COVER

As a country, we are being told regularly that Ireland is falling behind on its agreed commitments to tackling climate change. When academics are invited onto the radio talk shows they point the finger at what they see as the biggest contributors, usually agriculture and transport. They often offer simple solutions to the effect that if we can force farmers and transport operators to eliminate their emissions all will be ok. However, few seem to realise the major steps that many in the transport sector in particular, have already taken without any financial support.

One such company is Panda Waste & Recycling which is a member of the Beauparc Group of companies. Panda has invested intensively in its fleet with a range of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered trucks and is already making the move to electric. The investment goes beyond the acquisition of vehicles as Panda is also in the process of installing a CNG filling point at its Ballymount premises. When completed the site will be open to other operators, greatly assisting the move to CNG.

Fleet Transport took one of these recent investments out for a drive – a CNG powered Renault Range D Wide 320 6x2 rear-steer, rear-end loader (REL).

The Renault Trucks Range D Wide is a truck purpose-built for either the light or heavy distribution sector. It has a pleasant profile that sits well in the urban environment, coming with all the attributes necessary to make it a success in that market segment. Easy access with a low two step entry and a wide opening door makes the constant in and out daily life of the distribution driver that bit easier. While this may not be an issue for the driver of an REL, it is important for any working crew members on board. Although no one will be sleeping in the truck and overnights are not a consideration, most trucks operating in this sector require a myriad of control boxes and monitors to operate the necessary ancillary equipment. These control units must be fitted without encroaching too much into the space for at least two operatives and occasionally more. The cab must also be able to safely store other equipment such as PPE and certain tools, and the Range D Wide caters well to these needs. In addition, this test unit came with a sturdy coat rack mounted on the rear wall, a vital component for hanging wet gear on the all too frequent rainy days.

Due to the nature of the work and the area of operation, it is important to maximise any possibility to increase the driver’s area of vision. Here the Range D Wide scores well by featuring a see-through vision door on the near-side, which, when combined with the low sloping line of the window, makes the door almost a complete glass panel. Thankfully the door has an electrically operated sliding window to provide adequate ventilation. One small issue

noted regarding vision relates to the size of the mirrors, the mirror arm assembly and their positioning. These components in certain situations can combine to create a significant blind spot particularly on the left side and is something the driver needs to be highly conscious of.

This Range D was powered by Renault Truck’s six-cylinder NGT9 diesel. The 9-litre gas unit develops 239 kW (325 hp) at 2,100 rpm, and delivers its max torque of 1,360 Nm over a short-range from 1,300 to 1,400 rpm. The test unit was fitted with a 6.18:1 rear axle which meant that running at 90 km/h. the tachometer sits at 1,836 rpm.

Renault Trucks Range D Wide 320 CNG - ‘Doing it under pressure - naturally’

This power is fed through a 6-speed fully automatic Allison torque converter transmission with optional ‘eco and dynamic’ driving modes. Importantly this is combined with an Allison Hydraulic Retarder developing 400 kW retardation. In our opinion, the fully automatic Allison is the right transmission for this driveline and it gets the best from the natural gas engine. In addition, for the nature of the work which places significant demands

on man and machine, a torque convertor has the flexibility needed rather than a standard AMT. Also, its simple push-button operation is driver-friendly and the Allison Transmission brand is well proven and robust.

As mentioned, the Range D Wide CNG is designed for the urban workplace and this is especially true of the 6x2 chassis with the rear-steer. During the drive, the unit was taken into its natural environment, around some housing estates in Dublin. It is here that one can really see the truck come into its own where it needs to be as manoeuvrable as possible, as many modern housing estates are somewhat tight to get around, even without the increased number of cars parked outside. The rear-steer is almost essential to negotiate some of the areas these trucks are expected to collect from. At this type of work, the driver has a lot to be conscious of as well the driving. Therefore, the driving should be as easy as possible and with the Range D, Renault Trucks has achieved this, benefitting the operator from improved efficiencies and safer working practices.

With alternative fuels, there is always an element of the chicken and egg scenario. The natural gas infrastructure has been slow to develop and grow because there were too few trucks, and operators wouldn’t buy a gas truck because there were sparse refill options. Nevertheless, companies such as Beauparc are forging ahead and making it work. It makes sense for Beauparc because the company is large enough, has enough vehicles, and importantly the majority of its fleet returns to base after each shift. Nevertheless it should also be noted that the move to CNG has required significant investment. While there is the possibility of significant savings in the longer term, the company should be lauded for taking such a highly proactive position on addressing the carbon and climate issue.

Equally, Renault Trucks also deserves recognition for being to the fore in the development of alternative fuel options for operators. The Range D model line has always been a popular distribution truck and having the option of CNG allows operators to choose a truck

that can work easily at mid-distance or national distribution.

Renault Trucks is also offering the Range D (ZE) Zero Emission electric for city centre and last-mile transport. All in all, Renault Trucks Range D, powered by diesel, CNG, or Battery Electric options works well, meet the transport demands of customers across a wide scope of applications.

SPEC CHECk

Make / Model

Renault Trucks Range D Wide 320 CNG Chassis / Cab 6x2 Rear Steer / Range D Wide Engine / Euro Rating Renault Trucks NGT 9 / 8.9 litre Euro 6 Step D Rated Power/Torque 320 hp (239 kW) @ 2,100 rpm / 1,360 Nm from 1,300 – 1,400 rpm Transmission 6-Speed Allison 3200V Fully Automatic Torque Converter Braking & Stability Discs all round - EBS - EBA - ASR - ESC - Hill Start. Retardation Allison Hydraulic Retarder 400 kW Suspension Front: Parabolic Leaf Springs with Stabiliser Bar Rear: Air Suspension with Stabiliser Bar

Axle / Ratio

P1361 with Double Reduction with integral Diff locks / 6.18:1 Engine Speed 1,836 rpm@ 90 Km/h Fuel/AdBlue Capacity Eight 100-litre steel CNG tanks / N/A Wheels / Tyres Steel / Steer Axles: Goodyear KMAX-2 S - 315/80 R22.5 Steel / Drive Axle: Goodyear KMAX-2 D - 315/80 R22.5