How To Choose Garbage Trucks - CLW GROUP

Author: Faunus

Jan. 06, 2025

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Garbage trucks are essential in promoting clean and healthy environments. These specially designed vehicles effectively collect and transport waste, contributing to the cleanliness of our streets and neighborhoods. Selecting the appropriate garbage truck is vital for waste management companies and municipalities to enhance their waste collection processes.

Numerous factors influence the selection of garbage trucks. The nature of the waste being collected, the dimensions of the service area, and the unique demands of the community significantly impact the decision-making process. This article will delve into the various types of garbage trucks available, key considerations to keep in foreground, how to evaluate waste collection needs, important truck features to assess, and associated cost elements. By the conclusion, readers will gain insights into selecting the most fitting garbage truck for their specific requirements.

Types of Garbage Trucks

Garbage trucks are available in multiple configurations, each serving particular waste collection purposes. The primary types include front loaders, rear loaders, side loaders, and roll-off trucks, each exhibiting distinct features and uses in waste management.

Front Loaders

Front loader garbage trucks are built to manage substantial waste volumes, making them ideal for commercial and industrial waste collection. These trucks feature hydraulically controlled forks at the front, which lift and empty large containers, commonly referred to as dumpsters, into the truck's hopper.

Key features of front loaders include:

  1. Lifting capacity of about 8,000 pounds
  2. Ability to haulier up to 40 cubic yards of garbage when completely loaded
  3. Streamlined operation with a single operator
  4. Suitable for tight spaces and narrow streets
  5. Hydraulic compacting system for consolidating waste in the hopper

While front loaders may have higher upfront costs, they provide an excellent return on investment due to their efficiency and single-operator capability.

Rear Loaders

Rear loader garbage trucks are adaptable vehicles suitable for residential and commercial waste collection. These trucks utilize a loading mechanism located at the rear.

Highlights of rear loaders:

  1. More budget-friendly compared to front loaders
  2. Require a driver and an additional crew member to manage waste containers
  3. Capable of servicing up to 800-850 homes in a single day
  4. Available with manual loading or automated lifting systems
  5. Hydraulic compaction features

Due to their affordability and versatility, rear loaders are favored by waste hauling companies.

Side Loaders

Primarily used in residential areas, side loader garbage trucks offer efficient waste collection. These vehicles are equipped with a mechanical arm on the side that collects and empties garbage bins into the hopper.

Noteworthy characteristics of side loaders:

  1. Operable by a single individual
  2. Available in both manual and automated models
  3. Automated variants can service up to 1,500 homes daily
  4. Standard capacity of 28 cubic yards of waste
  5. Can store an estimated 30,000 pounds of compacted garbage

With reduced labor requirements, side loaders provide effective residential waste collection.

Roll-Off Trucks

Roll-off trucks, also known as dumpster trucks, are the most prevalent garbage trucks found in the United States. Designed to transport large, open-top waste containers to and from collection and drop-off locations, these vehicles are quite efficient.

Key attributes of roll-off trucks include:

  1. Utilize wheels for container loading and unloading
  2. Ideal for transporting industrial and commercial waste
  3. Can carry up to 10 tons of refuse at once
  4. Not intended for door-to-door residential waste collection
  5. Employ either hydraulic arms or cable winch systems to load containers

Roll-off trucks are favored for their significant capacity and their ability to handle heavy loads destined for landfills or recycling facilities.

Key Factors to Consider

Capacity and Size

When choosing garbage trucks, capacity and size are crucial aspects to consider. The truck's body functions as the storage unit for processed waste. Depending on specific needs, the capacity can range between 6 to 26 cubic meters. For example, certain trucks can accommodate a garbage tank volume of 4,000 liters, suitable for collecting household waste and domestic refuse. The vehicle's size also affects maneuverability and its capability to navigate diverse urban settings.

Compaction Mechanism

The compaction mechanism distinguishes garbage trucks from regular vehicles. This system facilitates efficient waste collection by compressing trash into a more manageable size. Typically made of high-strength steel, the compaction plate operates on an inclined surface to consolidate collected waste within the hopper. Some trucks achieve compression ratios of 1:0.8 and can exert compaction pressures of up to 16 MPa. This process enhances waste density and minimizes volume, thus improving garbage collection and transportation efficiency.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency directly influences operational costs and the environmental footprint of garbage trucks. Traditional trucks typically experience poor fuel economy, averaging 2 to 3 miles per gallon. However, technology advancements have facilitated the development of more fuel-efficient models. For instance, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks have demonstrated encouraging results, with fleets reporting fuel economy comparable to diesel vehicles, promising nearly 50% savings on fuel costs. Electric garbage trucks are also on the rise, with some cities noting significant fuel savings from their deployment.

