Waste not, want not

Hino South Africa compactor manufacturer TFM and local Allison automatic transmission distributor D & A Power Products intend to tackle the growing waste management market.

Hino, Allison and TFM recently combined to stage a most impressive demonstration of one of their new waste compactor units to dealers and potential customers at the Gerotek test centre, west of Pretoria.

Established in 1929, Allison supplies more than 80 percent of the world’s power shift automatic transmissions, with over five million units having been manufactured since. “It’s the gearbox of choice for waste management operations worldwide, where it’s known as the King of the Hills,” says Hino SA senior manager for sales, IJ Greeff. “TFM – established as a specialised body builder in 1966 and subsequently split into various independent businesses – was regrouped into one entity last year and now provides a countrywide manufacturing, sales and service footprint. It’s been involved in building compactors for over 20 years, the product refined substantially over time.”

Hino SA has seven compatible models for waste management: four skip loaders, one hook lift and two compactors. Compactors with capacity of 10 to 12 m2 can be fitted to the 500 Series 1626 chassis cab and 19 to 21 m2on the 700 Series 2841 chassis cab.

The flagship Hino compactor demonstrated at Gerotek is equipped with a 20,7 m2 (approximately 12,5 tons) TFM HC250 compactor. Built on a Hino 700 Series 2841 6×4 chassis cab, it’s powered by a 13-litre Hino E13C intercooled turbodiesel engine developing 305 kW (410 hp) at 1 800 r/min and 1 863 Nm at 1 100 r/min.

The 700 Series chassis cab has been specifically adapted to operate in the rough conditions at dump sites. The exhaust system has been rerouted and lifted 230 mm, while the 300-litre fuel tank has been lifted 200 mm. Skid plates are fitted below the engine, transmission and fuel tank.

The rear axle capacity is rated at 20 400 kg for the compactor application, and the GVM is 27 900 kg.

A very important component offered to the waste management industry is the Allison 4500 fully-automatic transmission, with either five- or six-speed settings used for specific operating conditions. A torque converter in the transmission provides instant multiplication for stop-start operations on inclines, with a grade rating of 72 percent in first gear. A power take-off is standard, with a limited-slip differential for traction in low grip conditions.

This sophisticated transmission has a diagnostic analyser, with codes to indicate the required service operations. Service intervals with changes of a special synthetic lubricant are 480 000 km, with filter changes every 80 000 km.

A 184 kW (250 hp) Jakes brake on the engine and a 191 kW (260 hp) transmission retarder on the compactor setting provide ample retardation. Brakes are drums all-round.

The TFM HC 250 compactor is well proven in South Africa’s operating conditions. It has a high specification level, its construction is robust and quality standards high. Bin lifters can be specified if required.

The warranty on the Hino truck is one year unlimited kilometres and two years / 300 000 km on its drivetrain. Servicing is required every 250 hours or 5 000 km if used in domestic waste operations, which can be extended to 10 000 to 15 000 km if transporting industrial waste.

Loaded to its full GVM with metal shot, the vehicle impressed with its abilities on Gerotek’s high-speed oval, various gradients and steep and demanding ride and handling course. It went up and down a gradient of 50 percent and the previous day had successfully tackled a 70 percent incline. On each occasion it was able to stop and restart without rolling backwards.

“We know we now have the products and the right partners to become serious players in the local waste management market,” Greeff concludes.