Waste collection plays a vital role in keeping cities clean and communities healthy. Behind every smooth operation is a fleet of trucks that must be reliable, efficient, and safe. With the arrival of advanced manufacturing in refuse trucks, municipalities and private operators are seeing major improvements in performance, delivery speed, and worker safety.
PRECISION THAT BUILDS RELIABILITY
Advanced manufacturing integrates robotic assembly and digital systems to ensure accuracy at every stage of production. This consistency reduces human error and results in trucks with greater structural integrity. The outcome is a more reliable vehicle with fewer breakdowns and less downtime. For fleet managers, this means more trucks available for daily routes and fewer costly interruptions.
Investing in trucks manufactured through these processes ensures long-term durability. Less time in the shop translates directly into better service continuity and stronger return on investment.
FASTER PRODUCTION AND DELIVERY
Modern production facilities equipped with advanced manufacturing tools are able to streamline workflows. Automated planning and real-time monitoring optimize every stage—from material supply to final assembly. This allows manufacturers to shorten delivery timelines significantly.
For cities and companies that need to replace or expand their fleets quickly, this speed is a game-changer. Instead of waiting long months for new vehicles, operators can get their trucks sooner and keep services running without delay.
PRIORITIZING HEALTH AND SAFETY
Beyond speed and precision, advanced manufacturing also enables the integration of features that directly improve operator safety. Ergonomic cab designs, automated lifting systems, and reinforced components are more easily standardized when production is driven by robotics and digital models.
This approach minimizes operator strain, reduces the risk of injuries, and creates a safer work environment. For organizations, this translates into healthier teams and fewer incidents that could disrupt operations.
SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH SMARTER PROCESSES
Advanced manufacturing also promotes sustainability. By optimizing cutting, welding, and material usage, waste is minimized during production. Stronger yet lighter components also contribute to better fuel efficiency once trucks hit the road.
These improvements support both environmental responsibility and financial savings. Municipalities and companies benefit from greener operations without sacrificing performance.
CUSTOMIZATION TO MEET UNIQUE NEEDS
Another strength of advanced manufacturing is flexibility. Digital design systems allow manufacturers to quickly adapt specifications to meet the unique requirements of each customer—whether that means body capacity, type of loader, or specialized features.
This adaptability ensures every fleet receives trucks that truly fit their operational needs, improving efficiency from day one.
CONCLUSION: A STRONGER FUTURE FOR REFUSE COLLECTION
Advanced manufacturing in refuse trucks represents more than a technological shift. It’s reshaping how communities handle waste collection by delivering trucks that are faster to build, safer to operate, and more sustainable for the future. For municipalities and private operators, this innovation is a clear pathway to stronger service and long-term efficiency.
At L’Arsenal, we believe that performance, safety, and operational speed should work together—not compete. The McNeilus Split Body rear loader brings a practical advantage to waste collection teams by allowing two separate refuse streams to be collected in a single route. One trip. Twice the results.
MAXIMIZE PRODUCTIVITY WITHOUT MULTIPLYING RESOURCES
Thanks to its dual-compartment configuration, this truck eliminates the need for two separate collection runs. Whether it’s refuse and recycling or any other combination, your fleet travels less and collects more. This translates to reduced fuel costs, lower maintenance, and a simplified workflow. Productivity increases without the need for additional vehicles.
SMART DESIGN THAT FITS YOUR DAILY CHALLENGES
The McNeilus Split Body rear loader is designed to meet the needs of municipalities, private contractors, and co-op collection teams. It features user-friendly controls, a strong hydraulic system, and easily accessible components for streamlined service. The rear-loading setup is ideal for dense urban areas, tight alleys, and neighborhoods where maneuverability is essential.
LESS WEAR, LONGER FLEET LIFE
Collecting more with fewer trips also means your trucks endure less wear. Brake systems, tires, and engines benefit from reduced usage. The compacting system preserves the structure of each compartment, avoiding cross-contamination and reducing mechanical stress. This helps extend the service life of your investment.
BETTER VISIBILITY, SAFER COLLECTION
This model is equipped with enhanced lighting, rear cameras, and a clear loading area to support operator awareness. Safety isn’t an add-on—it’s built in. Whether collecting early in the morning, late at night, or in high-traffic zones, your crew can work confidently and efficiently.
ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE OPERATIONS
Fewer kilometers traveled also means fewer emissions. With only one route needed to handle two refuse streams, this truck helps reduce your environmental footprint. For cities and contractors aiming to improve sustainability while maintaining high output, it’s a reliable and measurable solution.
