LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Mack Trucks says field testing of its EPA2010-compliant refuse trucks with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) has proven the technology will be reliable and effective.

The company made the declaration at this week’s WasteExpo 2009 trade show in Las Vegas. Mack says it has been putting its SCR-equipped vehicles through the severe duty cycles of refuse collection as part of its EPA2010 field testing program under real-world conditions.

The company has found SCR has improved fuel economy and vehicle performance while also reducing the number of active diesel particulate filter (DPF) regenerations.

“We now have more than three million miles of customer test experience with SCR and the results reinforce our confidence that 2010 delivers increased fuel economy, lower operational costs and a continuation of Mack’s legendary durability,” said Dennis R. Slagle, Mack president and CEO. “SCR is a proven, mature technology that provides cleaner air and reduces the carbon footprint of trucks that are the backbone of our economy.”

Refuse fleets in various environments have been provided with test units, according to Mack, and they have not reported any troubles with diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) or any other SCR components.

“So far, field reports on our Mack test units have been very positive,” said Roy Svehla, senior manager, fleet maintenance for Republic Services, a provider of solid waste collection, transfer, recycling and disposal services. “Overall, the truck has performed very well both from a maintenance and operational perspective.  Our drivers have been pleased with the reliability and performance of the trucks, and have been impressed with their power, good ride and overall good functionality.”

 “I feel that we are much further ahead for EPA2010 than we were at this time for EPA07,” Svehla added. “Mack’s truck and engine are performing reliably and we haven’t had problems with the SCR system. I think Mack has a very good handle on the integration of the 2010 technology with its trucks.”