Volvo FE Low Entry Cab debuts at Futuresource
Volvo’s FE Low Entry Cab (LEC) rigid, which is aimed at the waste collection and recycling sector, will make its first public appearance at a show in England at the FutuResource international conference and trade fair on June 15 – 17th.
The Volvo FE LEC, which is built at the world’s first CO² neutral truck plant at Gent in Belgium, will be displayed on the Volvo Trucks stand (P59) at the event, which is being held at London ExCel. “The Volvo FE LEC embodies the company’s core values of quality, safety and care for the environment,” says Volvo’s UK Municipal account manager Richard Osborne.
With its combination of narrow 2,300 mm overall width, four man crew cab, low single step height on both sides of the cab of only 440 mm, rear-steer, tag-axle chassis and 90º opening doors, the Volvo FE LEC is specifically configured for waste collection in both high density traffic urban streets and rural areas with narrow lanes.
The easy to replace plastic mudwings and a three piece bumper with steel corners, ensures that the Volvo FE LEC is designed to take the knocks and scrapes of intensive waste collection duties on both city streets and rural roads. To ensure effective aftermarket support, over 95% of components are shared with the standard cab – including key items such as mirrors, windscreen and cab panels.
The Volvo FE LEC also provides a comfortable and productive working environment for the three crew and driver. This is coupled to easy entry and exit via the large, low single steps and wide doors. Forward vision is enhanced by the deep windscreen and the cab floor is flat for unimpeded cross-cab access.
LEC features D7 power and Allison automatic transmission
The FE LEC specification includes the Volvo D7 Euro 5 engine with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). Power output is 300hp at 2100 to 2300 rpm and peak torque is 1160Nm between 1200 and 1800rpm. Transmission is the proven Allison AL306 6-speed automatic with hydraulic torque converter and push button mode selection. The AL306 features a live drive PTO. Rear axle ratio is 6.17:1 and the FE LEC can keep pace with city traffic at 26 tonnes GVW and also cope with the stop start demands of waste collection. Disc brakes feature the latest generation electronically controlled EBS.
Competitive unladen weight
The FE LEC offers operators a competitive unladen weight of 7,500kg +/- 1.5% (includes 215 litres of fuel, 70 litres of Adblue and no driver). In terms of axle capacity, the FE LEC offers 1,000kg of loading tolerance at 26 tonnes with an 8 tonne front axle and a 19 tonne rear bogie. The rear bogie is air suspended and chassis ride height is 1,000mm. The front axle is also available with air suspension (with the option of a kneeling function). 315/80R22.5 tyres aid axle capacity and provide increased ground clearance.
Heil Powerlink 19M compactor bodywork with Otto bin hoist
The Volvo FE LEC on display at FutuResource is equipped with a Heil Powerlink 19M Refuse Collection Vehicle (RCV) body which has a capacity of 19m³. The bin hoist is an Otto Compact which is mounted onto the Heil Powertrak tailgate.
The Volvo FE LEC, which was developed specifically for the UK and Ireland market, was launched in December 2009 and the first deliveries of customers’ vehicles to bodybuilders are scheduled to be made this summer.
