Peterbilt Displays New Model 320 Hydraulic Hybrid Garbage Truck

Peterbilt Motors Company displayed its Model 320 Hydraulic Launch Assist (HLA) at the 2008 Waste Expo in Chicago, Illinois. The vehicle, ideally suited for vocational stop-and-go refuse applications, has the potential to dramatically improve fuel economy, reduce emissions, and reduce maintenance service.

The Hybrid Model 320 on display in the Peterbilt booth utilizes HLA technology developed by Eaton Corporation exclusively for PACCAR by capturing the trucks kinetic energy during braking to assist in launching and accelerating the vehicle. Testing has proven a significant improvement in fuel economy, and indicated the potential to reduce annual brake re-alignment services by 50 percent annually.

Additionally, the City and County of Denver is displaying its recently acquired Model 320 HLA in booth #2169 at the show. They are showcasing the vehicle to highlight the initiative of pairing environmental responsibility with refuse collection.

“The Model 320 HLA is an ideal environmental option for refuse applications,” says Bill Jackson, Peterbilt General Manager and PACCAR Vice President. “Dramatic improvements in fuel economy, reductions in emissions and lower maintenance costs spotlight the Peterbilt Model 320 Hydraulic Hybrid as the environmentally responsible, fuel-efficient solution for municipal and residential solid waste transportation fleets.”

Hydraulic Launch Assist technology works by recovering up to 75 percent of the energy normally lost as heat by the vehicle’s brakes in the form of pressurized hydraulic fluid. This fluid is stored in an on-board accumulator until the driver next accelerates the vehicle.

[source: Peterbilt]