NTM's Hybrid KGLS-2B is a specialist recycling vehicle that collects two fractions of waste at once, and it is heading to our shores to make its debut at RWM in Birmingham.

NTM's new Hybrid is powered by an recyclable lithium-ion battery designed and manufactured by Finish Company, European Batteries Oy. These batteries are considered to be one of the best solutions for changing from fossil based combustion engines to electric energy ones. Using this battery saves around 20% on diesel '1 litre of diesel causes emissions of 2,68 kg of CO2. The electrical system is incredibly environmentally friendly and quiet in operation.

One of the many advantages of this type of battery is that it is half the weight of a conventional lead/acid battery while also being non-toxic. The life cycle of the lithium-ion battery is considerably longer than its competitors too, and after 2,500 charges, a minimum of 80% of its capacity remained.

The new 26t Hybrid vehicle, mounted on a Volvo FES 300 6x2 R chassis, is able to complete two shifts in a day ' so there is no need to recharge the vehicle between shifts, because the lithium-ion battery has an 18.5 hour life. The vehicle features an 18.5 second compaction cycle speed, and the legal payload of this vehicle is 9,900 kg.

Powerful hybrid

Another unique aspect of the new truck is that it's the first hybrid of its kind with a split body (70/30 split), which enables the vehicle to take two fractions of waste at once.

Paul Westley, NTM-GB's managing director said: “We are really excited about the new hybrid ' yet another innovative vehicle from the NTM stable. I think it's going to cause quite a stir at RWM, as the first of its kind. NTM Finland believes it's the most powerful hybrid on the market ' carrying a 96 volt battery. Others are using only 72 volts. Also this system can be adapted to fit any vehicle of our KG range. This particular truck was manufactured for SITA in Sweden as a demo vehicle ' and soon the vehicle will be available for trial in the UK.”

Also on the NTM stand is the new demo vehicle ' the KG2B-FK, which won Waste Recycling Vehicle of the Year, at the recent PAWRS awards. The new vehicle is completely unique in that the entire body, including the front pod, is NTM designed. Not only does this factor make the vehicle easy on the eye, but the unseen benefits are that it is mounted on a sub-frame, giving optimum distribution of load over the chassis rails. Also, the hydraulic and electrics are fully integrated as one body unit.

The new vehicle, mounted on a Mercedes chassis, comprises of a 70/30 split rear loading body (KG-2B) and a front non-compacting bin lift (FK) for recycling. The cubic capacities of the unit are KG-2B 9m3 and 4.5m3 the FK unit is 5.3m3 the capacities quoted are net not gross so represent the actual load capacity.

The FK is a top discharge unit so is a fully welded structure to avoid the possibility of leaks and the bin lift cycle is a very nifty 19 seconds. NTM has also designed the FK bin lift with a stainless steel pannier that does not need to be removed to empty bins, the pannier can easily be removed for cleaning. Another distinct advantage of the FK is the unique low discharge design, which is ideal for areas where overhead power cables are low.

The demo vehicle is fitted with NTM's own bar lift at the rear, but other types of lifts can be fitted. Another big plus is the vehicle is fitted with five cameras ' including one that is fitted inside the front compartment, which will enable the operator to see just how much recycled material is inside.

NTM-GB's managing director Paul Westley said: “The new vehicle has fitted as standard what we call an Intelligent Hydraulic System this system reduces load on the engine, reduces wear and tear, improves fuel consumption and reduces C02 emissions.”

“We can also offer Soft Pack Control as an option on the 70% split side of the vehicle,” continued Paul. “This enables the driver with a mere rotation of a switch to reduce the compaction of waste. It can easily be set to minimum up to maximum without the need a workshop facility. So when collecting co-mingled recyclables, compaction can be reduced by the driver to aid MRF sort if required ' which can be very useful when utilising vehicle for different types of waste streams.”