For example, UK waste management company Biffa recently worked with Allison to determine optimal axle settings for Mercedes-Benz Econic refuse collection trucks with 266, 296 and 345bhp engines. By running simulations on its industry-leading iSCAAN software programme, Allison identified that switching these trucks from the standard 6.84:1 axle ratio to a shallower 6.0:1 ratio, also offered by Mercedes-Benz, could reduce fuel consumption by up to 3%, as well as lowering cab noise.
As a result, Biffa has amended its current order of 20 new Mercedes-Benz Econic trade waste collection vehicles, due to be delivered this autumn, with a further order of 18 to follow in spring 2023.
Other simulations by Allison have shown that adopting axle ratios numerically lower than those offered as standard by OEMs can reduce fuel consumption by 1-3%. This can be achieved without negatively affecting the vehicle’s launch gradeability or productivity thanks to Allison’s Continuous Power TechnologyT, which nearly doubles engine torque at launch and delivers power to the wheels without interruption when shifting.
“Vehicle OEMs typically offer their fleet customers a choice of two or three factory-fit axle ratios and recommend one of these according to the country of use and application, making a sensible balance between performance and economy,” said Nathan Wilson, Allison’s UK Account and Market Development Manager. “Historically, a deeper axle ratio setting has been the default selected by OEMs to provide the best gradeability for a 30% and above incline. While this delivers a good fit for many customers, in reality, gradients of this extreme are rarely encountered on UK roads. Meanwhile, the pressure to reduce costs and environmental impact has taken centre stage in recent years.”
Allison’s iSCAAN (internet System for Computerized Application Analysis) programme optimises vehicle configurations, evaluates vehicle acceptability and predicts vehicle performance for more than 20 vocational applications. Through matrix analysis, iSCAAN quickly evaluates changes to driveline ratios and shift calibration features. Furthermore, through simulation tools, iSCAAN evaluates the performance or fuel economy of Allison features, such as Acceleration Rate Management and FuelSense 2.0.
In 2021, Allison announced the retrofitting of its FuelSense 2.0 software to Dennis Eagle and Mercedes-Benz Econic trucks operated by Biffa. This aftermarket order, now at 540 trucks and the largest of its kind within the EMEA region, followed a six-month trial in which Biffa found that FuelSense 2.0 Max delivered fuel savings of up to 9% and a reduction of approximately 4,500 kg of CO2 per year. This equates to approximately a £600,000 reduction in fuel expenditure per annum.
In 2020, Allison revealed that savings of £200,000 per year on truck transmission servicing costs were planned to be achieved by Biffa, as a result of advice provided by Allison to extend intervals for the renewal of transmission fluid and filters on its Dennis Eagle trucks. In addition, Biffa predicted savings of 3,600 hours in labour and vehicle downtime annually.