When it comes to commercial routes, the mighty front loader is the longstanding solution for quick, efficient trash pick up. They are characterized by two forks found on the front of the vehicle, perfectly shaped for picking up heavy dumpsters by the pockets and emptying them smoothly into the hopper.
Across the entire U.S., front loaders are used for commercial trash and dumpster pick up. Restaurants, retail stores, offices, schools, apartments and more rely on front loaders to keep their environments clean and safe.
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A front end load garbage truck, or front loader, is a vehicle designed for trash pickup, especially dumpsters, using two hydraulically-powered, movable forks positioned at the front of the truck. It is different from rear loaders, where trash is placed by hand in the back of the truck, or side loaders, where an arm on the side of the truck picks up totes. Dumpsters can only be picked up by front loaders as rear and side loaders have no mechanisms for lifting such heavy containers.
Front loaders are often used in commercial applications as they provide the largest compaction possible on a single, non-combination vehicle, with most at 40-44 cubic yard capacity. They are also used frequently in recycling as recycled material is lightweight. This means sanitation employees can fit high volumes of paper, cardboard, plastic, etc. in one container, leading to fewer trips to the recycling plant.
When operating a front loader, the driver never has to exit the cab. Driver environments are expertly designed for comfort and productivity, with total control within arm’s reach. However, while ease-of-use has become a design priority, there is still a learning curve involved.
The driver maneuvers the forks on the front of the truck to hit the “pockets” or openings on the side of each dumpster, which are specifically designed for trash pickup. Once forks are inserted into the dumpster pockets, the arms raise to tip the dumpster midair, dump the contents behind the driver and place it into the hopper. Once the hopper is full, trash is compacted into the rest of the body.
Though front loaders are primarily used in commercial applications, they are also gaining in popularity for residential pick up. A residential front loader is equipped with a Curotto-Can® and a smaller arm on the side of the front mechanism. The arm lifts and tips the tote into the can, where its contents reside until full. Once full, the Curotto-Can® is tipped into the truck’s body where it will be compacted.
In comparison to rear and side loaders, front loaders have several key capabilities, making them the chosen tool for commercial trash pickup. Benefits include:
Yes. Front loaders may be used in residential applications, but they are still a commercial vehicle, meaning all front loader drivers are required to possess a valid CDL.
Our Premier Ready fleet of front loaders features lightly-used, expertly spec’d and maintained new truck alternatives, detailed to the highest standards. Campaign and warranty issues are already addressed and FET is paid. All our trucks are ready to work.
We restock equipment sooner than the competition, meaning the truck is lightly used with lower miles when you receive it. Our job is to give you quality equipment, meaning our trucks are built as bulletproof as possible.
The front loader market is very competitive with a number of brands making vehicles for commercial applications. They are all capable of picking up the same standardized containers, but differ in the way they are assembled and manufactured. At Premier, we prefer three specific makes of front loaders: Mack, Autocar and Peterbilt.
Mack is a classic truck brand known for its strength, power and durability, making it a perfect choice for the most rugged pickup routes. Camelback suspension and the Mack MP8 engine work together to support a vehicle that’s in it for the long haul.
Autocar provides the strength you need for any route, but with an added focus on driver comfort over the course of the work day. A larger cab made from welded steel provides more room for finding a comfortable operating position while making it easier to get in and out of the vehicle. If you’re looking to find a truck that can take on your longest route while keeping employees happier and healthier, Autocar is an excellent choice.
Peterbilt is another tried and true brand, proven to be reliable in terms of strength and safety. These trucks are efficient and ergonomic with a powerful Cummins X15 engine and Chalmers or AirTrac suspension. Both the engine and suspension systems work together to offer high performance and a consistently gentle ride. Peterbilt’s AirTrac suspension is also a lighter option with less vibration, making it an ideal choice for new drivers.
The best brands for front end load garbage truck bodies are Heil, McNeilus and Labrie. At Premier, we carry ready to work, new truck alternatives in the latest models from all three of these manufacturers.
Heil front loaders are another strong, efficient option that offers excellent durability with high uptimes. From the solid foundation of the body to the smart piston pump sensors that control hydraulic flow, this truck is an excellent option for any route.
