Classic Refuse Trucks GAR WOOD

Load-Packer LP200

The original Load-Packer was improved many times, but never more radically than the 200 series which hit the streets around 1951. As illustrated above, the added cylinder powering the retainer panel complicated the hydraulic system and control linkage. Still technically a "Load-Packer", these trucks were the first to use the "LP" series designation. Though an all-new model was in store for 1957, the 200 series was built through 1958 and possibly even later. Click here to see a (non-functional) restored 200 series appearing in the Woodward Dream Cruise which is held annually in Michigan.

The first big change seen on the 200 series was that the manually opened door in the ram panel was eliminated. Now, the entire ram panel was lifted up and clear of the hopper by the hydraulic cylinders. The geometric hurdle caused by the cylinder angle (in relation to the the ram panel) was overcome through the use of rolling/locking links, as shown in these illustrations.

Cycle commenced with ram panel "floating" down to a closed postion. Floating simply means that the weight of the panel caused it to fall by gravity, being then slowed by the resistance of the fluid in the hydraulic cylinders so that the drop did not occur too rapidly.

The lowered ram panel closes off the hopper, its links "locked in" for full pressure forward travel. The retainer panel now opens to a position resting against the back of the ram panel, just like the original Load-Packer. As stated above, the retainer panel was now moved by a single hydraulic cylinder instead of springs as used on the earlier models.

Next, full power is applied to the ram panel, forcing it forward into the body while the retainer panel scrapes the face clean.

The retainer panel cylinder is pressurized, holding it in position while the ram panel reverses direction. At the end of the hopper, the links unlock and the ram panel is raised hydraulically to the open position, ready for the next charge of refuse.

The improved 200 kept Gar Wood viable during the 1950s, but the system was somewhat complex and required precise adjustment to synchronize the two panels. To be fair, most designs of the 1950's were just as complex, if not more so. Most obvious though, is that even with the improvements, the hopper loading area was small and confined, especially compared to the mid-50s Leach Packmaster and Heil Colectomatic. The massive packing panel, when opened, tended to impede the operator's ability to up-end barrels. Gar Wood's reputation and early industry lead undoubtedly accounted for the Load-Packer's continued popularity, but its days were numbered.

8/1/04 (revised 10/1/04)