Efficient trash collection is most important to the success of all waste management companies. And an efficient trash collection truck is vital to the cause. As the garbage truck is the waste haulers most expensive asset, it is fundamental to the profitability of the operation.
Determining the right garbage truck for their routes is a critical decision for refuse haulers. Assessing their operations and then identifying the right garbage truck is a big decision that requires careful research.
There are many choices and many factors to consider in terms of durability, productivity and cost of ownership. Furthermore, the process needs to take into consideration the size, regional topography and density of the route.
If you’re considering investing in a garbage truck, you may wonder about the pros and cons of automated front loaders and automated side loaders.
You may need to replace an aging garbage truck with newer technology or want to streamline your operation. Either way, read on to learn more about the pros and cons of an automated side loader versus the Curotto-Can automated front loader.
Efficient Waste Collection Matters
Several factors contribute to increased waste. The population is growing, consumers are creating more waste and the economy is expanding. For this reason, ensuring the efficiency of waste management is a growing problem in many regions and for most haulers.
Increased incomes and the growth of urban areas have resulted in a considerable rise in the volume of waste. As a result, local governments are under pressure to establish better ways to manage the removal of waste.
Investing in equipment to better manage trash collection is a critical part of effective waste management. And an automated garbage truck can help increase efficiency.
Pros and Cons of the Curotto Can
Unlike an Automated Side Loader (ASL), The Curotto-Can is mounted to the forks of a front loader – in front of the operator. It allows the drivers eyes to remain forward and see everything that is getting dumped. The driver also has the ability to get out the cab to handle bulky waste. The Curotto-Can system gives the operator the benefits of a side loading truck with front loading capability.
The Environment Solutions Group (a Dover company) manufactures the Curotto-Can and Jeffry Swertfeger, the Director of Marketing states that it is “the most productive automated curbside collection system” in the industry.
Other Pros of the Curotto-Can are:
Speed: it takes only 4 to 5 seconds to pick up, dump, and return the cart to its original position, which is the shortest of any automated system.
Ability to Spread the Load: Spreading the waste and debris material evenly is more effectual, meaning you can collect more carts before stopping to empty the can into the hopper. It also creates less wear and tear.
Bigger Load Capacity: A Curotto-Can equipped front loader packs the garbage more densely than an ASL and it has a greater carrying capacity that an automated side loader.
Fewer Trips to the Landfill: Landfill trips reduce productivity because they reduce the time spent servicing homes. Plus, fewer landfill trips mean less fuel consumption and lower fuel costs.
Robby Dehart of Tampa Crane and Body, a Curotto-Can dealer in Tampa, FL says, “A front loader with the Curotto-Can system can service more homes per day than an ASL and as a general rule-of-thumb, a Curotto-Can is about 15% to 20% more productive than an ASL.”
While the biggest advantage of the Curotto-Can might be higher productivity, it comes with a cost, as the cost of a Curotto-Can automated front loader is higher than an ASL
Geographical variations are important to consider as well. The Curotto-Can is most effective in a highly dense area, with houses crammed on top of one another. However, areas with a lot of big trees and overhead lines present problems to get the clearance needed to dump the arms.
A front loader with a Curotto-Can is also a bigger garbage truck that requires a larger turning radius.
Pros and Cons of the Automated Side Loader
Automated Side Loaders (ASL) are becoming more and more popular and are built by many manufactures including Heil, Labrie, New Way, and McNeilus. They are well suited for residential areas as they are very maneuverable and tough enough to handle most garbage collection routes.
They are fast, efficient and they are one of the safest garbage trucks in the industry.
Other Pros of the Automated Side Loader (ASL) are:
- Safety: An Automated side loader is truly a “one-man” operation. The entire collection process can be done from the safety of the cab. And by keeping drivers inside the truck, they lessen the risk of getting hit by another vehicle.
- Reduced Labor Cost: The one-person operation of an ASL helps reduce overall labor cost.
- Total Cost of Collection: The ASL has the lowest total cost of collection of all garbage trucks (TCC is a performance indicator that measures efficiency, productivity and cost)
- Maneuverability: An ASL is lighter than a Curotto-Can front loader and not as long so it is easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
- Easy to Use: ASL’s have easy-to-use in-cab controls and features such as pack-on-the-go. Their quick cycle times help drivers complete their routes fast and efficiently.
The ASL is safe and only requires one operator. This keeps the worker physically safe and promotes isolated work since the driver does not have to get out of the cab to collect the trash. Not only is this especially important in today’s COVID environment, but it also helps reduce the number of injuries.
The automated side loader is faster than a rear loader and a regular front loader but possibly not as fast as an automated front loader with a Curotto-Can system. However, the ASL still delivers great productivity and it costs less than a Curotto-Can front loader.
It is built to take on any routed including densely populated areas and based upon your route and containers, it can easily be configured to meet your requirements.
Sourcing Equipment for Reliable Waste Collection
Now you know more about automated side loaders and the versatile Curotto-Can automated front loader garbage truck.
Choosing the right garbage truck for your route is very important and choosing a reliable dealer for your waste collection equipment is equally as important. You’ll need a garbage truck dealer that you can trust.
Trucks & Parts has served municipalities as well public and private companies for 70 years. We provide our clients with high-quality equipment, such as garbage trucks, roll-off trucks, hooklift trucks, grapple trucks and other refuse collection vehicles.
Our mission is to provide quality vehicles at a fair price. If you’re looking for an automated side loader or a Curotto-Can front loader garbage truck for sale or need Curotto-Can boxes, we offer many choices, both new and used. Please feel free to browse our online inventory at your convenience.
We have garbage trucks for sale at our Pennsylvania location and at our Tampa Florida location. Please contact a friendly Trucks & Parts equipment expert at (484) 364-4322 for our Northeast customers and in the southeast, you can reach a Florida equipment expert at 888-488-8889. Alternatively, feel free to contact a garbage truck expert online.
