FAUN builds in load sensing technology


A feature of FAUN's recent Spring Show, held at the UK headquarters in Anglesey, was the Actifit weighing system, which has been developed by the manufacturer as an anti-overloading protection system. weighing system.


Actifit was developed by Paul Godridge, Engineering Manager at FAUN Municipal Vehicles Ltd, Llangefni, when a need was identified for a chassis mounted weighing system. Designed in 2002, the product was trialled in 2002, with modification and final design work completed in November 2004.

This dynamic weighing and packing control system for refuse collection vehicles operates by applying proven sensor technology, to one or two vehicle sub-frames, allowing the weight of waste in the vehicle body to be sensed to protect the vehicle from overloading.

The information on load is gathered from the sensor cells and the axle loads are calculated and relayed to the driver via an in-cab display. This display shows the percentage of maximum load for each axle and for the vehicle as a whole.

Actifit controls the vehicle’s packing system, when the load capacity is reached the compactor is automatically cut-off and the vehicle can not be overloaded. Importantly, if the sensors detect that one axle is overloaded then the system modifies the load distribution in the vehicle by moving the ejector blade, keeping the vehicle legal.

FAUN states that the driver cannot violate vehicle loading legislation as the vehicle will stop loading when maximum weights are reached. This protects the driver, operator and public.

The waste manager can set the system to suit the load characteristics of each vehicle, even for each round. The driver knows exactly how much rubbish is being collected as the round progresses.

The system has proved itself as a specific solution to this industry wide concern, the company states. There are now over 100 vehicles working for over 15 local authorities and private contractors.

Most of the vehicles in new build, at the FAUN factory at Llangefni, have been specified with the system. This enables more and more vehicles to operate safely and legally.

Recent orders that have been delivered with the FAUN Actifit system include one for Eastleigh Borough Council where three Variopress 20m3 bodies have been mounted on Mercedes Econic chassis. Other business includes orders from Ashfield District Council, for four Variopress; Rushcliffe Borough Council, also four Variopress, one Variopress to Perry’s Recycling for Cory Environmental ands two Rotopress for the London Borough of Barnet.

The company is also in the process of delivering nine Variopress vehicles to Swindon Borough Council mounted on a Seddon chassis fitted with the Actifit system.

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