Luton Borough Council is replacing its 26 refuse trucks with new DAF Euro 6 models.

The 26 tonne rigid trucks are fitted with Esteppe crew cab conversions, Variopress refuse bodywork and bin lifters.

Supplied by HTC in Luton, the new DAF fleet is specified with conventionally mounted cabs to provide improved visibility on collection-rounds.

“Our decision to use conventionally mounted cabs goes against the norm of the more common low-entry option,” said Simon Smith, fleet transport manager.

“However, the normal height cab on the DAF allows the driver to ‘set’ his truck with greater confidence when manoeuvring into tight spaces, while the crew-cab conversion still provides excellent accessibility for the crew. On the streets of Luton,” he said, “it’s a far better solution.”

10 vehicles have been delivered to date, with the remainder due in the next two yeaars.

"A benchmark fuel economy figure is very difficult to gauge. Refuse collection is a stop-start operation for up to eight hours-a-day and, though the truck is stationary, engine revs are often high while powering on-board equipment. We have noticed that, overall, the Euro-6 models are using noticeably less fuel, and that’s come as quite a surprise", Smith said.