Cambridgeshire turns a corner with the switch to rear-steer

GCSWS has bolstered its 54-strong fleet with a dozen new Dennis Eagle refuse collection vehicles (RCVs). The new additions comprise of an 18-tonne Elite+ Narrow 4x2 for commingled recycling, eight 26–tonne Elite+ Narrow 6x2 rear-steer RCVs for domestic waste, and a 32-tonne Elite+ 8x4 rear-steer, all fitted with Terberg OmniDEKA bin lifts. The final two vehicles are Elite+ 6x4 rear-steer trade vehicles with Terberg OmniTRADE bin lifts, complete with bin weighing and RFID readers to support its new trade service.

“We are predominantly a Dennis Eagle fleet with 52 of our 54 vehicles being Dennis RCVs,” said Mike Parsons, Service Manager Operations, GCSWS. “This new fleet replaces existing Dennis Eagle vehicles that have been providing reliable service for between seven and ten years, completing an average of 1,100 to 1,600 bin lifts each day.”

The RCVs and crews face quite a challenge navigating the area, as Mike went on to explain: “The city area of Cambridge is generally very narrow and tight, which is why the majority of our new fleet is comprised of the Elite+ Narrow. South Cambridgeshire is a little easier, but often in the city there are cars parked on either side of the road, so you’re restricted to a central strip of road.”

Switch to rear-steer

With such challenges, GCSWS has switched to rear-steers for all its new vehicles. “In 2022 we trialled two Elite+ 8x4 rear-steer RCVs and they were an absolute game-changer for us,” enthused Robin Moore, Assistant Operations Manager (Fleet and Asset), GCSWS. “Our drivers have been thrilled with the additional manoeuvrability, so we’ve replaced our previous AM 6x4 double drives and specified rear-steer across all new vehicles. You can put an 8x4 in the same place you can a 6x2; they’re a brilliant piece of kit. This agility means we can now send any vehicle to any area.”

Standout features

The new RCVs have been well received by drivers and crews. “The intake came earlier than we anticipated, which was a brilliant bonus,” said Robin. “The new Elite+ cab is a real favourite. Small refinements such as the heating and ventilation system, radio speakers, and the benefit of four cupholders all make it a comfortable and enjoyable environment for the crews. Every time we have a new intake of vehicles we get asked if they will have the new Elite+ cab!”

As per its existing fleet, the vehicles are being looked after by Dennis Eagle’s Witham Service Centre. “Dave Cornwell and the team at the Witham Service Centre have always been brilliant, providing us with great support. They move mountains to get us back on the road in a sensible time,” added Robin.

Planning Dennis Eagle routes of the future

Formally South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) and Cambridge City Council (CCC), the two merged to form GCSWS in 2017. Since then, the team has been continuously innovating to improve services.

One of the first areas to add an eCollect electric RCV (eRCV) to its fleet, two out of the current fleet of four electric vehicles now come from Dennis Eagle. GCSWS will break ground on a planned solar farm later this year that will provide solar energy to its eRCV fleet, which will soon grow to 18.

Additionally, as part of the GCSWS commitment to environmental sustainability, the fleet is transitioning to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a renewable and cleaner-burning fuel. All new vehicles – currently totalling 33 – will be powered by HVO, supporting lower carbon emissions and contributing to improved air quality.

With a freshly introduced route for its rounds now implemented and the switch to a four-day week driving greater efficiencies, GCSWS is always looking for new ways to further enhance its services delivery.

“We are working with our local planners and developers on all-new housing developments and are using the 32-tonne Dennis Eagle vehicle to track new routes to ensure the road network is suitable,” added Mike. “We’ve always had a very good working relationship with Dennis Eagle. The team has been highly supportive and helped develop innovative ideas, such as the vehicles we use for our underground waste collection service, an area we’re keen to develop in the future. Over the next 12 months, there’s a lot of exciting activity going on, and we look forward to continuing this longstanding relationship with Dennis Eagle.”