Overloading has become standard practice for much of the local waste collection industry. A new vehicle from Sinotruk has been designed with overloading in mind, overcoming the negative effects associated with this common practice.

It is no secret that most waste compactors and other waste vehicles are regularly overloaded. Unfortunately, this has a negative effect on the chassis, suspension, transmission as well as the waste compactor bodies.

This practice is often the result of operators trying to maximise payload with the intention of reducing the number of trips required for a given collection route. Unfortunately, the reality is that there are no positives to be derived from overloading.

In the case of rear-end loading (REL) waste collection vehicles in particular, the compaction rate actually deteriorates the fuller the body becomes.

This reduced performance detracts from the efficiency and simultaneously places undue stress on both vehicle and body. A cursory inspection of most waste compactors that have been in use for any reasonable length of time will reveal negative results of overloading.

Sinotruk has embraced this challenge with a view to provide a reliable, heavy-duty chassis specifically designed for the arduous conditions experienced in the waste handling and transportation industry.

Built for Africa

The Sinotruk Sitrak C7H 64350 compactor truck has been developed with suspension, drive train, transmission and power plant that will withstand almost any amount of abuse due to overloading. The truck is powered  by a 350 hp power plant through a  fully automatic Allison transmission.

The front axle capacity of 9 t complements the two 16 t rear axles in terms of the manufacturer’s specification.

“It goes without saying that it is highly unlikely that any overloading will have a detrimental effect on the chassis as a whole,” says Mark Noble, dealer principal, Sinotruk Centurion.

The fully automatic transmission has been carefully matched to the power plant and rear axles. Similarly, the power plant, transmission and drive train have been matched to optimise performance and fuel consumption. Noble explains that the gradient ability of the vehicle when fully loaded is more than adequate when addressing steep climbs.

Special attention has also been paid to the weight distribution and weight transfer in all operational conditions.

“The truck is powered by a modern Euro III spec engine, which will surprise many due to its familiar design. An Allison fully automatic transmission, paired with either a Muncie or Chelsea power take-off (PTO), has been included specifically for the stop-start operation that is characteristic of well-matched REL waste compactors,” adds Noble.

The axles, diffs and chassis allow this vehicle to have a manufacturer’s spec GVM of 41 t. This is significantly higher than the requirements of the South African road ordinance rules, and it accommodates the growing African market.

“This vehicle comes with high credentials and is designed primarily for the African waste market. There is no doubt that this well-matched chassis will revolutionise the South African waste management market,” says Noble.

“We will be launching this new 6×4, 22 m³ rear-end loader at the IFAT Exhibition taking place in July this year, where visitors will be able to see the truck and all it has to offer.”

Cab and crew platform

Particular attention has been paid to the ergonomic design of the cab and crew cabin, so as to afford the driver and operators the best possible working conditions. The waste compactor is fitted with optional bin lifters for traditional wheelie bins, as well as with an integrated top winch system used for handling skip containers.

Waste compactor

Waste compactor bodies ranging from 19 m³ to 27 m³ can be fitted to the chassis. The crew cab and bin lifting and handling systems are optional. The wheelie bin lifting system can manage wheelie bins from 120 ℓ through to 1 100 ℓ bins.

The top winch arrangement can be used at any time without the need for the removal of the wheelie bin lifting component. This makes the operation extremely versatile and practical when collecting various types and sizes of waste containers on any given route.

Container handling equipment

The same chassis can be used for RORO (roll-on/roll-off) applications, especially where larger containers need to be handled and
transported. This combination is well suited for applications on waste disposal sites and other areas where steep gradients and uneven terrain are encountered.

In addition to the conventional hook-lift containers, the load body is capable of loading ISO-type containers, and the optional ZF manual transmission is also available for this application.

Global backing

Sinotruk is a Chinese manufacturer of heavy-duty trucks. The company is state-owned and its vehicles are regarded as being among the best in terms of quality and resistance to arduous operational conditions.

Stringent Chinese mining specifications have been applied to the manufacture of the product, which is why Sinotruk supplies a large portion of the Chinese government’s heavy-duty fleet. Over 20 000 units a year are delivered to African countries; due to its heavy-duty specifications, this vehicle is ideally suited to and performs very well in arduous African conditions.

“There is no doubt that Sinotruk is the market leader in China and many African countries, and these vehicles are gaining market share every year. Sinotruk enjoys a well-deserved reputation and presence in Africa, having proved its
worth since first introduced to the continent,” says Noble.

A clearly defined footprint in Africa is supported by sales outlets, spares backup and service facilities where these vehicles operate. South Africa boasts seven dealerships, split between being fully fledged dealerships and service/spares agents.

The range of Sinotruks sold in South Africa includes three models of truck tractors, ranging from 430 hp up to a 540 hp Euro III spec engines. Two models of tipper trucks for the construction market are also available in 6×4 and 8×4 configurations, with 12 m³ and 18 m³ load bodies respectively. Sinotruk also supplies a 6 m³ concrete mixer and a water tanker truck for the construction market.

All Sinotruk vehicles come with comprehensive factory warranties and service packages available to suit all customers’ requirements, backed by Sinotruk SA.

Sinotruk Centurion

“Sinotruk Centurion is a flagship dealer that has been with Sinotruk SA since it opened its doors in South Africa several years ago. We have a fully functional, 24-bay workshop, two wash bays and a dedicated spares department,” says Noble.

The branch is situated on the R21 highway between O.R. Tambo International Airport and Pretoria, making it easily accessible. The workshop offers on-site repairs such as panel beating, spray painting for accident damage, as well as all hydraulic, pneumatic, electronic and mechanical repairs.

“Service and repairs on any of the load bodies on the Sinotruk range of vehicles can also be done at our facility, making for a one-stop destination for our customers,” says Noble.