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★Mark us as a preferred sourceThe development of the Meiller electric truck body sets a new standard in the commercial vehicle market. The Munich-based vehicle construction specialist has created a unique dual solution (Dual-Lösung) that combines a hooklift (TECTRUM) and a skip handler (TECTRIS) on a single chassis. The focus of this innovation is a battery-electric platform that merges maximum operational flexibility with emission-free performance.
In short: MEILLER has developed a combined system for GEKA mbH mounted on a battery-electric Volvo FM Electric chassis. By integrating both TECTRUM and TECTRIS superstructures, a single vehicle can transport both roll-off containers and skips. This solution replaces two older diesel trucks, optimizing both internal and external logistical operations.
The First Meiller electric truck body in Service for GEKA
This specialized vehicle was custom-designed for GEKA mbH (Company for the Disposal of Chemical Warfare Agents and Old Armaments). The company’s objective was to replace two aging diesel-powered trucks—one operating as a hooklift and the other as a skip handler—with a single, modern, and environmentally friendly vehicle. Tobias Harneit, Operations Manager and Authorized Signatory at GEKA, explained that the goal was to cover as many diverse tasks as possible with just one vehicle. In this context, adapting a modern electric waste collection truck framework with MEILLER’s Dual principle offered the perfect solution, allowing seamless switching between the skip and roll-off systems.
Technical Specifications: TECTRUM and TECTRIS on a Single Chassis
The foundation of this development is a battery-electric Volvo FM Electric 6×2 chassis. This base is equipped with a MEILLER TECTRUM RS21.65 hooklift. However, the true uniqueness of the system lies in its supplementary module: an individually adapted TECTRIS AK14-MT skip handler. This skip handler is mounted on a specific frame designed for hooklifts in accordance with the DIN 30722-1,2 standard.
In practice, this means the TECTRIS AK14-MT system can be picked up and set down by the hooklift exactly like a conventional roll-off container. Consequently, no second vehicle is required to switch between the two operational modes. This highly specialized adaptation, tailored to the exact requirements of the operation, was implemented by MEILLER’s contractual partner, Wille Fahrzeugbau in Lüneburg. Michael Eicheldinger, Head of the Container Handling Systems Product Line at MEILLER, highlighted that this project vividly demonstrates the flexible combination of TECTRUM and TECTRIS, which has now been realized for the very first time on a purely battery-electric chassis.
Efficient Logistics in Daily Operations
During everyday operations, GEKA primarily utilizes the TECTRIS skip handler for internal transport tasks within the plant premises. The vehicle travels between various incineration and disposal facilities, picking up cleaned soil and sand from positioned skip containers. It then transports these materials to storage or transshipment areas, from where third parties collect them for further recycling.
Although the vehicle often travels only a few hundred meters per cycle, the high volume of transports means this short route is repeated frequently. Quantitative data illustrates the workload clearly: GEKA’s facility generates approximately 660 filled skip containers annually, with each container holding between 8 and 9 tons of cleaned material.
For longer external transports to off-site disposal and recycling facilities, the TECTRIS skip handler is set down, and the TECTRUM hooklift system takes over. Using appropriate roll-off containers, GEKA transports materials such as wood, cardboard, packaging, scrap metal, and contaminated soil. Ultimately, this single vehicle seamlessly assumes all the responsibilities previously managed by two separate machines.
Dual Control Mechanisms and Hydraulic Integration
To ensure the precise and safe operation of the two distinct body systems, the Volvo FM Electric is equipped with two separate MEILLER i.s.a.r.-control-3 radio remote controls—one dedicated to the hooklift and the other to the skip handler.
From a technical standpoint, it is crucial that both superstructures possess their own dedicated hydraulic oil tanks and independent oil circuits. Despite this separation, both systems are powered through the Volvo FM’s electro-mechanical power take-off (PTO) and the hydraulic pump it drives. This specific engineering configuration is vital, as it allows the drivers to safely and continuously control the selected lifting mechanism while actively maneuvering the vehicle.
Future-Proof Solutions for the Commercial Transport Sector
The future of road freight transport is heavily influenced by a variety of drive concepts. Alongside proven diesel technology, battery-electric drives, as well as hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, are gaining significant importance. Consequently, body manufacturers are required to adapt their systems to these evolving trends. MEILLER is pursuing an open-drive concept (antriebsoffenes Konzept): their superstructures can be deployed independently of the specific drive system, making them equally suitable for conventionally powered vehicles and trucks with alternative, green drivetrains. The custom solution developed for GEKA serves as a prime example of this strategic flexibility.
FAQ
What makes the new Meiller electric truck body unique?
The uniqueness of the system lies in its Dual-solution, which combines the TECTRUM hooklift and the TECTRIS skip handler on a single chassis, eliminating the need for two separate trucks for different logistical tasks.
Which chassis is used for this dual system?
The superstructure is mounted on a battery-electric, emission-free Volvo FM Electric 6×2 chassis.
What are the performance metrics of the vehicle at the GEKA facility?
For internal transport operations, the vehicle moves approximately 660 filled skip containers annually, with each container holding 8 to 9 tons of cleaned soil and sand.
How are the two different lifting systems controlled?
The truck is equipped with two distinct MEILLER i.s.a.r.-control-3 radio remote controls. Both superstructures feature their own hydraulic circuits and tanks, operated via the Volvo’s electro-mechanical PTO.
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