4 minute read
Elite+ cab
New Elite+ cab focused on drivers and crews
In the last 20 years, refuse collection vehicles (RCVs) have evolved almost beyond recognition. The changes they’ve undergone reflects the world’s rapidly changing attitude towards our environment.
In that period, engineers at our UK subsidiary Dennis Eagle have slashed the resultant emissions and revolutionised safety for our low entry chassis. And the next item on their agenda? Humans. More precisely, they have set about improving the working environment of drivers and crews. Underpinning this is the principle that efficient waste collection operations need human and machine working in harmony.
The fruit of their labours is the Elite+ cab, except it is more than a cab: it is a modern workstation. “We’ve produced an outstanding working environment for both drivers and crews,” said Dennis Eagle Sales and Marketing Director Richard Taylor. “By making it quieter, safer, easier to use, more convenient and comfortable, we are helping them to feel valued and more positive about their important roles. “And the benefits to employers will be felt across the full spectrum of their operations, from increased productivity to staff retention, improved safety and operational efficiency.” The introduction of the Elite+ comes as driver shortages challenge operations in almost all of the company’s markets. Customer feedback in the UK has been very positive. The RCV has all the safety features of the Elite 6, which was independently shown to provide the best direct vision of any truck in the UK. Now enhanced and refined, Dennis Eagle has taken its market leader and made it even better. And above all, the Elite+ has been ergonomically refined to give the driver more control than ever.
Those controls and the in-cab switch bank are more intuitively arranged and have a very userfriendly touch and feel thanks to new materials with improved finishes.
The seat and the steering column are more adjustable, enabling drivers to position them precisely to suit their own body shape and size. And the in-cab screen is mounted on a ball and socket joint so it can be positioned precisely to suit them.
Entry to the cab remains the lowest on the market at just 495mm from ground-to-floor, making it easy and safe when getting in and out. The floor itself remains obstacle-free,
We’ve produced an outstanding working environment for both drivers and crews.....by making it quieter, safer, easier to use, more convenient and comfortable.
offering true walkthrough flexibility. And the driving seat puts drivers at eye-level with other road users so they can make direct eye contact.
Increased sound insulation ensures the cab provides a much quieter environment. Both Standard and Narrow vehicles have driver +1, +2 or +3 seating options but now each crew member has an individual seat instead of a shared bench. This helps define their own space and increases comfort.
The outer seat has been recessed slightly, making it even easier getting in and out and this also increases the driver’s near-side view. Along with larger rear windows on both sides to further improve direct vision, making what was the safest truck on the UK’s roads even safer.
Outside, the Elite+ looks reassuringly familiar and is designed not to intimidate other road users.
Modern working practices have been catered for, such as plenty of USB ports for charging electronic devices. And there’s more storage room in the header locker. The Elite+ is being phased in across all diesel RCV models, with existing orders fulfilled to meet customers’ preferences. The first were delivered to three Nottinghamshire councils – Broxstowe Borough Council, Erewash Borough Council and Newark and Sherwood District Council – for pre-launch assessment.
The trio of councils gave the Elite+ a resounding vote of confidence. Broxtowe’s Transport and Stores Manager Roger Wakefield said: “The drivers report the switches and controls are somewhat easier to use. The new materials and the way they are finished make them very responsive to touch and control. And the new arrangement of the switches is very welcome.
“They say the Elite+ is more comfortable. The steering column and seat are very adjustable, along with the arrangement of all the controls and switches as well as the in-cab screen. “Getting in and out is easier as the outside seat is slightly set back, giving you more room as you step into the cab. The crew appreciated this even more as they are the ones getting in and out most often. It’s all this attention to detail that makes a real difference and is really appreciated.”
And in tune with this sentiment, Dennis Eagle responded to the most popular customer request of all; they’ve provided more cup holders.
