Dennis Eagle launches new generation with curved ‘benchmark’ design for RCVs

Developed by an in-house special projects team, which takes in expertise from

across Dennis Eagle’s organisational structure, Phoenix 2 has been designed

using detailed feedback from both the company’s customer base and service department.

The result is a vehicle which features a high degree of component and assembly

modularity.

Shaping the curves

In developing the curved body shape, Dennis Eagle has deployed the use of single

sheet, one piece rolled and pressed steel sides, thereby eliminating the need

to use channel constructed upright sections.

Another contributing factor to increased capacity is the tailgate design, which

is now fixed to the main body in a 10o plane as opposed to 25o on the original

Phoenix.

Dennis Eagle has also paid attention to the back face of the Phoenix 2’s hopper

which, being set on a vertical plane, is now capable of accommodating any make

or style of bin lift. For non-Dennis Eagle bin lifts, Phoenix 2 features wide

and narrow variants hinged framework on the hopper for fixing purposes.

Further design changes to the hopper sees the lifting mechanisms mounted on

top of the body, with the pack rams being relocated to the outside and covered

in an ABS moulded plastic protective shield. These design changes not only enhance

the new lines of Phoenix 2, they also make servicing and the replacement of

hydraulic components far easier as access into the vehicle is no longer needed.

Another key design improvement on Phoenix 2 relates to the vehicles electrical

system which now benefits from optimum protection against water ingress.

From a centralised distribution area conveniently located behind the LHS of

the cab, the electrical system offers a triple safeguard against water. In addition

to the main controls being located within a sealed construction and lockable

plastic housing, which features a further underside plastic shield designed

to repel water when vehicles are washed, all wiring harnesses are fully-protected.

Last, but not least, Dennis Eagle says it has been successful in using the

curved design principle deployed for the main body of Phoenix 2 to alleviate

what has until now been a major problem facing the collection industry – corrosion.

Whilst with the traditional flat floor construction liquids can collect and

remain even after the contents of a vehicle are discharged, the floor of the

Phoenix 2 is designed to eliminate the chances of this happening. The keel-type

floor of the new RCV not only ensures that that all liquids are drained off

effectively, but also that those which can run to the front of a vehicle, if

off-loading takes place with the rear of the vehicle above horizontal, are discharged

through a sump hole that leads into a sealed hose drain hose.

Choice of widths

Stated to be compatible with any other chassis, not only with Dennis Eagle’s

own Elite chassis – a product which is now equipped with Euro 3 compliant Cummins

engines – Phoenix 2 is available in two body widths – 2.2 and 2.5 metres.

The 2.2 metre version, suitable for overcoming access problems in both urban

and rural environments, can be specified with any one of four body sizes, whilst

the standard 2.5 metre model comes in one of five body sizes, all ranging from

9 to 25m3 capacities.

Commenting on the development of Phoenix 2, Norman Thoday, Dennis Eagle’s Director

of Sales and Marketing, said: “The design changes introduced to Phoenix

2 are as radical as they were when the original Phoenix range was introduced.

“Taking this on board, and based on the fact that our design and development

team have used valuable customer feedback to create a product which maximises

both operating efficiency and ease of maintenance, without compromising on safety,

we are confident the Phoenix 2 will become the new benchmark for refuse collection

vehicles both at home and overseas”.

For the future

“A number of vehicles have already been on trial within the fleets of both

public and private sector operators around the country and the reports which

we are receiving from the field are more than meeting our expectations. Phoenix

2 forms a major part of our plans for the future.”