Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/540088
Driver comfort Like other trucking industry segments, refuse will continue to face a driver shortage. One strategy fleets of all sizes are relying on to improve driver retention is upgrading equipment, according to a recent survey by HireRight. The LR series responds to this need with a host of enhanced features. "It's very highly tooled and automotive-like," Dorwart says. "Drivers in the refuse segment typically don't get a lot of the niceties in their trucks, but we've changed that." The LR series cab features tilt and telescopic steering, power win- dows and door locks, memory mirrors, in-dash air-conditioning, stan- dard in-cab LED lighting and an instrument cluster with color LCD display. Steering column-mounted main gauge pods for both the right- hand and left-hand driving positions enhance driver visibility and improve ergonomics. Centrally mounted radio and HVAC controls, accessible from both driving positions, round out the cab's features. Mack has also included conveniences such as center storage for lunch coolers, two-liter bottles, beverage cups, mobile phones and MP3 players, as well as a rear-wall unit with two additional levels of storage. "Now the folks in the refuse industry have some of that 21st-century technology in their vehicles," Dorwart says. Cost of ownership Because refuse services are sold based on price, profitability depends on efficient operations, a challenge made even more difficult by increased regulation and market competition. "Right now, refuse sector companies are trying to streamline their operations as much as possible," Dorwart says. "They are looking for ways to reduce their overall operations cost, and the biggest factor in that is versatility." That's where the new Mack LR series can help. The LR model can be configured several ways, from a fully-automated side loader to an auto- mated front loader, to a rear loader. Coupled with four different driving positions and six different door combinations, the LR series lets fleet owners mix and match features in order to simplify the fleet. "If you are running one type of truck with different configurations it streamlines your maintenance and makes your upkeep much easier," Dorwart says. The LR series also features additional access points and mounting locations for wiring, controls, and joysticks that simplify installation and therefore, decrease maintenance costs. Standard power is a Mack MP7 11-liter diesel engine with 325 to 345 horsepower and torque ratings from 1,200 to 1,280 lb.-ft. The Cummins Westport ISL G natural gas engine is an option. All LR models come equipped with an Allison RDS five-speed or six-speed automatic transmission. Like every new Mack truck, the LR is backed by Mack OneCall ® , which offers around-the-clock roadside assistance anywhere in the United States and Canada at more than 500 authorized dealers and parts and service locations, and Mack's 5,000-plus qualified service facility network. "Mack has a very long-term view of the refuse segment and the suc- cess of our customers," Dorwart says. "They are looking for long-term, committed partners on the supplier side, and that's where we come in with competitive products that get the job done and a complete sup- port network." 1 6 | B U L L D O G | 2 0 1 5 V 2 ON EQUIPMENT continued from page 14 The LR series was designed with enhanced safety features, including larger glass in the cab to improve visibility and rear wraparound windows that increase the driver's field of vision.