Zeeland Cleaning Service collects glass with new Volvo FM

For emptying glass containers, the Zeeuwse Reinigingsdienst (ZRD) has commissioned a Volvo FM 420 8×2 tridem. In a public tender, the Volvo FM scored best on price-quality. Especially maneuverability, the good field of vision and the low entry level scored high. The delivery came about in cooperation with Volvo Trucks dealer Bluekens Truck and Bus and Volvo Trucks Nederland.

ZRD focuses primarily on collecting household waste in a number of Zeeland municipalities. "Since recently, we also carry out the collection of bottle glass ourselves," explains director Paul Marinissen. "Think of canning jars, wine bottles and soft drink bottles. Previously, an external party did that, but we believe that the collection of household waste streams is our core task, which is why we now perform this task completely in-house in eleven municipalities."

Highest overall score in practical test

ZRD, owned by thirteen Zeeland municipalities, sought a suitable truck for these new operations through a public tender. Marinissen: "On the basis of the tenders, we compared different brands using objective criteria and determined our choice. We held a practical day during which trucks of different brands were tested and assessed on all kinds of points. The Volvo FM scored best on price-quality."

Low Entry

The Volvo FM stands out in a number of ways. Marinissen: "We take this truck to shopping malls a lot and maneuverability is a must there. The Volvo FM is a compact vehicle that allows the driver excellent maneuverability in tight spaces, thanks in part to the three steered axles and, of course, the electronically controlled Volvo Dynamic Steering power steering system. Visibility around the cab is also excellent, thanks in part to the blind spot camera. In addition, the Volvo FM scored extra points thanks to its low entry with two steps. The driver empties fifty to sixty glass bins a day, so then easy entry is a big advantage."

For the sake of working and driving comfort, the Volvo FM has air suspension all around. "Our driver has been working with this truck for a few weeks now and he is very satisfied with the working and driving comfort. He has a spacious cab with a comfortable driver's seat. Also, the automatic shifting I-Shift gearbox makes work in practice a lot easier."

The Volvo FM was fitted by Elenbaas of Poortvliet with a 26-ton-meter Palfinger truck-mounted crane and 28-ton hook-lift system. The glass container has three compartments for the different colors of bottle glass. "We paid extra attention to the stickering, so that it is clearly visible that the different glass streams white, brown and green are actually collected separately."

Maintenance contract

It is the first Volvo truck for ZRD. Marinissen: "I am very pleased with the introduction to Volvo Trucks and Bluekens Truck and Bus. They coordinated everything with all parties involved in the construction and finishing, so that we had nothing else to worry about and got exactly the truck we wanted. We also took out a maintenance contract so that we will also be relieved in that area for the next few years."