Maneuverability

The maneuverability of a garbage truck in different urban environments is essential for effective waste collection. Factors such as wheelbase, turning radius, and overall dimensions play a role in a truck's agility. The design and loading mechanism, such as those found in rear loaders, also impact maneuverability and operational flexibility in various collection scenarios.

Assessing Your Waste Collection Needs

To find the most suitable garbage trucks, accurately assessing waste collection needs is vital. This assessment considers factors such as waste volume, type of waste, and required collection frequency.

Residential vs. Commercial

The kind of waste collection service influences the choice of garbage trucks. Residential services typically service individual households, while commercial services cater to businesses and industrial zones.

Automated trucks, often referred to as "one arm bandit" trucks, are frequently utilized for residential waste collection in urban environments. These trucks employ a joystick-controlled mechanical arm, enhancing efficiency without requiring the driver to exit the vehicle. However, these may not adequately suit rural areas due to sensitivity to dirt and dust.

For commercial waste collection, larger capacity trucks are often necessary to manage heavier loads and a broader variety of waste, commonly designed to accommodate larger containers.

Waste Volume

The volume of waste generated in a service area influences garbage truck selection. Urban zones with higher population densities tend to produce larger waste volumes compared to rural areas. With an approximately 60 million annual increase in urban populations globally, there is a significant rise in household waste production.

To cater to varying waste volumes, trucks come in various sizes and capacities, with some featuring a 4,000-liter garbage tank volume for household waste. Others can possess capacities extending from 6 to 26 cubic meters, tailored to the specific needs of the service area.

Collection Frequency

Collection frequency impacts both the choice of garbage trucks and overall operational efficiency. Studies suggest that while many areas utilize twice-per-week collection, the second collection day often sees limited use.

Reducing collection frequency can yield several benefits:

  1. Lower operating expenses due to enhanced operational productivity
  2. Decreased requirement for collection vehicles, by 20 to 40 percent
  3. Higher participation in recycling and yard trimming diversion programs
  4. Better workload distribution for waste collection throughout the week

Factors affecting collection frequency include:

  1. Availability of recycling and composting programs
  2. Implementation of "Pay-As-You-Throw" fee structures
  3. Seasonal variations in waste output
  4. Regulatory mandates and community expectations

By meticulously considering these factors, waste management companies and municipalities can determine optimal collection frequency and select garbage trucks that align with their objectives.

Evaluating Truck Features

Evaluating the features that boost efficiency, safety, and ergonomics is crucial when selecting garbage trucks. These attributes can significantly affect the overall performance and effectiveness of waste collection operations.

Automated vs. Manual Loading

Garbage trucks typically feature two primary loading configurations: automated and manual, each suited to different collection scenarios.

Automated loading systems utilize a robotic arm, operated from within the cab. This enables efficient waste collection without necessitating the driver's departure from the vehicle. Some key features of automated loading systems include:

  1. Joystick-controlled mechanical arm for retrieving and emptying roll-out carts
  2. Ability to handle and return containers from various positions
  3. Zero-radius arm design for better maneuverability around parked vehicles
  4. Vertical container movement to minimize spillage

In contrast, manual loading systems require a two-person crew: one for driving and the other for collecting waste. These systems allow flexibility in some collection situations and generally feature:

  1. Side-loading trucks with 22-cubic-meter capacities
  2. Alternation of tasks between crew members to evenly distribute labor
  3. Adaptability to different container types and collection environments

Safety Features

Modern garbage trucks are equipped with numerous safety features to safeguard drivers, collectors, and the general public. Essential safety components include:

  1. All-steel doors and cabs that enhance visibility
  2. 360-degree camera systems for improved situational awareness
  3. Blind-spot detectors and forward collision warning systems
  4. Advanced emergency braking mechanisms
  5. Onboard diagnostics for rapid identification of potential issues

Moreover, adhering to safety protocols and equipment is vital:

  1. Conducting pre-route checks on trucks to ensure DOT compliance
  2. Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as recommended by SWANA, including reflective vests, gloves, and protective headgear
  3. Maintaining a clear line of sight between the driver and guide when outside the vehicle
  4. Strict adherence to safety rules, such as refraining from riding on steps when the truck is moving faster than 10 mph or reversing

