to be achieved when operated at the new gross weight of 44 tonnes, assuming a 6×2 tractor kerb weight of 7,500kg. Panther also features a new, all aluminium chassis with high strength extruded aluminium cross members. Trailer walls and bulkhead are built using clip-box section aluminium planking with the side wall assembly mounted on to a full length aluminium bar, while the floor bearers have no direct contact with the walls, minimising operational stress. Welded in part only, the underside incorporates flexi-joints at the front corners, allowing the body to flex in operation. Discharge times of under four minutes are possible with the latest generation six-cylinder Keith running floor.

The Disc-Lock Safety Wheel Nut, the wheel safe product designed to virtually eliminate the possibility of wheel loss from commercial vehicles is being put the test on the DISC-LOCK EUROPE stand. Visitors to the show can see how the company’s wheel nuts perform against conventional nuts under severe vibration conditions. To demonstrate this, Disc-Lock Europe has shipped in from the USA a Junker Vibration Test Machine which stimulates vibration conditions similar to those experienced by commercial vehicles.

H-MODUL LTD, the vehicle racking specialist, is showing the full range of its mobile workshop and storage systems. Of particular interest to local authority fleet service managers is the variety of makes and models of commercial vans that will be on display, each equipped with a tailored racking system and a selection of practical accessories from the range.

Europe’s van specialist, LDV, is demonstrating its van building flexibility at the show, with the unveiling of a purpose-built home delivery vehicle. In addition to this new vehicle, the company is demonstrating the Titan and an LPG Convoy Hi-Loader tradesman’s vehicle. LDV markets three van product ranges – the Cub, the Pilot and the Convoy.

MABOY ELECTRIC VEHICLES is making its show debut on its stand, part of the Northern Ireland Group Stand. Visitors can discuss possible applications for hybrid and electric vehicles and Ride and Drive demonstrations are available for key fleet operators. An example of a demonstrator vehicle has a (governed) top speed of 50 mph, 0-30 mph – 6 seconds, payload of 900kg and a range of 40 – 50 miles per charge, according to the duty cycle. Recharging is through a three-pin plug.

Conversions are not limited to LDV Convoy. Maboy EV offers solutions for cars, car-derived vans, pick-ups, minibuses, 7.5-tonne trucks and through the range up to full-sized buses.

MILLERS OIL LTD is asking visitors to the show if they are asking the right questions of their fleet operation, dealing with such topics as how long is a satisfactory drain period? Can lubricants improve fuel efficiency? Can the amount, and therefore the cost, of waste disposal be reduced? Should a company utilise an oil analysis program to monitor lubricant performance? Should a fuel treatment be used to reduce emissions, control smoke and improve mpg? Millers offers the products and services to address such problems though its technicians at the show.

This year’s CV Show sees several important firsts on the PARTEK CARGOTEC stand. Firstly, the company and KALMAR LTD (both part of the Finnish multinational Partek Cargotec) have taken adjacent stands to emphasis that relationship. The show also sees the debut of HIAB’s new XS range of cranes, with all four models on display. Also new are the Danish-built HIAB 022 T and HIAN 033 T, which are additions to the company’s lightweight T series cranes, launched in autumn 2000. There is also the HIAB 085 builders’ merchant crane.

O.W.L. VEHICLE ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS LTD has a wide range of products designed to prevent accidents by using precise verbal messages to warn drivers, operators and pedestrians of potential hazards. Typical dangerous situations are vehicles reversing, bin lifting, skip loading, waste compacting and tipping. Unlike conventional sounders, O.W.L.’s talking systems avoid confusion by identifying the danger and giving an instruction on how to avoid it. Examples include – for the driver of a front-end loader “Do not drive… arms raised” – and for pedestrians “Stand clear… vehicle reversing”.

