What Is a Rear Loader Garbage Truck and When Is It Used?
A rear loader garbage truck is one of the most widely recognised types of waste collection vehicle. As its name suggests, waste is loaded into a hopper at the rear of the truck before being moved and compacted into the main body.
Rear loaders are commonly used for municipal refuse collection, commercial waste services and other collection routes involving multiple stops. Their combination of waste capacity, compaction and practical loading makes them particularly useful for routine refuse collection.
But how does a rear loader work, and when is it the right type of garbage truck for a collection operation?
What Is a Rear Loader Garbage Truck?
A rear loader is a specialist garbage or refuse truck with its primary loading area positioned at the back of the vehicle.
Waste is placed into a rear hopper and a hydraulically operated mechanism moves the material from the hopper into the main storage body. In a rear loader compactor truck, the waste is also compressed to make more efficient use of the available body capacity.
These vehicles may also be referred to as:
- Rear loader refuse trucks
- Rear loading garbage trucks
- Rear loading refuse trucks
- Rear loader compactor trucks
- Rear loading waste collection vehicles
How Does a Rear Loader Garbage Truck Work?
The collection cycle is designed around repeated stops along a waste collection route.
1. Waste Is Loaded at the Rear
Waste is placed into the hopper at the rear of the vehicle. Depending on the truck configuration and collection system, this may involve manual loading or suitable container-handling equipment.
2. The Hydraulic System Moves the Waste
Once waste has entered the hopper, the truck’s hydraulic equipment operates the loading and compaction mechanism.
The material is moved away from the loading area and into the main body of the vehicle.
3. Waste Is Compacted Inside the Body
The compaction system applies pressure to the collected waste, reducing its volume.
This allows the vehicle to make more efficient use of its available storage capacity than a truck carrying the same refuse in an uncompacted form.
4. The Process Is Repeated Along the Route
The truck can then continue to the next collection point and repeat the process.
This repeated loading cycle makes rear loaders particularly well suited to collection routes involving many stops.
5. The Waste Is Unloaded
Once the truck reaches its operating capacity, it travels to an appropriate transfer or disposal facility where the collected material is discharged.
Where Are Rear Loader Refuse Trucks Used?
Rear loader refuse trucks are versatile vehicles and can be used in a variety of waste collection environments.
Typical applications include:
- Municipal residential refuse collection
- Commercial waste collection
- Shopping centres and retail properties
- Office and business parks
- Residential estates and complexes
- Industrial premises
- Private waste collection contracts
The exact vehicle required will depend on the collection method, waste volumes, route conditions and access available at the collection points.
Why Are Rear Loaders Popular for Waste Collection?
There isn’t a single garbage truck configuration suitable for every application. However, rear loaders offer several practical characteristics that make them useful for many routine collection operations.
Practical Loading Position
The loading point at the rear provides a practical working area for repeated collections and allows the vehicle to service different types of collection points.
Waste Compaction
Compacting the waste allows better use of the truck body’s available capacity and can reduce the frequency with which the vehicle needs to travel to a disposal facility.
Suitable for Multi-Stop Routes
Rear loaders are particularly useful where a vehicle needs to make numerous collections during a single route.
Different Vehicle Sizes Are Available
Rear loader bodies can be fitted to different truck configurations, allowing operators to select a vehicle appropriate for the expected waste volume and operating environment.
Rear Loader vs Other Garbage Trucks
Rear loaders are only one type of waste collection vehicle. Other configurations may include front loaders, side loaders and specialised vehicles designed for particular containers or waste streams.
The key difference is where and how the waste enters the vehicle.
With a rear loader, collection takes place at the back of the truck. This configuration is particularly well suited to traditional municipal and commercial collection operations involving frequent stops.
The best truck type depends on factors such as the containers being serviced, the quantity of waste, available space and the nature of the collection route.
What Size Rear Loader Garbage Truck Do You Need?
Choosing the largest truck available isn’t necessarily the best solution. The correct vehicle should balance capacity with practical operating requirements.
Important considerations include:
- Expected daily waste volume
- Number of collection points
- Frequency of collection
- Road conditions
- Access to collection areas
- Available manoeuvring space
- Distance to the disposal or transfer facility
For routes with restricted access, a smaller vehicle may be more practical. Higher-volume routes may benefit from greater body capacity where road and site conditions allow it.
Should You Hire or Buy a Rear Loader Garbage Truck?
Purchasing a refuse truck can make sense when a vehicle will form part of a permanent fleet and be used consistently over a long period. However, there are many situations where hiring is more practical.
A rental vehicle can be useful when:
- An existing refuse truck is undergoing repairs
- A municipality or contractor needs temporary additional capacity
- A new waste collection contract has been awarded
- Collection volumes increase temporarily
- A vehicle is required for a defined project period
- An operator wants to avoid purchasing another specialist vehicle for a short-term requirement
Hiring can therefore provide greater flexibility when fleet requirements change.
Rear Loader Garbage Truck Hire in South Africa
Checker Hire supplies specialist garbage trucks and refuse collection vehicles to municipalities and private contractors in South Africa.
Established in 2003, Checker Hire offers short-term, spot-hire and longer-term rental options for organisations requiring additional waste collection capacity.
If you’re considering a rear loader or another type of refuse vehicle, view Checker Hire’s truck rental fleet to see the specialist vehicles available.
For general rental information, visit our garbage truck hire page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rear Loader Garbage Trucks
What is a rear loader garbage truck?
A rear loader garbage truck is a waste collection vehicle in which refuse is loaded into a hopper at the rear. A hydraulic mechanism then moves and typically compacts the waste inside the main body.
What is the difference between a rear loader and a compactor truck?
“Rear loader” describes the position and method used to load the waste, while “compactor truck” describes a vehicle equipped to compress the waste. A rear loader can therefore also be a refuse compactor truck.
What are rear loader refuse trucks used for?
They are commonly used for municipal residential collection, commercial waste services and other collection routes requiring repeated stops.
Why do rear loader trucks compact the waste?
Compaction reduces the volume occupied by the collected material, allowing the vehicle to make better use of the available body capacity.
Can a rear loader garbage truck be hired?
Yes. Hiring can be particularly useful for temporary contracts, additional fleet capacity, breakdown replacement or other short- and longer-term operational requirements.
Need a Garbage Truck for Your Waste Collection Operation?
If you need a refuse truck for a municipal or private waste collection contract, temporary fleet requirement or replacement vehicle, contact Checker Hire to discuss the most suitable available rental option.
Telephone: 021 948 4746
Email: info@checkerhire.co.za