Heil trucks also offer Odyssey controls, which are easy-to-use and require only the operation of a single joystick. Insight Display within the cab provides real-time data and optimizes control for more accurate, fast pickup. The display also shows any parts in need of maintenance, meaning you no longer waste time searching for the problem. Instead, you can fix things quickly and move along, reducing costs and downtime.
Heil’s well-made hydraulic system, durable truck body and smooth operator controls make this brand an excellent choice.
Front end loaders are hard workers, designed to be long lasting and reliable, and McNeilus is no exception. On a McNeilus front loader, a clean headframe protects a tough, durable body, electric components and a built-to-last hydraulics system.
The hydraulics system comes standard with the Excalibre™ packing cylinders that prevent corrosion and hydraulic contamination to promote longevity. Like Labrie, McNeilus bodies are also constructed with AR450 abrasion resistant steel, which also contributes to corrosion resistance. And like Heil, McNeilus bodies come with a built-in system that assists with diagnostics and troubleshooting to prevent extended maintenance downtime.
The full package is highly productive, rugged and tough enough to take on any route. Browse our inventory of McNeilus front end loaders for sale here.
Labrie manufactures trucks high in durability and strength and low in weight and maintenance cost. These trucks are made with single sheets of AR450 steel, which has five times more abrasion resistance than standard steel materials and eliminates cracks and corrosion. These front loaders also offer a minimum 5% increased legal payload, meaning the truck can drive longer routes with increased revenues.
All Labrie front loaders offer a well-engineered hydraulics system that delivers quick and smooth lifting motion with a fast cycle time. This allows the operator to cycle more waste efficiently and easily extend commercial routes.
To round it all off, Labrie front loaders are quiet. They don’t disturb the public while your team quickly collects the day’s route without sacrificing strength or speed.
We proudly and transparently list the approximate cost of our vehicles on our website. You can find them in our front loader sales inventory here. However, we do encourage you to call our team and ask about price, which can vary depending on your custom rental or purchase plan. Not every company lists price, but at Premier, we believe it’s important to be up front and honest with our customers as it lays the foundation for a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship.
Autocar – The Garbage Truck Manufacturer
In , the first motor truck commercially available in the United States carried the Autocar name. Today’s Autocar is the only American severe-duty truck brand 100 percent committed to purpose-built vocational trucks. One of the first products to carry the Autocar name was the “Delivery Wagon,” introduced in , which marked the first motor truck in the Western Hemisphere. This innovative vehicle created an entirely new category of motor vehicles as the American public realized the potential for trucks as vocational work tools. Over the ensuing century, the Autocar name has been proudly carried on the toughest, heavy-duty work trucks on the planet. Today, Autocar, LLC produces custom-engineered, severe-duty trucks designed for various vocations, including refuse, recycling, construction, concrete, road maintenance, military, aircraft support and more. Severe duty is standard at Autocar, not an option.
Since , the Autocar brand, has long signified trucks that are:
Autocar – The Garbage Truck Manufacturer
There are many names for garbage trucks:
Regardless of the name, a garbage truck’s primary function is to collect and dispose of trash, garbage, cardboard, plastic, wood posts, wooden pallets, brush/yard waste and more. Autocar is the only American-owned severe-duty manufacturer that builds 100 percent vocational trucks, which are engineering marvels.
Engineering Trucks to Fit a Challenging Market
As a leading producer of trash, the United States needs refuse trucks that are durable and reliable. Autocar understands this need and manufacturers trucks to meet the market’s needs. According to rubicon.com,
Autocar’s Refuse Truck Models
The Autocar ACMD is a medium/heavy duty cabover truck that can be configured as a class 7 or class 8 truck. It is a vocational workhorse with exceptional safety, durability and value. Three-person seating is available. Powered by a Cummins diesel or CNG/LNG engine.
The Autocar ACX is a severe duty class 8 cabover vocational truck with the biggest cab in the industry and the tightest turning radius. Garbage truck manufacturer Autocar custom-engineers for each customer’s application to handle the most extreme challenges with ease. The ACX comes in 4x2, 6x4, 8x4, 8x6,10x4, 10x6 and 12x6 configurations and is powered by a Cummins diesel or CNG/LNG engine.