Ergonomics

Ergonomic features in garbage trucks are engineered to lessen physical strain on operators and enhance overall efficiency. Important ergonomic aspects encompass:

  1. In-cab controls designed for ease of use and comfort
  2. Positioning of joysticks for automated arm control
  3. Easy access to control systems and components for straightforward maintenance and repairs
  4. Comfortable seating and cab design for reducing driver fatigue during prolonged routes

Additionally, routing optimization is pivotal to ergonomics by:

  1. Maximizing the number of efficiently reachable stops
  2. Minimizing turns and backing instances
  3. Reducing unnecessary mileage, thereby lowering risk exposure for drivers

By examining these features carefully, waste management companies and municipalities can select garbage trucks that balance efficiency, safety, and ergonomics for their unique collection demands.

Understanding Truck Specifications

Understanding the various specifications that dictate the performance and suitability of garbage trucks is essential when making a choice. These specifications encompass payload capacity, body size, and chassis types.

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Payload Capacity

Payload capacity refers to the amount of waste a garbage truck can transport. This specification influences the efficiency of waste collection operations. The Heil Half/Pack, a well-regarded front loader in the U.S., offers hauling capacities reaching 40 yards. This sizable capacity facilitates carrying more waste in fewer trips, improving overall efficiency.

Similarly, Wittke/Starlight front-loading garbage trucks also provide 40-yard capacities, enabling them to transport greater waste volumes per landfill visit. The McNeilus Meridian front loader highlights the diversity of available payload capacities with its 14-ton carrying capacity.

Body Size

The body size of a garbage truck impacts its overall dimensions and has implications for maneuverability and storage capacity. For instance, Wittke/Starlight front loaders measure an overall length of 299 inches and a width of 102 inches, allowing for greater agility on narrow streets while maintaining substantial waste capacity.

Meanwhile, the McNeilus Contender front loader features a 12 cubic yard hopper, illustrating how body sizes can vary across different models. It's essential to strike a balance between storage volume and navigation capabilities when considering body size.

Chassis Type

The chassis type establishes the foundation of a garbage truck, affecting its performance, weight distribution, and functionality. Different chassis types cater to various operational needs.

  1. Special truck chassis: Certain models, like the CQXYKAMDG603, are constructed with a specialized chassis intended for waste collection purposes.
  2. Drive configurations: Chassis types differ in drive configurations. For example, the CQXYKAMDG603 has a 6×2 drive system, influencing traction and maneuverability.
  3. Wheelbase: The wheelbase affects turning radius and weight distribution, such as the +mm wheelbase featured in the CQXYKAMDG603.
  4. Weight ratings: Chassis specifications encompass crucial weight ratings such as:
    • Chassis Tare Weight: 10.1 tons for the CQXYKAMDG603
    • Recommended Loading: 15 tons
    • Gross Vehicle Weight: 25 tons

Understanding these specifications assists waste management companies and municipalities in selecting garbage trucks that align with their operational requirements, ensuring effective and efficient waste collection services.

Cost Considerations

When choosing garbage trucks, evaluating various cost factors is vital for understanding the overall investment and operational expenses. These considerations can be grouped into three main categories: initial purchase price, operational expenses, and maintenance costs.

Initial Purchase Price

The initial expense of acquiring a garbage truck significantly contributes to its long-term operational costs. The price range for garbage trucks can vary widely, spanning from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, based on size and specifications. This substantial upfront investment warrants meticulous consideration due to its implications for the long-term financial planning of waste management businesses and municipalities.

Operational Costs

Daily operations of garbage trucks entail multiple ongoing expenses that increase total ownership costs. These operational costs include:

  1. Fuel: Garbage trucks primarily utilize diesel engines, which consume considerable fuel due to their size and weight. Frequent stops and starts during collection routes further exacerbate fuel usage, rendering it a significant expenditure for truck operation.
  2. Labor: The expense of hiring drivers and collection crews directly impacts overall operational costs. Labor expenses encompass wages, benefits, and necessary training for individuals engaged in waste collection tasks.
  3. Disposal fees: Depending on geographical location, disposal costs can fluctuate from $20 per ton to over $100 per ton, impacting the total cost of waste management operations.
  4. Indirect costs: Administrative operations such as supervision, billing, and accounting also contribute to operational expenses. A rough estimate is to add 15 percent of direct costs to accommodate these indirect expenses.

All these costs combined can reach approximately $13,000 monthly, or $650 daily, to operate one truck. To ensure profitability, waste management companies often add an additional 15 percent to customer charges.

