Some essential information that you should know about garbage trucks are that they have basic parts which include the engine, frame and wheels; their distinctive features are the hopper and the packer blade; and they have different loading mechanisms.
Garbage trucks are useful tools for waste management. Over the years these trucks have evolved from vehicles with basic trash-collecting capabilities to sophisticated machines with big truck parts that enable complex mechanisms. Whether you are planning to invest in this type of equipment or are simply interested in knowing more about them, here is some essential information about garbage trucks:
Basic parts include the engine, frame and wheels
Although there are many garbage trucks with different features, all of them have the common basics that include the engine, the frame and the wheels. These three parts are heavy duty and designed especially to withstand heavy pressure and carry heavy loads. As for the truck’s engine, it typically utilizes a diesel engine and transmission which enables low end torque, limited speed, and better hauling capacity and durability. The garbage truck also has a cab where the driver can sit and operate the vehicle. Usually the truck’s controls are also in the cab, but some trucks have other controls found in the exterior of the truck.
Distinctive features are the hopper and the packer blade
The garbage truck collects and contains the trash in a part known as the hopper which is typically a large and open space that makes up most of the trucks’ mass. However, there are also hoppers that are compartmentalized in order to contain different trash. Hoppers that are equipped with a packer blade are known as compactors. Packer blades are useful for compressing garbage in order to maximize the space in the hopper. A hydraulic system controls the packer blade and allows it to exert maximum pressure on garbage. More modern garbage trucks are designed to be able to operate the packer blades simultaneously while driving. The garbage truck’s hopper and packer blade are what sets it apart from other vehicles and multipurpose carts.
Different loading mechanisms
There are different configurations in the loading mechanism of garbage trucks. The rear loader is the most common configuration and can be seen in garbage trucks used in many neighborhoods. These garbage trucks have an opening at the rear, connects to the hopper, and sometimes has a hydraulic lift which is used to haul and dump garbage into the hopper. Another is the front loader type of configuration, commonly used for collecting trash from dumpsters. Large businesses and commercial buildings typically utilize this type of garbage truck. Front loading trucks feature forks at the front of the truck which can be connected to corresponding dumpsters which are then tilted over the truck so its contents can be dumped into the hopper. Side loaders are another type which has doors installed at the truck’s sides and are connected to the hopper. Recycling trucks with multiple hoppers for different wastes have side loaders. Side loaders may also have automatic lift mechanisms.
Like many equipment, garbage trucks are constantly innovated to suit different demands and situations. Understanding this equipment will allow for better and more effective maintenance and repairs.
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