Full Speed Ahead: 1996 Truck And Body Preview

Bob Deierlein

The latest chassis, waste trailers and bodies are a clear indication that today's manufacturers are in tune with haulers' needs.

Through the years, trucks and bodies have consistently reached new levels of sophistication. Following is a preview of what truck-buying haulers can expect to see at their local dealerships.

Ford Ford Motor Co., Dearborn, Mich., has designed several chassis models for refuse bodies. These include the Cargo low-tilt cab, L 9000 Series, the WorkForce line and F600 and 700 with low-profile options.

The chassis feature set-forward and set-back front axle conventionals and low-tilt cab models with a range of wheelbases, power trains and payload capacities.

In addition, Ford has introduced the Louisville, a heavy-duty medium conventional Class 7-8 truck designed for vocational applications such as waste collection. This truck is the first all-new-from-the-ground-up Ford Class 7 and 8 truck to be produced in more than 25 years; the first truck will be produced later this year. Ford's L Series also will be available during the first year of Louisville sales.

The 113-inch bumper-to-back-of-cab vehicle will be available as set-back, front axle medium conventional straight trucks from 26,500 to 66,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and set-back front axle medium conventional tractors from 75,000 to 138,000 pounds gross combined weight rating (GCWR). Maximum GCWR range from 75,000 pounds in the mid-range diesel-powered 4x2 Louisville to 8,500 to 138,000 pounds in the premium diesel-powered 6x4 wheel configuration Louisville 9500.

The Louisville will be available in 115 engine choices. Available engines range from a 210-hp Ford FD-1460 mid-range diesel, producing 605 pounds/feet of torque at 2,400 rpm, to a 500-hp N-14E Cummins, producing 1,650 pounds/feet of torque at 2,100 rpm. The Louisville 9500s also include a full line of premium diesel engines from Caterpillar, Cummins and Detroit Diesel. All are in-line sixes, mechanical or electronic controls; power reportedly ranges from a 275-hp Cat 3176B electronic diesel, which provides 975 pounds/feet of torque at 1,800 rpm, to a 500-hp Cummins N-14 500E, which produces up to 1,750 pounds-feet of torque at 2,100 rpm.

In addition, 17 transmission choices are available for mid-range diesel buyers and 68 have been designed for premium-diesel customers. The standard transmission for the 8500 is the Eaton five-speed direct; options include other Eaton manuals and automatics from Allison Transmission. The 9500 has a Eaton nine speed direct as standard and options include five- and six-speed Allison and Eaton models of all speeds.

Other choices include front axles, which have a capacity of up to 20,000 pounds; rear axles with a 46,000-pound capacity; wheelbases from 141 inches to 261 inches in a variety of frame configurations; and as many 63 different fuel tanks, ranging from a 55-gallon steel rectangular single tank to a 150-gallon cylindrical polished-aluminum duals.

Other standard equipment on the Louisville 8500 include a Spicer 14-inch one-plate clutch, a Hendrickson 34,000-pound rear tandem suspension and Rockwell rear axles and Q-Plus cam brakes.

Freightliner Freightliner Corp., Portland, Ore., has designed the Business Class 70 Series conventional refuse chassis to offer drivers a clear view of the road. In addition, the platform steps reportedly make it easier for operators to enter and exit the vehicle and standard, low-profile tires allow one-step entry, according to the company.

Other features include a set-back front axle and 50 degree wheel cut for maneuverability. In addition, the company has included standard power steering to help trucks maneuver through narrow streets and alleys. The tilt fiberglass hood allows users to access the full engine and radiator without tilting the cab. The entire galvanized cab structure is zinc-coated and additional wax has been applied in certain areas to protect the cab from corrosion.

The electrical center is located inside the cab on the passenger's side. Wiring pigtails have been positioned along the frame rails, which reportedly makes it easier to install the body electrical hook-up. All 70 Series engines reportedly are governed to maintain constant engine rpms during PTO operation.