Maintenance Expenses

Regular maintenance affects the longevity and efficiency of garbage trucks. Maintenance expenses include:

  1. Routine maintenance: Tasks such as oil changes, tire replacements, and brake inspections are crucial for ensuring the safety and performance of garbage trucks.
  2. Hydraulic system upkeep: Maintenance of hydraulic systems ranks among the top significant expenses in garbage truck operations alongside fuel and tires. Routine checks of hydraulic components—filters, hose assemblies, and cylinders—are essential for overall cost management.
  3. Preventive maintenance: Implementing a structured maintenance schedule is vital to reduce instances of unscheduled downtime and associated costs. Daily inspections should encompass checking hydraulics, rollers, sensors, nuts and bolts, cables, and structural components.
  4. Repairs: Despite adhering to a regular maintenance routine, garbage trucks may require repairs for mechanical or electrical systems, further adding to operating costs.

Through efficient maintenance strategies, waste management companies can prevent significant breakdowns and mitigate costly repair possibilities. Although routine maintenance incurs expenses, they pale compared to the costs associated with non-operational vehicles or those necessitating major repairs.

Choosing the Right Manufacturer

Opting for the right garbage truck manufacturer significantly affects the long-term reliability and efficiency of a waste management fleet. With various options accessible, considering factors such as reputation, after-sales support, and warranty offerings is critical in this decision-making process.

Reputation

A manufacturer’s reputation influences the quality and durability of their products. Established companies with an extensive history in the industry typically have a proven record of confidence in producing reliable vehicles. For example, Heil, in operation for over a century, has secured a robust reputation for quality within the waste sector.

Another notable manufacturer, McNeilus, has a record for innovative engineering as part of the Oshkosh Corporation. They offer numerous options ensuring customers find a suitable fit for their needs, backed by claims of lower maintenance requirements than competitors.

New Way, a family-owned entity with nearly half a century of experience, has established a reputation centered on innovation, quality, and customer service. These established manufacturers have cultivated trust through consistent performance and customer satisfaction.

After-Sales Support

The extent of after-sales support can extensively impact the ongoing operation and maintenance of garbage trucks. A reliable dealer network and exceptional customer service are vital for keeping vehicles operational and minimizing downtime.

Feedback for McNeilus from fleet managers has pointed to their customer support as a key asset, particularly when addressing unexpected issues or regular maintenance needs.

Heil also focuses on maintaining a strong dealer network and customer service, which can be instrumental for addressing concerns and ensuring vehicle longevity.

Some manufacturers, like Amrep, provide additional perks such as cooperative purchasing contracts simplifying the procurement process, demonstrating their commitment to overall customer satisfaction.

Warranty

Warranty offerings play a crucial role in the long-term expenses and peace of mind for garbage truck operators. Manufacturers provide varying warranty coverage levels that require careful evaluation during purchasing decisions.

For instance, several companies offer extended warranties covering various truck components, including the body, chassis, and transmission. The length and extent of these warranties notably differ among manufacturers.

Amrep, for instance, utilizes genuine Hardox wear plate steel throughout the truck body. This choice enhances durability, ultimately saving customers replacement part expenses. While this may not qualify as a warranty in the classic sense, such design considered demonstrates a commitment to long-term durability.

When assessing warranties, it's crucial to evaluate the coverage length and specifics regarding included components, as well as any conditions or limitations that could apply. A well-rounded warranty can bring significant advantages through the vehicle's lifecycle and should factor prominently in purchasing considerations.

Conclusion

Choosing the right garbage truck dramatically impacts waste management's efficiency and effectiveness. With considerations ranging from truck types, essential features, and cost implications, it is essential to thoughtfully address the critical facets pertaining to this choice. By methodically assessing waste collection needs, evaluating truck specifications, and considering manufacturers’ reputations, waste management companies and municipalities can make enlightened decisions that align with their particular requirements.

Ultimately, the goal is to find a garbage truck that fulfills current needs while also being adaptable to future challenges in waste management. A well-chosen vehicle not only streamlines waste collection but also promotes greater cost-efficiency and environmental responsibility. Adopting a meticulous approach to selecting garbage trucks is paramount in ensuring our communities remain clean and healthy while also sustaining long-term waste management practices.

Electric Garbage Trucks for a Sustainable Refuse Solution

When thinking of electric vehicles, you might visualize innovative solutions like Tesla that have revolutionized the automotive scene with clean energy. But the potential for EVs extends far beyond private automobiles.