DESIGNED FOR EASY MAINTENANCE
Maintenance time should be short and predictable. This truck is built with service in mind: critical components are easy to reach, and replacement parts are available directly from L’Arsenal. When service is needed, our technicians can get you back on the road quickly and reliably.
WHY CHOOSE THE MCNEILUS SPLIT BODY REAR LOADER?
Two collections in one route = lower costs and more efficiency
Reduced wear and tear across your fleet
Improved working conditions for your crew
Lower environmental impact
Built strong, easy to maintain
Increased collection capacity without increased complexity
At L’Arsenal, we offer tools that work for your team, not against it. The McNeilus Split Body rear loader brings real benefits to your day-to-day operations. No complicated upgrades. Just more work done in less time.
Ready to double your efficiency without doubling your effort? Contact us today to learn more.
TECH THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING
Traditionally, a truck’s hydraulics run off the diesel engine. While this setup is durable, it also means constant fuel use, more noise, and engine wear. The ePTO (Electric Power Take-Off) replaces this process by using electric energy to power the hydraulics during loading.
This shift brings tangible benefits: less fuel, lower emissions, and reduced mechanical stress on the vehicle.
LESS NOISE, FEWER EMISSIONS: A BETTER WORK ENVIRONMENT
One of the most noticeable benefits of ePTO is how quiet it is. For operators working early shifts or in residential zones, this means a much more comfortable and respectful workday. It also minimizes public disturbance.
Environmentally, the difference is also clear: ePTO cuts down on diesel use during loading, helping fleets reduce emissions and move toward greener operations.
SIMPLER MAINTENANCE, LOWER COSTS
Fewer moving parts mean fewer breakdowns. ePTO reduces engine wear and extends service intervals — a clear win for fleet managers looking to control maintenance costs and boost uptime.
OPERATOR-FRIENDLY FUNCTIONALITY
From an operator’s standpoint, ePTO is easy to use and keeps operations smooth. Less vibration, less noise, and consistent cycle performance all contribute to more productive shifts.
A REAL STEP TOWARD RESPONSIBLE FLEETS
Integrating ePTO-equipped trucks into your fleet is a smart move for both public and private organizations looking to act sustainably. It’s a real transition — with real benefits — that doesn’t compromise performance or reliability.
L’ARSENAL STANDS WITH INNOVATION
As a McNeilus partner, L’Arsenal proudly promotes practical innovations like ePTO. They bring measurable benefits that make a daily difference for those who keep our cities clean and efficient.
Would you like to find out more about ePTO and how this technology can be integrated into your vehicle fleet?
Discover the numerous advantages offered by the Atlantic Series Front Loader®, a leading product in waste management. This truck model stands out for its exceptional durability, ease of maintenance, and positive impact on operator health and safety.
SUPERIOR DURABILITY
The Atlantic Series Front Loader® ranks among the best for its reliability and long-lasting performance. Its robust design ensures superior longevity, even in the most demanding conditions.
Notable improvements include the relocation of hydraulic and electrical components outside the head frame, allowing for better cooling capacity and increased performance reliability.
SIMPLIFIED MAINTENANCE
One of the key strengths of the Atlantic Series Front Loader® is its maintenance simplicity. The clear head frame eliminates the need for maintenance personnel to squeeze between the cab and the body to service components.
Additionally, the electrical panel located on the side of the body offers ground-level access, enhancing maintenance and diagnostic capabilities. The placement of the hydraulic valve inside the hopper wall provides more space to access components, while the foldable enclosure facilitates their maintenance.
PRODUCTIVITY AND EFFICIENCY
The reconfiguration of components in the Atlantic Series Front Loader® further enhances its ability to increase productivity and efficiency. The hydraulic routings and the electrical panel are protected by removable enclosures, offering exceptional protection for critical system components. This design not only extends the lifespan of the components but also reduces downtime for maintenance, thus increasing truck availability.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
By eliminating the need for difficult access to components, the risk of maintenance-related injuries is significantly reduced. Ground-level access to electrical and hydraulic panels also minimizes accident risks, providing a safer and more ergonomic working environment for operators.
FAST EXECUTION
Due to its structural enhancements and reorganization of components, the Atlantic Series Front Loader® allows for faster execution. Operators can complete their work with increased efficiency, reducing the time spent on each task and increasing the number of collection cycles per day. This speed of execution translates into time and cost savings for businesses.
The McNeilus Atlantic Series Front Loader® is undoubtedly the ideal choice for waste management companies seeking reliable, durable, and easy-to-maintain equipment. Its numerous improvements in maintenance, durability, and operator safety make it a wise investment for any business looking to optimize its operations.