Built for the most challenging conditions, the Autocar DC-64 severe-duty conventional vocational truck has an innovative chassis design for superior drivability. Operators appreciate its spacious and functional cab (inside and out). Every detail is engineered for maximum up time and the easiest serviceability. Powered by a Cummins diesel or CNG/LNG engine.
Garbage Truck Chassis
There are two main types of garbage truck chassis, the cabover truck and the conventional truck.
Cabover Engine
Just as the name says, cabover engines are cab-over-engine or COE. In a COE the operator sits above the truck’s engine, a design that gives the operator better visibility and a cab that allows for a tighter turning radius.
Conventional
A severe-duty conventional cab features an engine that sits in front of the operator in a separate engine compartment. Conventional cab trucks can pull heavier refuse loads than COEs and handle rougher roads and driving terrain.
Class 8 Heavy-Duty Garbage Bodies AKA Refuse Hoppers
Front End Loaders (FEL)
Front-end loader refuse bodies feature automated forks on the front, which pick up a waste container and lifts it over the truck to dump the contents into its hopper. Most common for commercial waste collection fleets, front-loaders are primarily used for commercial waste removal. The typical cab configuration for a front-end loader is a single left-hand drive cab fitting the needs of the operator.
Residential applications for front-end loaders may use the Curotto-Can®, a refuse collection can in front of the truck’s cab allowing the operator to use a mechanical arm and place waste bin material into the can. The operator can then lift the full can over the truck and dump the waste into its hopper. Common cabs for residential front-end loaders include dual left-hand drive and right-hand drive in either a sitting or standing configuration.
Automated Side Loaders (ASL)
Automated side loaders are a type of refuse body that features automated arms at the side which pick up a waste container and empty its contents into the truck’s hopper. A single operator uses joystick controls to grab the container, empty it and return it to the curbside while they remain in the cab. The most common cab configuration, a single right-hand drive cab, helps the operator get a better view of the container. Automated side loaders are primarily used for residential waste removal.
Manual Side Loaders (MSL)
Manual side loaders refuse bodies are used to load waste from the side of the truck. The low sill height in manual side loaders allows collectors to empty trash containers and load garbage bags along with material left on the curb. Manual side loader configurations include dual left and right-hand stand cabs so refuse collectors can get in and out of the cab easily. Some are split bodies for recycling, which continues to grow, increasing the demand for pure recycling trucks. Manual side loaders are primarily used for residential garbage removal.
Rear Loaders (RL)
Rear loaders are garbage bodies that feature a mechanical lifting system in which the operator attaches the trash container to the lifting mechanism on the rear of the truck. Contents of the bin are mechanically dumped into the truck hopper. Split-body loaders allow the collection of more than one waste stream in a single pass. The split-body loader can collect municipal waste destined for landfills and recyclables. Cab configurations of a rear loader commonly include the single left-hand drive cab followed by the dual drive left-hand sit and right-hand stand cab. Rear loaders are primarily used for commercial garbage removal.
Autocar’s Industry Leading Body Integration
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Autocar, LLC has a mission to provide the highest level of body integration in the industry with the Power of One and Ultimate Power of One.
The Power of One (PO1)
The Power of One allows Autocar to provide body integration between the truck chassis and body by partnering with willing body companies to ensure seamless body mounting and a production-ready tool. Partnership with body companies allows Autocar to integrate body features like exact laser cut chassis, punched holes to eliminate welding and the installation of body controls and components. As a result, the Power of One helps to deliver trucks faster with a seamless body integration process once it leaves the line at Autocar.
The Ultimate Power of One
Autocar offers the Ultimate Power of One on DC-64R roll-off refuse trucks, allowing for the industry's highest level of body integration. The Ultimate Power of One brings together the chassis and body – treating the truck as one complete tool that is ready to work the second it comes of the line. The brand's partnership with Galfab, a manufacturer of roll-off hoists and containers, offers a parallel engineering experience all done on Autocar's production line, including:
The Autocar DC-64R roll-off with the Ultimate Power of One avoids frame welds while helping to increase quality, reliability, uptime and a faster order-to-delivery experience for a custom-engineered refuse truck.
Class 8 Heavy-Duty Refuse Hoists & Carriers
Class 8 refuse hoists and carriers are typically sold separately, however trucks purchased with the Ultimate Power of One roll off the line with the hoist already installed. Each hoist and carrier have slightly different operating mechanisms and benefits for the user.
