Refuse Trucks

Refuse trucks are unique commercial vehicles that make hauling trash efficient and simple. Commonly referred to as trash trucks or garbage trucks, a refuse truck features a unique loading system and provides on-demand compacting services. These workhorses have come a long way since the invention of the refuse truck.

Original refuse trucks worked very simply. Trash was placed in the truck and hauled to a dump where the trash was pulled out of the back of the truck.

Today’s refuse trucks are far more efficient by utilizing a few different methods for loading trash. Some feature a hopper in the front. The garbage is loaded and then lifted into the body of the truck. In other cases, automation has done away with the need for humans to load the trash at all. Arms lift garbage cans directly to the body of the truck where trash is dispensed. Either way, the trash is compacted once it enters the body of the refuse truck. This makes these vehicles efficient at hauling large amounts of refuse.

A garbage or refuse truck is a style of commercial vehicle that is designed to easily haul large amounts of trash. Generally used to transport trash from residential areas to land dumps, trash trucks come in a variety of styles.

Most garbage trucks are front loaders, rear loaders, or side loaders. The style needed will depend on how it’s used. For example, a refuse truck designed to lift and empty a dumpster is different from one that’s used to handle residential trash bins. Trucks styles vary – some are manual loaders while others include arms that automatically lift trash bins and dumpsters.

Ultimately, no matter what type of refuse truck you choose, this heavy-duty vehicle will be capable of hauling large amounts of trash in an efficient manner.

Garbage trucks are complex machines. Unlike typical trucks that simply haul goods, refuse trucks feature unique components that allow for on-demand trash compacting.

A garbage truck starts with the basic parts you would expect from any commercial truck: the frame, engine, transmission, wheels, and other standard components. It also features a cab with room for the operator and other trash collection workers.

More unique to this vehicle are the hopper and compactor. The hopper is the main component, where the garbage will be dumped. The compactor is a modern addition. This is a hydraulic system that works to crush and compact the refuse, allowing more trash to be hauled at once. Different styles of trash trucks also include components such as arms to lift dumpsters. Most refuse trucks provide controls that operate the arms and compactor from both inside and outside the cab.

Garbage trucks are designed to handle a heavy workload. Unlike long-haul trucks, refuse trucks have a shorter wheelbase and weigh around 30,000 pounds when empty. They can carry around nine tons of trash at one time.

While a long-haul truck can carry more weight, the unique benefit of a refuse truck is its ability to compact trash as it goes. The payload may reach only nine tons, but this translates into far more than what you can haul on the back of a normal truck. The action of compacting the trash means more refuse can be hauled at a given time. Also, due to its smaller wheelbase, a refuse truck’s design makes it more practical than the typical truck for maneuvering through residential streets.

Choosing a refuse truck is an important investment. Especially if you plan to purchase an entire fleet of garbage trucks. Be certain that you pick the right vehicle for your company’s needs.

The following should be considered when choosing a refuse truck:

• The condition of the truck: Do you want a new or used truck? This decision will help you narrow down inventory.
• Style: Do you need a truck that automatically lifts dumpsters, or is a simpler style that allows the hand-loading of residential trash adequate? Also, think about whether you want a front load, side load, or rear load truck.
• Extra features: Assess the various options. For example, some refuse trucks have both interior and exterior control panels, while others are simpler in design.

When you are deciding on a garbage truck, one of the best things you can do is speak with an experienced sales representative who can help you explore the options available.