O’Donovan Waste raise the bar on safety

Waste-management firm sets new standard for skiploader operation

LONDON-based O’Donovan Waste Disposal have become the UK's first waste-management and recycling specialist to introduce a skiploader based on a Scania L-series chassis into service. 

Benefiting from a Transport for London five-star Direct Vision Standard (DVS) rating, the vehicle is said to set a new standard for skiploader operation in terms of the level of protection it provides to vulnerable road users. Supplied by Scania UK’s Purfleet depot, the truck is part of an order to supply four new Scania skiploaders to O’Donovan Waste.  

‘The whole purpose of adding the Scania L-series vehicle is about taking innovative steps and encouraging the sector to be forward-thinking as we work to reduce road danger for all users,’ said Jacqueline O’Donovan, managing director of O’Donovan Waste. ‘We have had Scania trucks on our fleet for many years and their ongoing technical advances and commitment to sustainability match our own priorities.’ 

Vincente Connolly, UK sales director for Scania, added: ‘Since its launch, the Scania L-series has been utilized nationwide in a range of applications spanning local distribution to refuse collection. 

‘We are delighted O’Donovan Waste Disposal has now become the country's first waste-management specialist to specify the chassis for a skiploader. With its low driving position and excellent all-round visibility, the cab is ideally suited to intensive urban operations, such as those undertaken by O'Donovan in and around the capital.’

O’Donovan Waste's Scania L-series skiploader is based on an L 250 4x2 chassis equipped with Scania's 7-litre 250hp engine for economic and efficient urban operation. The vehicle's low height, low roof cab features automatic lowering when stationary to provide easy access via its 790mm wide entry step. 

A further L-series cab benefit for drivers on urban multi-drop operations is that movement around the interior is assisted by a passageway in front of the engine tunnel. To provide further protection for vulnerable road users, O’Donovan have added additional safety features, including a side scan system, side under-run protection, left-hand turn audible alarms, and all-round CCTV.

Boughton's Power-Reach 18 (PR18) skiploader equipment has also been fitted to the vehicle. Proven over many years of service, the PR18 features independent telescopic lift arms which allows skips to be dropped off and retrieved from otherwise inaccessible spaces. Loads in transit are secured by way of Boughton's Intacova auto-sheeting system.