Buying a garbage truck: What should you consider before choosing one?

Increasing demands in terms of economy and ergonomics, as well as environmental concerns, mean that waste collection vehicles must meet a range of requirements. From compliance with standards and regulations, to chassis specifications, to financial considerations, each of these elements must be carefully considered to ensure that the investment is a worthwhile one with long-term benefits.

Purchasing the right municipal waste collection vehicle is a strategic decision for any waste management company. This essential component of the fleet must not only meet strict safety and environmental standards, but also ensure optimal performance and durability. It is therefore important to carefully consider all aspects before making a purchase.

Garbage trucks, like other municipal vehicles, are subject to strict legal and technical regulations that must absolutely be met. The most important of these are the standards of the PN-EN 1501 group, which define the general and safety requirements for this type of vehicle. Adherence to these guidelines ensures that the garbage truck will be safe to operate, as well as compliant with current regulations. So how do you decide? Rear or side loading? What capacity? What kind of garbage truck, for what kind of waste to choose? We suggest.

Does the body of the garbage truck matter?

Of great importance for the convenience of use in different terrain conditions is the method of loading and the type of body. Sales of garbage trucks at Apriva include various solutions: from classic rear loading, to side loading, to front loading. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the operating conditions and the specific terrain on which the vehicle will be used.

Rear loading is the most common solution, being versatile, popular and easy to use. Side loading or front loading can be advantageous in situations where there are restrictions on access to containers. Importantly, many of the models we offer are compact in size and design. This makes it easy to maneuver in tight alleys as well.

In response to increasing requirements for waste segregation, garbage trucks with multi-compartment bodies, allowing simultaneous collection of different waste fractions, are appearing on the market. This solution facilitates the implementation of the selective collection obligation, although it involves higher investment costs. However, large containers allow optimization of operating costs, which is certainly an important advantage. Waste collection vehicles not infrequently include a built-in waste compression system. This reduces their volume, making room for more trash.

Types of garbage trucks and additional facilities

Solutions that allow monitoring and recording the amount of waste collected, such as weighing or container identification systems, are becoming increasingly popular. This facilitates billing of services and optimization of routes. Although still rare on the Polish market, low-walled cabs are gaining recognition due to increased comfort and safety for operators. They make it easier to get in and out of the vehicle, which is particularly important in the case of frequent stops.

Of course, the issue of price and total operating costs is one of the key factors to consider when buying a garbage truck. Here it is necessary to consider not only the purchase price, but also such elements as fuel consumption, servicing costs and component life. No less important is also the financing method. Ultimately, no matter what types of garbage trucks are involved, the expense is considerable. It is worth consulting with an advisor who will suggest the most favorable way to finance such an investment.

Garbage trucks for sale - what else to consider?

Of considerable importance when choosing this type of vehicle are the technical parameters of the chassis, as well as the wheelbase and number of axles or transmission. They determine the performance of the vehicle and translate into the convenience of its use. The typical wheelbase for garbage trucks is 3700-3900 mm, mounted on 3-axle chassis. However, 6x2 configurations with a shorter wheelbase are becoming increasingly popular, improving vehicle maneuverability. The number of axles also has a significant impact on load distribution and payload. When choosing a transmission, on the other hand, manufacturers and users often prefer fully automatic solutions. These provide greater convenience and efficiency in the frequent stop-and-go conditions typical of garbage truck operation.

The use of air suspension at the rear is becoming standard, allowing the axle to be relieved when needed. This solution improves the durability of components and makes maneuvering easier. When searching for the right garbage truck model, it is worth considering axle load values and payload capacity. In addition, the specifics of garbage truck operation, associated with frequent loading and unloading, can lead to exceeding standard limits. Therefore, chassis are often equipped with axles with increased load capacity, reaching up to 23 tons, to prevent overloading. Equally important is the question of the payload capacity of the entire vehicle, which must be adapted to the needs of the company.