Mack Mack Trucks of Allentown, Pa., has introduced a low-entry refuse chassis model. The tilt cab features dual steering, with right-side walk-in capabilities for curbside collection.

The chassis is available in a 6x4 configuration for front loading operations. Also, a 4x2 has been designed for recycling operations and rear loaders with less capacity.

Navistar The new International 4000 Series StepSaver recycler chassis is a dual-drive, walk-in vehicle offered by Navistar International Transportation Co., Chicago. The StepSaver cab features a driver station at the left; the second driver station is a stand-up, right-side station which reportedly allows drivers to step directly out to the curb. International 4000 Series trucks feature 80-inch wide steel cabs and are offered in GVW ratings from 19,500 to 56,000 pounds. They are also available in low-profile and crew-cab configurations. All 4000 Series models are powered by International turbocharged diesel engines and Spicer five-speed transmissions.

Oshkosh Oshkosh Truck Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., builds two chassis models: the NK and NL. Both are low-entry cabs.

The NL offers a Detroit Diesel Series 50 engine with 250 to 315 hp; an Allison automatic transmission; Eaton rear axles; and a 35,000-pound single and a 52,000-pound tandem.

The NK includes a Cummins C8.3 liter, 250-hp engine and is diesel standard. It also features Allison MD3560P or MD3060P automatic and Rockwell rear axles.

Peterbilt Peterbilt Motors Co., Denton, Texas, has introduced the 320 model, a low-cab forward designed to serve drivers who operate in tight spaces, require clear visibility and constantly enter and exit trucks.

Three inches of headroom space have been added by raising and recontouring the roof. The company also has recessed the lights to reportedly reduce the possibility of damage in front loaders.

Volvo Volvo GM Heavy Truck Corp., Greensboro, N.C., manufactures a large line of chassis for refuse bodies including the WXLL, Xpeditor, Autocar and the WX.

The WXLL, for example, is a low-entry truck that is available with single or dual steering. It also is available in stand-up or sit-down configurations so that one or two people can operate the vehicle. With a front loader body, the chassis can be used in manual or automated collection.

Alloy Alloy Trailers Inc., Seattle, manufactures aluminum and steel live floor trailers for top-load applications. The live floor trailer reportedly weighs 14,840 lbs.

Alloy's trailer is 48 feet long, 102 inches wide and 13 feet, 6 inches high with a 128-cubic-yard capacity. Standard components include a fixed Hutchens suspension system, Centrifuse drums, a Keith low-ridge walking floor and Goodyear G114 tires.

Dempster Toccoa, Ga.-based Dempster Inc. offers the Recycle-Pac II, a two-compartment collection and compaction body which also features dual loading height bins at the front of the body; single packing action; and automatic packing after each bin cycle. Other features reportedly include cab-controlled, air-locked independent body compartment tail- gates; in-cab controls for separate compartment unloading doors; and the standard compartment body split (55 percent on the top and 45 percent on the bottom).

East The East Unloader from East Manufacturing Corp., Randolph, Ohio, is a live floor trailer designed to haul solid wastes and dry bulk commodities. A standard 45-foot open top aluminum live floor trailer reportedly weighs 15,600 pounds. The Unloader also features reinforced side sheet, 5 1/4-inch extruded I-beam floor cross members and landing gear with support braces and extra-wide gussets.

GMC The GMC Truck Division, Pontiac, Mich., has introduced its 1995 GMC Truck For-ward and Chevrolet Tilt-master low-cab forward model lines.

The W series models operate from a gasoline powered Class 3 to the Class 7 W7 line. All models reportedly can be speced from a wide array of engines, transmissions and rear axles.

Galbreath The Galbreath Advantage from Winamac, Ind.- based Galbreath Inc. features an above-frame mounting design which reportedly allows for additional axles and springs, increased ground clearance, shorter hydraulic hoses and a single cylinder winch system. All sheaves are fitted with the polylube composite bearing. Counterbalance valves are built in the winch cylinder. Other features include the T-1 1,100,000 psi fabricated main frame; an automatic ICC bumper, which reportedly allows for retracting the bumper prior to raising the hoist; and a pin-up feature for pup trailer operations as standard. Also, the single stage lift cylinders are standard, as is full width hinge for closer tolerance.

