1962c Gar Wood LP-600 (long version, part 2)

A jam up, and the operator climbs in the hopper ! As good as they were, these trucks were somewhat notorious for deaths and injuries (Michel Ferro Collection)

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• garbage
• trash
• refuse
• sanitation
• rubbish
• truck

[captain3648]

They may have been weak, but I think these were the most fun to watch operate. As a child, my brother and I always followed the garbage trucks on our bikes hoping to watch them compact. I remember how disappointing it was when we were out of town and they didn't use this type of truck.

[ClassicRefuseTrucks]

I could not agree more. It remains my favorite after all these years. I wish they were still around

[ClassicRefuseTrucks]

Sounds about right. Our guy bought his LP700 used as a 2nd truck and backup to his original Loadmaster, and the two trucks always worked close together. If a bulk object was encountered on the Gar Wood's route, he would leave it behind for the LM to get later.

[ClassicRefuseTrucks]

....The last 700 I saw finally got traded in when the sweep panel hooks broke off, and it no longer locked in place. The disgusted owner loaded what he could through the side door, then promptly replaced it with a Loadmaster 320. But a fun truck to watch, and still the fastet reload time of any RL made. I also remember that the hopper sill was nice and low, which (being a kid a that time) really appealed to me !

[ClassicRefuseTrucks]

I suppose this was a problem with many trucks in the days prior to ejector discharge. However, the later LP-700 with the CDC system (full-eject) was a tremendous packer. The only problem I remember with those, as with the 600 shown here, was the sweep panel, which was still incapable of breaking down solid objects on par with slide-sweep designs. There were also driveline issues with the double-reduction chains & sprockets, especially as the trucks aged. (cont.)