Refuse Truck Cable / Roll-off Hoists
Cable/roll-off hoists use a cable system that hooks onto a refuse container, also known as a dumpster container, and pulls it up onto the back of the truck, using hydraulics to winch the cables. The garbage truck chassis has a tilt frame that is elevated by a hydraulic ram from a horizontal position on the truck to where the rear ends of the rails touch the ground to hoist the container up onto the rails. The operator must exit the cab to attach the cable and work controls outside the truck to load and unload roll-off containers.
Hooklift Hoists
Hooklift hoists use a hydraulic lift connected to a hook to pull a refuse container onto a truck bed or push it off in the dumping motion. The hoist has two or three large rollers at the end of the hooklift system, which align with rails underneath the hooklift container. The operator stays in the cab to mount/demount containers.
Container Handling Equipment
Load luggers are best for short-distance hauls when large quantities of heavy waste are generated, and conventional refuse collection vehicles are not practical. Featuring a vertical cargo-handling device with a hydraulic hoist mechanism, hydraulic cylinders activate the lifting arms for mounting and dismounting lugger containers. This process requires the operator to exit the cab to attach the container to the load-lugger system.Container carriers transport individual stationary containers or load multiple containers onto a trailer to haul to a site. Carriers equipped with a rotator can invert the container and unload its contents into a top-loading larger refuse container. The operator stays in the cab to attach the container to the container carrier system.
Parts of a Garbage Truck
Autocar uses components from world-class suppliers with a global presence. Autocar knows that customers experience significant savings and can locate parts more easily by leveraging off-the-shelf components. Whereas other OEMs use exclusive components only available through dealers. Parts and service are where other OEMs make most of their profit. Did you know that Autocar doesn’t even have a line item for parts and service? That’s because our goal is to sell trucks that never break down. Autocar does not profit from our customer’s down.
Garbage Truck Manufacturer Specifications
Spec’ing a trash truck for difficult applications is no easy job. When spec’ing a truck one of the most important things to know is the type of conditions the truck will operate (temperature, ground conditions etc.). With that information, selecting an automated front loader, automated side loader, rear loader or front loader is the next step. Here are a few other things to consider:
Another important spec’ing aspect is to know exactly what type of waste the truck will be collecting as some require specialized equipment. There are many types of wastes, here are just a few.
Other important garbage truck spec considerations:
Significant Differences Between a Custom Garbage Truck and a Premade Garbage Truck
Garbage Truck Safety
Safety is a priority at Autocar. In , Autocar set a new standard for safety when the ACX became the first severe-duty cabover engine OEM to release a suite of Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS) technology which includes:
Fuel Types for Garbage Trucks
Diesel
Alternative Fuel Options
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
Refuse Truck Advanced Technologies/Telematics
Garbage truck manufacturer Autocar, leverages available advanced technologies to integrate with its trucks such as telematics. For over 20 years, telematics has developed to meet the needs of fleets and operators through the communication of real-time information and data tied to trucks in their fleets.
Autocar’s advanced telematics system provides operators and fleets with:
Garbage truck manufacturer Autocar, knows how to build and engineer tools that help make refuse collection efficient and safe that are built to be “always up.”
To learn even more about Autocar’s refuse and recycling trucks, visit us at www.autocartruck.com/refuse-and-recycling.
Sources:
https://www.rubicon.com/blog/trash-reason-statistics-facts/#:~:text=1.,of%20the%20world's%20total%20waste
https://www.thecurottocan.com/
https://wasteadvantagemag.com/marketplace/refuse-containers/
https://www.cummins.com/engines/vocational
https://www.meritor.com/
https://www.allisontransmission.com/
https://www.epa.gov/report-environment/wastes
https://www.wastetodaymagazine.com/article/autocar-trucks-dc-refuse-truck-reveal-wasteexpo/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yph5MYA5U8Q
https://www.wastetodaymagazine.com/article/waste-pro-autocar-advanced-driver-assist-system/
https://www.recyclingproductnews.com/article//how-new-technology-from-autocar-is-making-waste-collection-safer
https://www.truckinginfo.com//autocar-rolls-out-new-conventional-truck-model
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