To learn more about the Atlantic Series Front Loader® and discover how it can transform your operations, contact us!
McNeilus® refuse trucks are an ideal solution for meeting the growing needs of waste management.As North America’s leading manufacturer and supplier of refuse trucks, McNeilus® offers a range of vehicles that stand out for their unique advantages.
Three types of refuse truck exist: front-loading, side-loading and rear-loading.
In the previous article, we explored the advantages of front-loading trucks. In this one, we’ll explore side-loading trucks.
McNeilus side-loaders: when you need versatility
McNeilus automated and manual side–loaders exceed expectations when you need a truck flexible enough to handle the demands and obstacles of almost any type of residential routes. We offer a range of options in our side–loader product line to meet your needs. From Zero Radius™ and AutoReach® side–loaders offering efficient, high-performing owing to their single-arm designs, to the flexible manual/automated side–loader that can be used simultaneously as an automated side–loader, with an easy-to-use arm, and as a manual side–loader for the “extras” often encountered along many residential routes.
All McNeilus side–loaders feature McNeilus‘ exclusive Excalibre™ packing cylinders. Other features of the side–loader range include an advanced painting process offering superior coverage and quality for a long-lasting, high-quality finish. The McNeilus CODE™ control system available on the Zero Radius (ZR) side–loader puts superior truck diagnostics and troubleshooting at your fingertips, as well as the ability to add a garbage bin tipping device to the manual/automated side–loader to facilitate manual loading.
The ZR™ side loader also offers several enhancements that facilitate maintenance, increase performance and frame life, and reduce overall vehicle weight. The AutoReach® is one of the strongest side loaders in the industry, with an arm lift capacity of up to 2,000 pounds, and the manual/automated side loader can also be ordered as a strictly manual side loader.
The ZR side loader
There can be plenty of obstacles to deal with on a daily collection route: narrow streets and alleyways and clearance problems around containers. Overcome these obstacles with the Zero Radius™ Automated Side Loader from McNeilus.
This advanced garbage truck offers an innovative, yet simple, zero radius operation. The arm extends instead of pivoting, so you don’t need much clearance to grab the garbage cans. With an optional extended reach of 12 feet, it’s even easier to navigate dead ends and obstacles such as parked cars. This field-proven arm can also handle some of the densest routes.
The McNeilus CODE™ system is also available on the ZR™ Automated Side Charger. In addition to comprehensive vehicle diagnostics at your fingertips, there’s an integrated smart fuse panel, reduced hardware requirements, pre-start reminders, status messages, and much more!
The AutoReach side loader
Get up close and personal with one of the industry’s toughest side loader The AutoReach® automated side loader features a 2,000-lb. arm lift capacity.
The innovative design of the AutoReach® arm allows it to articulate laterally over an 8-foot range, making it easy to manage obstacles. The arm’s gripper assembly can easily grasp garbage cans from 30 to 110 gallons, and optional extended grippers can handle garbage cans up to 300 gallons.
To add to the benefits of this unique side loader, all functions can be operated at idle speed, minimizing noise and fuel consumption.
Manual/Automated side loaders
Collection routes can be unpredictable when it comes to what sits next to the curb. The McNeilus Manual/Automated (MA) Side Loader eliminates some of the uncertainties with an automated arm and manual loading mechanism that makes it the most flexible refuse truck on the market.
The easy-to-use arm efficiently handles residential garbage cans. The low rim of the hopper also allows the operator to manually dispose of the “little extras” often encountered when collecting residual materials. What’s more, an optional cart tipping device allows you to collect from both sides of the street.
This versatile vehicle can also be operated without the arm as a strictly manual side loader. The lowered chassis and low hopper lip make it ideal for one-man or recycling routes, allowing the operator to empty bins easily and efficiently.
McNeilus side loaders offer exceptional versatility to meet the most demanding residential refuse collection needs. Whether you opt for Zero Radius™, AutoReach® or Manual/Automated, you’ll benefit from exceptional performances, advanced features such as the CODE™ system and the ability to customize your vehicle to your specific needs. These residual refuse trucks are designed to make harvesting more efficient, quieter and more environmentally friendly, while offering exceptional durability and ease of maintenance.
In the following article, we’ll look at rear-loading trucks.
McNeilus will work with L’Arsenal to bring customers more access to parts, service and refuse collection products.
Dodge Center, MN. (Nov. 2, 2023)
McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing, Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK) company, has partnered with L’Arsenal to grow the McNeilus brand and expand its sales, parts distribution, and service support across Quebec, Newfoundland, Labrador and the Maritime provinces in Canada.
