Putting the 16-tonne Range D 4x2 RCV into action gives a 60% payload advantage, equating to three tonnes over the company’s existing 15-tonne recycling vehicles.
Having worked with a single truck manufacturer for over 12 years, the family-owned business turned to Renault Trucks in its search for an alternative provider, as managing director Philip Stone says: “To be frank, our incumbent chassis supplier had become complacent, they simply took our business and loyalty for granted; when that happens, it’s time for a change. Our initial preference was to go with a different brand, but the response from their sales department was less than satisfactory, so we crossed them off the list. By contrast, the Renault Trucks team couldn’t have been more accommodating; nothing was too much trouble.”
Stone added: “Before making the final decision to purchase, both my brother Peter and I test drove the Range D ourselves. We were extremely impressed with the performance; the gear changes were smooth and we loved the seamless response of the engine. The Range D has plenty of options and in particular we liked the nearside passenger door safety feature which incorporates a factory-fitted lower vision panel and an electric sliding top window.”
Featuring a bespoke side-loading MACPAC refuse compaction body built by Stewart Commercials in Northern Ireland, the Range D joins the 30-strong Select Environmental fleet on food waste collections for commercial clients across Berkshire and Oxfordshire. It will be serviced by Renault Trucks South on a five-year maintenance contract.
Stone continued: “Our driver is really impressed too as it’s a very comfortable cab and has more features than our existing vehicles. The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) gauge is an outstanding addition - it lets the driver know when the vehicle is close to regeneration thereby giving him more time to plan his day. He also really likes the DAB radio, the three power sockets as opposed to one, and there’s loads of storage space. We all feel Renault Trucks has really thought about the driver when they designed this vehicle.”
Summing up, Stone concluded: “Even though the vehicle has only just gone on the road, we have been so impressed that we asked Renault Trucks to quote for a 26-tonne vehicle; the first time we have ever considered another manufacturer for this size.”