The Front End Loader Garbage Truck
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Front Loader Garbage Trucks
What is a front end loader garbage truck?
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.
How does a front loader garbage truck work?
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.
Advantages of front loaders
In comparison to rear and side loaders, front loaders have several key capabilities, making them the chosen tool for commercial trash pickup. Benefits include:
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Durability & reliability:
All garbage trucks are heavy duty vocational trucks, and front loaders are no exception. With the right maintenance and care, they can be relied on to run the same commercial route for years to come. -
Lift capacities:
Front loaders can lift 8,000 lbs of material. -
Efficiency:
Front loaders require only one person to drive and operate. -
Ease of use:
A driver trained on front loader controls should not have to exit the cab at any time on the route. Rather than getting out of the truck and hauling totes in the street, a front loader driver can stay safely inside. -
Fewer trips to the landfill:
High capacity and ability to haul more than other garbage trucks means more time on pick up and less time emptying the body at the landfill. -
Touchless:
The future of trash pickup is contactless. With a front loader, employees are not required to handle trash or touch totes and dumpsters.
Is a CDL needed to operate a front loader?
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.
Front load garbage trucks for sale
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.
Why choose Premier Truck Sales & Rental for your next front loader?
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Premium specs:
With premium specs, our trucks outlast the competition, making a Premier vehicle an ideal investment for your long-term business goals. -
Body service lifts:
The vast majority of our trucks come with body service lifts, making it easier to provide key maintenance to the vehicle without the use of an overhead crane. -
New fleet in stock:
With later models and new trucks in stock, your cost of repairs is lower for longer. -
Flexible Axle Configurations:
Need to add a lift axle? Premier front loaders are available in tandem and tri axle configurations. -
Lifetime service support:
At Premier, you’re a customer for life. Our service department provides support after the sale for as long as you own the vehicle. -
Factory warranty:
All trucks come with the balance of a 5-year extended factory warranty with any and all potential issues addressed before use.
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.
What are the different types of front loader chassis?
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 front loader garbage trucks
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. Click here to browse our available Mack brand front loader garbage trucks.
Autocar front loader garbage trucks
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 front loader garbage trucks
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.
What are the best front end loader truck bodies?
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 end loaders
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.
McNeilus front end loaders
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 front end loaders
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.
How much does a front loader cost?
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.
Shop Our Entire Inventory
Whether you’re looking for a front loader, roll off, rear loader, or side loader, our team specializes in helping you find the right truck for your needs. We work with you every step of the way, offering a variety of financing options, nationwide delivery and post-purchase service.
Our new front end loaders are available now. Click here to browse our inventory of READY TO WORK front loader garbage trucks.