Updated: June 11th, 2009 09:25 AM EDTMcNeilus Offers Industry's First Commercial CNG Mixer

The McNeilus compressed natural gas-powered concrete mixer meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2010 heavy-duty engine emission standards for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM).
McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing
DODGE CENTER, MN - McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing, an Oshkosh Corporation company and leading manufacturer of refuse truck bodies and concrete mixers, announces the introduction of the first commercially manufactured compressed natural gas (CNG) concrete mixer. The McNeilus CNG-powered mixer meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2010 heavy-duty engine emission standards for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM).

The McNeilus CNG-powered concrete mixers offer a clean fuel technology solution to the heavy-duty truck market and will help make the construction industry more environmentally friendly. When compared to their diesel engine counterparts, CNG-powered mixers offer lower fuel costs, reduced noise pollution and are six times cleaner, making them both more economical to run and environmentally friendly than diesel-powered mixers.

McNeilus applied for a grant with the California South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), the governing agency on air pollution for the Los Angeles South Coast Air Basin, to modify its prototype truck so it can be commercialized and sold. The project includes creating and conducting a six-month testing program, and developing documentation for the truck's maintenance and operational use.

"We are looking forward to making this type of clean-fueled truck widely available to construction companies interested in promoting clean energy," said William A. Burke, Ed.D., Governing Board chairman of the SCAQMD. "It's important to have natural gas vehicles for all applications, including heavy-duty construction equipment. This is a great example of how clean fuel technology is spreading to all kinds of vehicles."

"Our experience as the only in-house manufacturer of CNG-powered refuse trucks made us the best company to work with SCAQMD in the development and commercialization of a CNG concrete mixer," said Mike Wuest, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and Commercial Group president. "With our proven success in developing CNG turnkey solutions for refuse haulers, McNeilus is confident we will deliver the same quality and reliability on which McNeilus has built its reputation to our concrete customers."


Buck