For Mark Jeffs, Managing Director of WM Waste Management and Knox Transfer Station (KTS), using safe, reliable, and modern vehicles to move waste products has never been more important. As he tells Waste Management Review.
Running two waste businesses, which service more than 21 Melbourne suburbs, Mark Jeffs emphasises that using safe and modern vehicles is essential for his fleet of more than 120 trucks. Recently purchasing Quons from UD Trucks, Mark has seen the distinction between using fuel-efficient and productive trucks, compared to previous generation vehicles.
As Mark explains, both businesses require proven trucks to transport waste products across metropolitan Melbourne.
“We’re probably the largest mattress processor in Victoria, taking in around 350,000 mattresses a year,” Mark says.
“We do about 16 Melbourne Council contracts for hard rubbish, 80 per cent of that work is collecting, transporting and processing hard rubbish.”
Since 1985, WM Waste Management Services has provided rubbish skip collection and drop-off services across the state, including kerbside, solid waste and recycling. The company then processes materials at Knox Transfer Station, a subsidiary that helps to reduce landfill volumes in Victoria.
To satisfy its commercial and council customers, Mark has increased his fleet of UD Quons to seven, including two water trucks, two single drive hook trucks, a bogey drive truck, and one twin steer hook truck.
Used for bulk lifting waste products and moving residual waste, Mark says the price point of the Quon was a major factor that led to the purchase.
“Probably the biggest advantage is the bang for buck. Some other trucks that perform inferior functions are more expensive on the market. For KTS and WM Waste we are always looking to improve our service. These UD Truck purchases definitely play a large part in that,” Mark says.
Price is just one of the many differentiating factors for operators comparing products on the market.
Installed with its environmentally friendly GH11 Euro 6 engine, Quon prime movers are the essence of what makes Quon products popular within the waste industry with its powerful output.
With a maximum power of 460hp and maximum torque of 2200Nm, operators such as Mark can have confidence when moving heavy waste products across metropolitan Melbourne.
Increased power is also balanced with a decreased overall vehicle weight, allowing for increased payloads and productivity for operators. This also includes a maximum rear load limit of 20,000 kg.
Of course, with increased power comes an increased demand for safety for operators. Again, confidence for operators is essential when completing loads in a range of applications.
Predicting future outcomes can be difficult, especially in an industry such as waste where risk plays a major role in decision making. Luckily for operators, Quon models can help to see what’s ahead, even when operators can’t.
Quons ‘Traffic Eye Brake System’ can detect and alert operators of upcoming traffic ahead. If not actioned, the system can detect whether a collision is likely, and apply the brakes quickly to prevent contact.
Additionally, the Quon features disc brakes as standard, providing a quick and smooth response for more reliable braking. The ergonomically designed cabin provides greater driver comfort, meaning a stress free and safe drive for operators.
For Mark, the Quon’s exclusive and advanced features are just some of the reasons why UD Trucks make up a part of his existing fleet.
“For modern requirements you need vehicles which are safe and reliable. The days of using older machinery in the waste industry are over,” he says.
UD Trucks goes the extra mile for their customers. Operators like Mark can also be assured that they are supported well after their purchase by the largest dealer network in Australia and New Zealand. This means help is never far away with over 130 service touch points and 1,200 expert technicians that are committed to customer uptime across the Volvo Group network.
For Mark, the convenience of the service support allows him to optimise his fleets productivity.
“Being Melbourne based, we are able to drop off machinery to the Dandenong site during the afternoon shift. This reduces waiting times on our end and enables us to keep servicing our 16 council contracts across Melbourne,” he says.
