Continuing to Build History
2011 marks a significant milestone for leading Refuse Equipment Supplier MacDonald Johnston, as they celebrate 20 years of manufacturing Australia’s leading side loading compactor. The industry leading equipment supplier also continues to build on their extensive 55 year history as they launch a number of innovative initiatives, which are set to make waves across the Australian waste industry.
MacDonald Johnston Managing Director David Waldron said this is a significant milestone in the history of any Australian manufacturing company, one that should certainly be recognised.
“It is an achievement that we are very proud to acknowledge. By continuing to manufacture our refuse machine range in Australia, we are able to employ over 300 Australian families while producing a world class product that is perfectly suited to the Australian marketplace”.
Mr. Waldron continued by saying, “Our side loader manufacturing journey began in August 1991 with the launch of the original MK1 side loader. Designed in Australia by Australians, this machine helped transform the local waste industry. It broke new ground with single person operated refuse machines, excellent payloads and featured ground breaking electronics such as the ‘potentiometer paddle angle control system”.
Over the preceding years, new technologies coupled with innovative engineering ideas saw the introduction of the MKII (1992), MKIII (1995), MKIV (2000) and the revolutionary S.P.O.R.T Gen V in the year of 2006.
“The S.P.O.R.T Gen V side loader saw a total overhaul of the body design and inner technological workings, creating a machine that is FASTER, STRONGER & MORE RELIABLE” Mr. Waldron said.
In 2011 the side loader celebrates its 20th year in production as MacDonald Johnston launches two new products to complete its stable of world class machines - the Australian designed and manufactured FORCE front loader and UrBin rear loader.
2011 also marks the introduction of MacDonald Johnston’s latest innovation; the 35m3 S.P.O.R.T Gen V side loader – Australia’s largest side loader.
Mr. Waldron said the development of the 35m3 S.P.O.R.T Gen V was an industry changing initiative that would help fulfill the requirements of councils and private contractors, who are concerned with achieving maximum recycling payload capacity.
“Many side loaders operate within built up residential areas where the amount of recycling waste continues to grow year on year. In 2009, over 91% of Australian households used municipal kerbside recycling services to recycle their waste, an increase from 87% in 2006” he said.
“As a result of the cumulative recycling behaviour, smaller side loaders spend much of the day travelling between transfer stations and residential homes, meaning efficiency is reduced and travel time is increased.”
Further to the launch of Australia’s largest side loader body in 2011, the highly innovative team at MacDonald Johnston also introduced the new Extend-A-Slide. This new technology, which is manufactured in Australia specifically for the Australian waste industry, means MacDonald Johnston now offer Australia’s longest bin lift reach at 3.796m.
Mr. Waldron said this is a fantastic step forward, which the industry has been asking for; it is a new solution to an old problem.
“Customer research has shown that day-to-day operators require the ability to utilise the additional reach as a means of increasing overall efficiency and safety.”
“Operators now have the ability to effortlessly reach bins that were otherwise inaccessible, eliminating the need for the driver to exit the vehicle and manually maneuver bins. This not only improves overall efficiency, but improves safety for operators, pedestrians and other motorists using the roads.”
In yet another industry leading initiative, MacDonald Johnston recently teamed up with Hino Australia to develop Australia’s first Hybrid Rear Loader. The UrBin Hybrid Rear Loader has been specifically designed as a low-impact refuse collection vehicle for use in built-up urban areas – particularly parks and gardens where truck noise may be an issue.
Mr. Waldron said the industry first UrBin Hybrid Rear Loader was the ideal machine to satisfy the needs of inner-city councils and private contractors who are concerned with reducing their environmental footprint.
“Many rear loaders operate day to day within park and garden areas where noise and CO2 pollution can be a major issue,” he said.
“Rear loaders operating in these environments spend much of the day stationary or moving very slowly, which is where the Hybrid system becomes most beneficial.”
Hino Australia President Steve Lotter describes how the Hino 300 Series diesel-electric hybrid chassis proves beneficial for the Australian Waste Industry:
“At low speeds, such as in parks and gardens, the Hino chassis’ diesel engine is assisted by the on-board electric engine, meaning it consumes less fuel than a similar conventional rear loader”.
“Combined with a significant reduction in nitrous oxide (NOx) and carbon dioxide emissions, the UrBin rear loader lessens overall operating costs, and ultimately the impact on the environment,” he said.
The UrBin Hybrid rear loader can be configured to handle several types of common waste receptacles, covering conventional waste, green waste and recyclable goods.
It can also be built to suit the specific needs of customers depending upon requirements.
Mr Waldron said he was excited to launch the first Hybrid rear loader to the Australian Waste Industry.
“This is a great step forward for our industry. Not only is this an effective and affordable solution to fuel economy and emission issues, it is also an excellent opportunity for councils and private contractors to take a ‘greener’ approach to their daily waste collection service.
“By working with cab chassis suppliers like Hino Australia we’re able to tailor the needs of this rear loader to suit the customer, bringing real environmental benefit at a price customers can afford” Mr.Waldron concluded.
