Speed-Packer SP400 The SP400 was more like a tree chipper than a refuse truck, and used a rotary hammer to shred trash, along with simple pivoting packer panel (internal) to consolidate the load. This novel design was first released in 1956, and was built with a 16 or 20 yard body. Component tailgate assemblies could also purchased to be retrofitted on existing 200 series Load-Packers. There is little doubt that Gar Wood did not expect this to replace the Load-Packer, but to compete with the Roto-Pac which was "cleaning up" with brisk sales in New York, Philadelphia and Chicago. The merits or faults of the SP400 may be lost forever in time, since this body did not appear to have lasted into the 1960's. Premature wear and failure in machines of this type can occur unless they are well engineered and soundly built. Most likely it just went away because there better machines on the market, and buyers were wary of the new concept. 8/1/04 (revised 10/1/04) © 2004 Eric Voytko All rights reserved Photos from factory brochures/advertisements except as noted Logos shown are the trademarks of respective manufacturers