Founded in 1998, L’Arsenal is eastern Canada’s trusted supplier for heavy-duty emergency vehicles and safety equipment. The company also provides customers with a wide range of services including parts and equipment maintenance and repair.
“Our mission as a dealer goes beyond sales; it’s about delivering a superior customer experience, backed by a commitment to excellence and expertise, said Louis-David Lemaire, co-president of L’Arsenal. “We are proud and excited to partner with McNeilus, a pioneer in refuse collection solutions. Our vision is to match McNeilus’ high-quality product with our dedication to providing unparalleled service, ensuring a sustainable future.”
With this dealer relationship, McNeilus aims to enhance its industry leading support using dedicated, local sales and service teams to bring more access to products, parts and service technicians close to home. As part of its continuous improvement mission, McNeilus continually looks at ways to enhance the customer experience. Expanding its sales and support network through experienced equipment dealers in Canada will allow the company to tap into markets and develop relationships with customers that have been more difficult to reach.
“Partnering with L’Arsenal best positions McNeilus to enhance our customer support, provide high vehicle uptime, and deliver a superior experience,” said Lee Dreas, vice president and general manager for McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing. “They have a great reputation across Quebec and Eastern Canada for offering top products and customer service, and we’re looking forward to working with their team to bring our premium brand and refuse collection solutions to more customers.”
L’Arsenal Environmental and Specialized Solutions inc. is the exclusive Canadian dealer for McNeilus refuse products across Quebec, Newfoundland, Labrador and the Maritime provinces in Canada. Dealer-level support is now available from L’Arsenal, and existing customers are being onboarded into L’Arsenal’s parts and service support network.
About L’Arsenal
L’Arsenal brings together under one roof a wide range of products and services for environmental solutions and emergency response. In addition to selling trucks and safety equipment, we offer customers additional services such as equipment maintenance and repair and parts distribution. L’Arsenal is seen as a premier supplier among its customers. We are constantly developing our multidisciplinary expertise with a dynamic team that is committed to customer satisfaction and ensuring a positive experience. Visit: www.larsenalsolutions.ca
About McNeilus
McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing is an industry leader in refuse truck bodies, OEM parts and customer support and service. Our lineup of front loaders, rear loaders and automated side loaders help you handle routes efficiently. We offer a nationwide network of service and support, including mobile service techs across the country, same-day parts availability, and a variety of alternative fuel systems and services for any refuse vehicle. Whatever your challenge, we’ve been down that route before. Visit: www.mcneiluscompanies.com/mcneilus-refuse/
About Oshkosh Corporation
At Oshkosh (NYSE: OSK), we make innovative, mission-critical equipment to help everyday heroes advance communities around the world. Headquartered in Wisconsin, Oshkosh Corporation employs approximately 17,000 team members worldwide, all united behind a common purpose: to make a difference in people’s lives. Oshkosh products can be found in more than 150 countries under the brands of JLG®, Hinowa, Power Towers, Pierce®, MAXIMETAL, Oshkosh® Defense, McNeilus®, IMT®, Jerr-Dan®, Frontline™ Communications, Oshkosh® Airport Products, JBT® AeroTech and Pratt Miller. For more information, visit: www.oshkoshcorp.com
®, ™ All brand names referred to in this news release are trademarks of Oshkosh Corporation or its subsidiary companies.
Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains statements that the Company believes to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s future financial position, business strategy, targets, projected sales, costs, earnings, capital expenditures, debt levels and cash flows, and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this news release, words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “should,” “project” or “plan” or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include the Company’s ability to successfully integrate the AeroTech acquisition and to realize the anticipated benefits associated with the same; the risks associated with international operations and sales, including compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act; the Company’s ability to comply with complex laws and regulations applicable to U.S. government contractors; cybersecurity risks and costs of defending against, mitigating and responding to data security threats and breaches impacting the Company; the Company’s ability to successfully identify, complete and integrate other acquisitions and to realize the anticipated benefits associated with the same; and risks related to the Company’s ability to successfully execute on its strategic road map and meet its long-term financial goals. Additional information concerning these and other factors is contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company assumes no obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to update information contained in this news release. Investors should be aware that the Company may not update such information until the Company’s next quarterly earnings conference call, if at all.
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One of the most noticeable benefits of ePTO is how quiet it is. For operators working early shifts or in residential zones, this means a much more comfortable and respectful workday. It also minimizes public disturbance.
