Volvo narrow-track tipper fits the bill: automatically

A new Volvo narrow-track 16-tonne rigid built specifically to operate within some of London’s most congested streets has joined the expanding Viridor fleet.
 
Working in conjunction with both Volvo Truck dealer M C Truck and Bus and Wilcox Commercial Vehicles Ltd, Viridor Regional Vehicle and Plant Engineer for the south east Paul Riley was able to design a bespoke vehicle ideally suited to the conditions encountered in the Capital’s narrow streets and back alleys.
 
The FL 260 was specified with a six-speed Allison fully automatic gearbox enabling the driver to cope more easily with the stop-start traffic, while the overall 2.3-metre width allows access to otherwise inaccessible locations.
 
Single tyres are fitted to the drive axle in order to reduce the width of the tipping vehicle.
 
“This vehicle will operate within a radius of five to ten miles from our depot in Canning Town, East London collecting waste food materials from both shops and hotels. This is then taken to an anaerobic digester for treatment,” explained Viridor’s Paul Riley.
 
The transportation of food waste is subject to strict environmental conditions so the Wilcox tipping body is fitted with a water-tight rear tailgate to eliminate leakage while in transit. Similarly a spill-proof Terberg side-loading bin lift ensures that the loading process is both clean and efficient.
 
The Volvo FL narrow-track tipper is one of nine vehicles taken by Viridor all of which will be operated from their site in East London. Other models include FL and FE rigids fitted with an Allison automatic gearbox but equipped with mobile compacter bodywork.
 
Viridor operates more than 1,000 commercial vehicles throughout the UK in order to service its extensive waste recycling operations.

For more information, visit viridor.co.uk.