Garbage trucks are a critical piece of the sustainability puzzle, with progressive organizations like the New York City Department of Sanitation leading the way. They recently acquired a Mack LR demonstration electric truck, proving its reliability and public safety, making a strong case for this shift.

How Do Electric Trucks Work?

Electric trucks provide superior power and performance.

Most electric trucks utilize lithium-ion batteries that drive dual electric motors, delivering enhanced energy efficiency, reduced self-discharge, and stellar high-temperature performance while supporting recycling initiatives.

A two-speed transmission helps streamline torque delivery to the drive wheels, boosting performance. An intriguing aspect of modern electric trucks is their regenerative braking systems that slow vehicles while channeling energy back to the motors, functioning akin to a generator.

Traditional Refuse Truck vs Electric Garbage Trucks

Electric trucks excel traditional ones in three key areas: instantaneous torque, lower maintenance requirements, and more compact design.

EV Garbage Trucks Deliver Instant Torque

Electric garbage trucks generate immediate torque from zero revolutions per minute (RPM), propelling them forward instantaneously. On the other hand, traditional diesel refuse trucks must reach a specific RPM before generating significant torque, creating a notable advantage for electric trucks in towing and maneuvering through elevated terrains.

Lower Maintenance for EV Fleets

Fewer moving parts equate to less wear and tear on electric truck components, hinting at reduced failure rates in waste management operations.

Without the need for gaskets or oil changes, maintenance expenses remain low while productivity remains high. Although upkeep costs are not entirely absent, the durability of batteries, which can sustain a driving range of more than 100,000 miles, ensures electric garbage trucks can stay operational longer than those powered by combustion engines, which frequently suffer from wearing parts.

Optimum and Clever Storage Options for EV Vehicles

Electric garbage trucks eliminate the bulkiness of internal combustion engines, allowing for additional cubic feet under the hood—often referred to as the 'frunk'—which can be advantageous for transporting more refuse.

Furthermore, the absence of a transmission system enables larger cabin spaces, thus providing operators additional room for cargo and passengers.

What Is the Benefit of an Electric Garbage Truck?

Gas-powered refuse trucks typically operate on consistent routes, increasing the risk of greenhouse emissions and lowering air quality. In contrast, electric garbage trucks can mitigate these environmental issues.

  • Electric vehicles emit zero tailpipe emissions, meaning no greenhouse gases or air pollution. Additional environmental benefits are achievable by charging with renewable energy sources.
  • The predictable stop-and-start nature of electric garbage trucks facilitates ease of charging since they return to the same location nightly, similar to charging a mobile phone.
  • EV garbage trucks are notably quieter—50% less noise than traditional combustion engines—allowing them to operate with minimal disruption.

While the noise reduction is advantageous, it can also present challenges for pedestrians, as these vehicles may go undetected. To counteract this, DSNY has implemented artificial noise generators to enhance pedestrian awareness of approaching electric garbage trucks.

Republic Services—one of the leading waste disposal firms—embraces this sentiment. Following the acquisition of its first electric truck in October, they have collaborated with Oshkosh Corporation to design a fleet of sustainable, safe garbage trucks, with plans to deploy nationwide in the near future.

How Much Does an Electric Garbage Truck Cost?

The cost of an electric garbage truck typically falls between $500,000 and $600,000, nearly double that of conventional fuel-powered options, but carrying capacities remain fairly equivalent. However, the substantial price of electric garbage trucks is justified, considering their reduced operation and maintenance costs, not to mention the elimination of fuel expenses, rendering them a cost-effective option in the long run.

Will Electric Garbage Trucks Reduce State Spending?

Electric vehicles boast environmental benefits over traditional internal combustion engines, and what's more, they contribute to reduced state expenditures.

Lower Running Costs

Traditional trucks exhibit significant fuel consumption, particularly when factoring in the added weight of waste that requires more power. Conversely, electric garbage trucks, powered by batteries, negate reliance on costly imported fossil fuels.

On average, states spend approximately $1.22 when driving the same distance as a vehicle utilizing gasoline, resulting in savings of over 50% compared to traditional trucks. Furthermore, renewable energy sources can potentially reduce electricity expenses significantly.

Low Maintenance Costs

The simplicity of electric vehicles, with fewer fluids and moving parts, leads to lower maintenance requirements. In comparison to the approximately 2,000 moving parts found in internal combustion engine vehicles, EVs prove simpler to maintain, especially with regenerative braking features that reduce brake system wear.

Go Green With Electric Garbage Trucks

The electric garbage transport truck epitomizes a sustainable future.

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