PM ON BOARD is heavily promoting its “Wasteweigh” range of on-board weighing systems at the show along with its wide product line. Extensively used by both the private and public sectors on a wide range of vehicles, including waste and gully collection vehicles, slurry and sludge tanker and demountables, the company states that its “Wasteweigh” equipment is the only range of integrated on-board weighing systems specifically designed for waste collection vehicles. Suitable for four, six and eight wheelers and fitted either as an original equipment or as a retrofit kit, the system incorporates load cells positioned between the container/body and the vehicle chassis. The load cells monitor accurately the waste material and show the driver, through an in-cab display unit, the exact weight of the material collected and delivered.

RED FORGE is showing its full range of On-Board weighing products, including the Weights and Measures approved, dynamic Class 111 bin weighing system. With solutions engineered to individual applications, whether for trade or recycling, it enables operators to know accurately (1kg in 500kg) their customers’ individual bin/skip/container contents’ weight. Weight information can be printed in the cab or captured to a data card for dowloading to an office-based PC.

RELIANT CARS is exhibiting a completely new range of light commercial vehicles. This follows on from the exclusive import agreement signed with Italian manufacturer Piaggio last year, allowing Reliant to distribute the Porter range of vehicles in addition the existing Ape 50 models throughout the UK and Ireland. Reliant Cars is distributing the complete range of diesel and electric powered minivans, pickups, buses and over 50 special bodied vehicles.

The RAY SMITH GROUP PLC, laying claim to being Britain’s biggest producer of chassis-mounted tail-lifts, announces an easy-fit mounting system with brackets that are bolted, not welded, to the chassis, and with variable spacing so that it does not matter what is the width of the chassis frame. The wide range of Ray Smith types on show can lift between 300 and 2,00kg and are able to suit almost any requirement, and always independent of whatever bodywork a vehicle has.

In addition to its established range of hazard warning equipment, RSG ENGINEERING has recently launched a new concept in data logging. The computer-based system, which runs in a Windows environment, requires virtually no manual keying operations which eliminates the need for paper log sheets. Once the vehicle equipment is set up and installed, the collected data is then transferred on to a transportation medium, via a wireless link.

SOMERS VEHICLE LIFTS is offering a five-year warranty on all load-bearing parts of its latest SVL 2000 range of mobile lifts. Allister Collings, Sales Director, says, “It is a measure of our faith in the product and the well proven electro-mechanical principle.” The company is backing up its five-year warranty with a two-year warranty on all other components.

Supplier of refuse collection vehicle bin lifting equipment, TERBERG MATEC UK LTD, recently marked the tenth anniversary of its UK sales and service operation. The company reports that annual turnover has reached £7 million with an estimated market share in the region of 50%. Notable develo-pments include the acquisition last year of Will Engineer Ltd and the relocation of that operation to a brand-new site in Worksop.

TOYOTA states that it has improved the load versatility, safety and comfort of its Hiace commercial vehicle range. The company expanded its range of standard and long wheelbase Hiace vans in 2000 with the addition of five new models, which feature twin, swing out rear doors to aid load versatility. The new doors can be opened to 90 or 180°.

The Waste Tyre Special produced by TRUCK TYRE SPECIALISTS LTD has a kerbing band to protect the sidewall against damage and an asymmetric tread designed to resist wear. The tyre features a deep tread and high quality rubber compound and is stated to be particularly effective in applications involving tipping on sites.

TTS now uses Shearography to assist in casing examination, which helps to spot defects in the tyre casings.

WHALE TANKERS has developed the KiloWhale JetVac concept to meet the specific needs of industrial operators by introducing two new, more powerful and versatile variants of this deep lifting vacuum tankers with high performance jetting.

The new KiloWhale JetVac 100/701 is fitted with a bigger high pressure jetting pump to supply water at 30 litres a minute at pressures up to 155 bar and a liquid ring vacuum pump capable of delivering 1,700m3 per hour airflow.

The other new model, the 150/901, offers increased power.

T H WHITE LTD, Palfinger’s UK distributor, is showing the new Palfinger 40 mt PK 44000, a Palift PLT 22 hook loader, mounted on a MAN chassis, an Epsilon E 93 grabbing crane and an Epsilon E115 Z timber crane.

Among the range of units there is also the new Palfinger PK 6001 and PK 9501.


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