July 2005
Ryedale District Council has taken delivery of what are believed to be the most dazzling recycling vehicles in the UK, thanks to their bright green livery.
Based on Seddon Atkinson’s new M5 Pacer chassis, the two 23 tonne Pacer 6x2 mid-lift axles are being used to collect dry materials for recycling, which includes cans, paper and glass, across a total of 23,500 domestic residences. They join two existing dedicated Seddon Atkinson recycling vehicles, and are fitted with a Terberg body and bin-lift.
Supplied by Seddon Atkinson distributor Knottingley Trucks, the new livery featured on the Pacers has been chosen as the new colour for all recycling and refuse collection vehicles operated by the council.
“We chose the new colour from a pantone reference chart, but it wasn’t until the trucks were delivered that we realised just how distinctive they are,” explains Keith Stolting, Cleansing and Transport Manager for Ryedale District Council.
“It has actually proved to be a real benefit, as the trucks really stand out, which all helps to drum home our commitment to recycling more and more of our waste,” he says.
Each vehicle is manned by a driver and two crew, and is in operation five days a week. They are expected to remain on the fleet for six years and will play a key role in helping the council to meet its target of recycling 31 per cent of all domestic waste.
“Seddon Atkinson vehicles have played a core role in our municipal operations for the past eight years,” adds Mr Stolting. “During this time they have delivered a reliable and cost-effective service, and we get excellent support from Knottingley Trucks. As far as commercial vehicle dealers go, we couldn’t really ask for me.”
Like all new vehicles in the M5 Pacer range, both new trucks feature central locking and an immobiliser as standard, together with ample compartments for storing crew belongings.
Power is provided by Iveco’s 5.9 litre tector engine rated at 275 hp and driven through an Allison MD3560P five-speed automatic transmission, with a wide ratio variant making it suitable for stop-start and on/off road applications.