Volvo's 26 tonnes gvw FE low entry cab rigid made its first appearance at the FutueSource sustainability exhibition last month at London's ExCel.
The RCV combines a 2.3m width with a four-man crew cab, low (440 mm) single step height on both sides, rear-steer tag-axle chassis and 90 degree opening doors – for waste collection in both high density traffic urban streets and rural narrow lanes.
It also has practical plastic mudwings and a three piece bumper with steel corners, while more than 95% of components are said to be shared with the standard cab – including mirrors, windscreen and cab panels – to make sales and support simple.
The vehicle is powered by a Volvo D7 Euro 5 engine with SCR (selective catalytic reduction), delivering 300hp at 2,100 to 2,300rpm and peak torque of 1,160Nm between 1,200 and 1,800rpm. That is mated to an Allison AL306 six-speed automatic transmission with hydraulic torque converter and push button selection.
Unladen weight is just 7.5 tonnes and the vehicle offers 1,000kg of loading tolerance at 26 tonnes with an 8 tonne front axle and 19 tonne rear bogie, which is air suspended. The front axle can also run on bags (with optional kneeling function) and 315/80R22.5 tyres aid the axle capacity and provide increased ground clearance.
The unit at FutueSource was equipped with a Heil Powerlink 19M (19m3) RCV body and an Otto Compact bin hoist mounted onto the Heil Powertrak tailgate.