Partnership formed between Fontaine Modification, Fyda Freightliner and GSP Marketing
A partnership between Fontaine Modification Company, Fyda Freightliner and GSP Marketing, Inc. has resulted in one solution: the new MP8000/M2-106 Dual Stand-UP Drive COMBO multi-purpose collection truck.
The COMBO combines three popular, proven collection technologies:
- The maneuverable Freightliner M2-106 conventional cab chassis from Fyda Freightliner.
- The G-S Products productive semi-automated dual side-loader body from GSP Marketing.
- Fontaine Modification’s dual low-entry stand-up drive cab.
The vehicle has been designed to allow two operators to efficiently collect and load material from both sides of the route. The COMBO’s dual stand-up cab offers low entry access on both sides, so two operators can enter and exit quickly. The cab can be equipped with dual steering, as well, for maximum flexibility. The MP8000 body has large 1.5 cubic yard receiving hoppers on both sides which enable the operators to independently load and dump carts, loose trash, compost, bagged trash or single-stream recycling.
“The new MP8000/M2-106 Dual Stand-UP Drive COMBO lets customers currently running three-man crews on rear loaders shift to two-person crews, for a significant savings in labor costs,” explains Will Trantham, president, Fontaine Modification. “It’s also safer for the workers. Instead of one driver in the cab and two helpers hanging on the outside of the vehicle, both operators of the COMBO ride in the climate-controlled comfort and protection of the cab.”
The COMBO has a lower upfront cost than low-cab-forward and drop-frame configurations. It offers excellent fuel economy, thanks in part to its lighter weight and small-block engine. The M2-106 chassis provides the industry’s best conventional cab maneuverability paired with leading stand-up drive visibility.
“This is a great product for efficiently collecting routes with constraints, such as cities with on-street parking, dead ends, alleys or tight cul-de-sacs,” says Gerry Martin, president of GSP Marketing, manufacturer of G-S Products. “It’s also designed to be convenient and productive for the operators. For example, the loading point is very close to the cab to minimize the amount of walking needed.”
Customer demand for this type of product has been growing during the economic downturn, says Tim Hooker, director of business development for Fyda Freightliner. Once the three companies decided to develop the vehicle to meet this demand, they moved quickly. Fontaine’s Innovation Team designed and completed the necessary chassis modifications on the first vehicle within weeks.
“Going from concept to finished product took Fontaine Modification just 45 days,” Hooker says. “In my 30 years in the transportation industry, I’ve never seen something go from ‘doesn’t exist’ to finished product in 45 days. They got really innovative to make this happen. That’s the kind of guys they are, and that’s why I like doing business with Fontaine.”
The MP8000/M2-106 Dual Stand-UP Drive COMBO is made in the U.S.A. It is available with capacities ranging from 13 cu. yd. to 37 cu. yd. in single or tandem axle configurations. It is sold exclusively by GSP Marketing. For more information or to schedule a demo, call GSP Marketing at (877) 445-4499.
For more information about Fontaine Modification, call 800.FONTAINE (800.366.8246) or visit the company online at www.fontainemod.com.
To learn more about Fyda Freightliner, visit www.fydafreightliner.com.
