Meiller manufactures electric multi-function trucks

Meiller combines two functions on a single chassis for the Society for the Disposal of Chemical Weapons and Military Waste (GEKA). With this new vehicle, GEKA can now replace two diesel trucks.

Image: Meiller

The Chemical Weapons and Military Waste Disposal Company (GEKA mbH) is replacing two outdated diesel trucks with a multifunctional electric truck that handles both of the functions previously performed by the retired vehicles. This project was carried out by the Munich-based specialist company Meiller. They combined a Tectrum Hakengerät RS21.65 with a modified Tectris AK14-MT dump truck equipped with a holder for roll-on containers. The electric Volvo FM Electric 6×2 chassis serves as the vehicle base. Meiller’s partner, Wille Fahrzeugbau in Lüneburg, was responsible for modifying the dump truck.

The control system and hydraulics are also designed for flexible operation. Control is achieved via two separate i.s.a.r.-control-3 remote controls for the unroller and the spreader. Although both units have their own hydraulic oil tanks and oil circuits, they are powered together by the electromechanical auxiliary drive of the Volvo FM and the driven hydraulic pump. This allows the respective unit to be controlled directly even during maneuvering.

"We wanted one vehicle that could handle as many of our different tasks as possible," explains GEKA’s operations manager and treasurer, Tobias Harneit. "Meiller’s dual principle gives us the ability to switch between the spreading and unrolling systems, allowing us to use the vehicle according to each specific transport task."

"The project at GEKA clearly demonstrates how flexibly Tectrum and Tectris can be combined," says Michael Eicheldinger, head of the container switching systems product line at Meiller. "Using both configurations on a single chassis opens up interesting possibilities, especially for different transportation tasks. With this combination on the Volvo FM Electric, we have now been able to implement this solution for the first time on a battery-electric chassis as well."

The Volvo FM with dual equipment isn’t the first vehicle of this type. Meiller has already applied this dual principle multiple times. At GEKA, the dump truck is mainly used for short trips within the factory premises. For longer external trips, the dump truck is removed, and the hooking device with rolling containers is used instead.