Repairing the 1991 rear-loader enabled us to collect more brush and bulk trash. Refurbishing the 1990 rear-loader saved about $125,000. The 1991 rear-loader used for brush and bulk collection has been back in full-time service for almost four years. The refurbished 1990 truck has been in service for almost two years and will provide residents with many more years of reliable trash collection. The process took about nine months, but we were willing to sacrifice the time to get the best quality work at the best value. After obtaining necessary quotes from vendors and transporting the truck from place to place, we have a functioning rear-loader that looks brand new. While one mechanic was an expert on engine repair, another was more experienced with the unique body work needed for garbage trucks. Rather than hiring one shop to do all the repairs, we subbed them out to several reputable specialists. They put their faith in my suggestion and approved $90,000 for the project. Our department would also be able to perform traditional maintenance more easily because the truck has few computerized components. I explained that the older, noncomputerized truck technology was reliable, and mechanics would be able to fully restore it to service. While presenting the idea, some were automatically on board while others had questions like, “Are we sure we want to put that much money into a truck that’s more than two decades old?” If I could convince the mayor and council that refurbishing the truck would be half the cost of buying one, we’d have the third and final truck to complete our fleet. They assured me it could live on and serve our town for many years to come. To confirm the truck hadn’t reached the end of its usable life, I consulted with many frame, body, and engine specialists about potential repairs. It was simply tired after two decades of hauling trash. The frame and cab were in great shape with normal wear and tear, but with no signs of fatigue that are sometimes evident on large trucks. It still looked a little rough around the edges, but it was safe to use for brush and bulk collection and would be a valuable backup truck during breakdowns.įurther analysis of the 1990 rear-loader uncovered the need for suspension work as well as replacing the engine, tires, brakes, a broken axle, rotted and rusted body parts, and, of course, a new paint job. We replaced the tires and brakes for $3,000 and made some suspension repairs. I decided the 1991 rear-loader could be made serviceable without having to do a complete refurbish. I was uncomfortable with this, though I felt we needed to be self-supporting and not rely on others to make up for our deficiency. With three automated garbage trucks and two rear-loader trucks to serve a population of more than 9,000 citizens, borrowing a truck from neighboring towns had become the norm when breakdowns occurred. The town’s governing body had approved buying a 2012 rear-loader for about $225,000 shortly before I arrived, but we needed two more garbage trucks. Both were deemed unsafe to operate and too costly to repair.
My first week on the job, our mechanic retired a 1990 rear-loader and parked it next to another 1991 rear-loader that was already out of service. But I had more than two decades of experience and have always thought outside the box.Īmong numerous challenges, the most obvious was the lack of garbage trucks available to fulfill our collection responsibilities. In 2012, when I was hired to oversee public works in a small New Jersey town, most municipalities wouldn't think of refurbishing a solid waste truck with more than 20 years of service. Refurbished vehicles offer something new in an old package: trucks that perform just as well at a cheaper price. Used equipment could mean buying somebody else’s problems.
Mini garbage truck code#
New trucks are good when the alternative is three engine code lights in a week and/or lost time waiting for your truck to be serviced. There are generally three options for building a public works fleet. These Garbage Trucks Cost Less Than $100,000
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