Heil The latest models from the Heil Co., Chattanooga, Tenn., include the Half-Pack front loader full eject and the Half-Pack front loader.

The front loader reportedly features improved dump and cycle times and a double acting, single-stage cylinder.

The Half-Pack front loader full eject model includes similar features as well as an operating full-eject system which reportedly pushes the load out without raising the body. It also can operate under low clearance restrictions at transfer stations, according to Heil.

Kenworth Kenworth Truck Co., Kirkland, Wash., has designed the T450B for roll-off service. It reportedly includes a 26-inch wheelbase, Caterpillar 3176B, 350 hp at 1,800 rpm diesel engine and 1,350 foot-pounds of torque at 1,200 rpm diesel. It also includes an Eaton-Fuller Ceemat RTO13109A-ATE electronic nine-speed automatic transmission and a Rockwell RT40-145A 40,000-pound tandem with aluminum carrier housing. Other features include a Rockwell FL-943 20,000-pound, five-inch drop front steer axle, dual Sheppard power steering gears, Rockwell/WABCO ABS, Hendrickson HN400S 40,000-pound rear tandem suspension, single 11 5/8-inch x 3/8-inch heat-treated steel frame with huck frame, hucked aluminum cab and a link cabmate suspension.

Labrie The Top Select has been designed by Labrie, St. Nicolas, Quebec, Canada. This model reportedly allows the operator to hydraulically adjust the compartment size by moving the partition. It is available with single- or dual-side loading and features a 42-cubic-yard body capacity on a 33,000 GVW cab and chassis. The body volume can be adjusted up to seven feet, according to Labrie. The rear compartment is designed for recyclable materials. The co-mingled materials should be placed in the front compartment and dumped through the divider, using in-cab air controls to unlock the partition. The Expert 2000 has a hydraulically operated, one-piece convex rear door and a rubber seal on the tailgate. It also features a single, front-mounted hydraulic dump hoist.

Leach Leach Co., Oshkosh, Wis., manufacturers several body models for the refuse industry. The Leach 2-R11 rear loader reportedly features a low-loading height, floor-trough design and a telescopic ejection system with an adjustable load density control system. Other features include dual-lever packing controls, a three- cubic-yard volumetric hopper capacity and sealed lights that are grommet mounted.

Pak-Mor Pak-Mor Manufacturing, San Antonio, manufactures the FPE800 Pack/Eject Front Loader in 35- and 40-cubic-yard capacities. The longer body length reportedly allows for longer multi-axle chassis configurations that can carry larger legal payloads. The company also offers the FPD800 Pack/Dump front loader.

Peerless Peerless Corp. of Paragould, Ark., has redesigned its Shuttle Floor Transport. The 48-foot-long body, which reportedly holds 125 cubic feet of materials, can be emptied in eight to 12 minutes. To unload, 24 channels reportedly move 10 inches to the rear. Next, every third channel sequentially retracts until they are all in the original position, ready to move 10 inches to the rear again.

Shred-Tech Shred-Tech, Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, manufactures the mobile document shredder, a custom-designed, two-compartment truck body mounted on a Navistar International truck. The Shred-Tech 25-hp hydraulic document shredder is powered by the truck's engine.

Wayne The Wayne Satellite Shuttle from Wayne Engineering Corp., Cedar Falls, Iowa, is designed to unload into any standard rear loader. Auto cycle, which reportedly allows operators to pack refuse between stops, is now standard equipment on all Wayne bodies. The company's Satellite Shuttle has been designed for hauling solid waste to transfer stations, servicing rural routes and for areas where larger refuse packers are impractical.

Much different than the models of just a few years ago, today's trucks, bodies and trailers are the result of haulers who have expressed their concerns for operating in the mid-90s.