Luton goes for DAF CF 290 RCVs in fleet replacement deal

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Transport Engineer / October 13, 2015

Luton Borough Council is replacing its fleet of 26 RCVs (refuse collection vehicles) with new Euro-6 DAF CF 290 FAG 6x2 twin-steer rigids – 23 mid-steer and three rear-steer, all fitted with all fitted with Allison 3200 series fully-automatic gearboxes.

All are 26-tonne gvw trucks with four-plus-one crew cab conversions by Esteppe, in the Netherlands, and all have been fitted with 21m³ Variopress rear-end loader bodywork and Rotary three bin lifters, from Faun Zoeller.

They also have conventionally-mounted cabs, which fleet transport manager Simon Smith says provide improved visibility on collection rounds in narrow streets.

“Our decision to use conventionally-mounted cabs goes against the norm of the more common low-entry option,” agrees Smith.

“However, the normal height cab on the DAF allows the driver to set his truck with greater confidence when manoeuvring into tight spaces, while the crew-cab conversion still provides excellent accessibility for the crew,” he explains.

“On the streets of Luton it’s a far better solution.”

Ten DAF 26-tonne CF 6x2s have now been delivered into the Bedfordshire local authority with a further nine on programmed delivery before the end of the year and the remainder over the next two years.

“DAF’s twin-steer configuration suits the weight distribution of a rear-end loader as the weight is heavily biased to the rear,” continues Smith.

“The twin-steer set-up means excellent handling characteristics while at the same time reducing the risk of damage to the road surface when the vehicle has to make tight turns,” he adds.

Smith also says that Euro 6 fuel economy has already shown an improvement over equivalent Euro-5 DAF trucks.

“A benchmark fuel economy figure is very difficult to gauge,” he comments.

“Refuse collection is a stop-start operation for up to eight hours a day and, though the truck is stationary, engine revs are often high while powering on-board equipment,” he continues.

“[but] we have noticed that, overall, the Euro 6 models are using noticeably less fuel, and that’s come as quite a surprise.”

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