For its 100th anniversary in 2001, Heil unveiled the Formula 4060 split-compartment rear loader for separated manual collection routes. Based on the Formula 4000 telescopic platen system, it had two sections split 60/40 with full ejection discharge. The same year saw the introduction of the new Python series loader arm, with an 8-second cycle and and controlled acceleration and deceleration. Soon after, Heil introduced the most unusual refuse packer to hit the streets since the Gar Wood T-100: the Python MultiPack. This automated side loader is equipped with a full-size Formula 5000 tailgate for hand-loading of loose bulk items, and can even handle commercial rear-load type containers.
Recent years have seen some streamlining at Heil. The dump truck body line was sold off in 2006, including the factory that built them at Tishomingo, Mississippi. In 2010, Dover Corporation combined Heil Environmental (USA) and the European Hillend division into Environmental Solutions Group (ESG). The next year, Heil Trailer, which had been operating as a separate division since 1984, was sold to American Industrial Partners for $220 million. In early 2013, the European division (including the Hillend factory) was sold to Italian refuse truck manufacturer Farid, after forty years of operation. During a 4-year transition period, the company was known as Heil-Farid, but now trades as Farid-Hillend Engineering. Most of the Heil-designed product line has been continued, including the famous Mark V Big Bite rear loader.
If one counts the early Hydro-Hoist units, Heil truck bodies have been used in refuse collection for almost a century. The company was involved in the manufacture and distribution of some of the earliest mechanized bodies for Colecto and the DSNY as far back as the late 1920s. Although somewhat late to the game in the compacting rear loader field, Heil made up lost the time with the popular Colectomatic in 1954, and within seven years introduced the Mark II Duo-Press compaction-ejection system, a landmark design in the annals of refuse truck history. Much of Heil's success is due to wise and timely acquisition, such as the deal to manufacture the former Gar Wood LP-900; a risky move in 1979, it has since netted sales of over 20,000 units, and a reputation as one of the best rear loaders in the industry. The Half-Pack was the first to bring the west coast school of front loader design to the broader national market, the result of Heil's consultation with both customers and independent manufacturers. Of course, there have been some great "in-house" designs like the legendary Mark V/Euro Big Bite, which had an abbreviated life in America, but remains one of the most popular commercial rear loaders in Europe after 44 years in continuous production. The rollout of the Formula 7000 in the early 80s kept Heil current with the budding trend toward automation, and the addition of Rapid Rail a decade later insured their commitment to this technology. Whatever the future may bring, there is little doubt that the generations to come will be seeing Heil refuse collection equipment on the streets of their towns and cities.
The Recycle 1000 was a non-compacting body and Heil's first bucket loader since 1955
Python MultiPack is an ASL with a full-size Formula 5000 tailgate packer
MultiTask drop frame side loader MSL/ASL combination with Crusher Plus full ejection system
EARLY-VERSION SPLIT-BODY REAR LOADER
The first Heil split-compartment rear loader of the 1990s was a swing-link type packer.
At least one example was tested by the DSNY, and may have been a one-off prototype. Shortly afterward, Heil changed to a more conventional slide-sweep mechanism on their split-compartment rear loaders. Likewise, this type of mechanism was never adopted on conventional-type USA-built Heil rear loaders. However, it has seen widespread use in Europe, known as the Heil PowerLink model.
This truck in private service may very well be the former DSNY truck 25CA-008 shown in the photo above, or another just like it.
A rare model shown in operation, believed to have been in Pennsylvania. (Video courtesy of egrbadazz)
The Formula 4060 (with a 40/60 precent body division) replaced the earlier swing-link version
The F4060 uses the F4000 telescopic platen packer system, with eccentric blade pivot
"Snoutless" telescopic ejector in the small compartment of an F4060
Heil introduced their first-ever commercial side loader in late 2002, the Powerlift, in 26, 28 and 33-yard versions. It used a modified 7000-series DuraPak body with a 10-yard hopper, full-height packer blade, and full telescopic ejection. Designed by Marc Stragier, it can thus trace its lineage to the experimental "Godzilla" CSL prototype built by the City of Scottsdale, Arizona in the early 1970s. The rail-type lift is also based on a Stragier design from the Scottsdale era. The Powerlift could handle containers from 1-4 yards and was ideal for alley collection. Lift capacity was rated at 3,000 pounds with a 30" reach.
Video courtesy of The DFWTrashman
Curatto Can was purchased in 2013, adding a line of residential ASL front load attachments to the Heil family.
They are sold and serviced by Heil and built at the Fort Payne facility, but retain their original brand name
Heil's new Mini Rear Loader, based on the Currahee Lil' Boss swing-link design
REFERENCES
Vintage Heil Literature in PDF at the Classic Refuse Trucks Library
