Classic Refuse Trucks JACK ALLEN

Jack Allen Motor Bodies Ltd.

The American Heil 4000 model also made the voyage to England. A slide-sweep type loader, it started life as a mid range-model, between the hinged-hopper Mark III (Colectomatic) and swing-link Mark V (Big Bite). Eventually, it would replace the Mark III as the entry-level rear loader

Important changes were made in 1974 with the introduction of the 'Lowline' model. The rear axle was moved 14 inches backwards to allow a two-door cab in place of the previous awkward three-door version. Accessibility was greatly improved. Headroom in the cab was increased by using a fibre glass roof. The Colectomatic was offered in four sizes: 13 ton/52 cubic yard, 16 ton/64 c.u., 20 ton/80 cu.yd. and the six-wheeled 25 ton/100 cu.yd. The Colectomatic had a rave height of 3 feet 10 inches.

The next development was a Front End Loader, which came in 1980.

Jack Allen front loaders mirrored those of Heil, and by the mid 1990's had adopted curved body panels

In 1984 the all new Britannia range of trucks was launched as a 24 ton six-wheeler or a 16 ton four-wheeler with the added option of a narrow form. The tilt cab was of moulded glass fibre/carbon fibre and the crew's door had jack-knife type folding doors. During its first production run almost 1,000 Britannia vehicles were produced. Jack Allen also developed bin lifting equipment under the Waste Hoists Ltd. banner to complement the JA Eurohoist range.

Left: Britannia 24 ton GCW with 4000 series body. Right: binlifter attachment

In 1997, seventy years after Jack Allen formed the company, the 'Leader' was announced, in conjunction with Seddon Atkinson. This incorporated a centre steer cab/chassis with the driver at a low level in the centre of the cab for improved all round visibility. The Managing Director at that time was Jonathan Allen, the grandson of the founder and his father, John, was Chairman of the Jack Allen Group. The company had come a long way since its early days as a body builder and repairer.

Eventually the agreement between Jack Allen and Heil was terminated, and Jack Allen was bought by Dennis-Eagle in 2000. Heil units continue to be manufactured at Hillend in Scotland, and are currently marketed under the Heil Europe marque.

Some details and photos for this article taken from The History of Jack Allen (Sales and Service) 1927-1997 kindly loaned by Tim Byrne.

MISCELLANEOUS JACK ALLEN BODIES

The Jack Allen Little Gem compact rear loader

Mighty Bite was the name of the semi-trailer version of Big Bite

4000 series with array of bins handled by lifter, including the old round Paladin bin

Powerlink is a swing-link packer very similar to the Dempster Route King. This model is still carried in the Heil Europe product line

JACK ALLEN SWING-LINK REAR LOADER

This unusual rear loader seems to have been built by Jack Allen, independently of Heil. It was most likely produced between the termination of the Heil partnership and the Dennis buyout.

Matthew Robinson found this one working for SITA in Australia. The swing-link packer mechanism has a very short stroke and was probably designed for continuous cycling. No other information is available at this time.

There is a photo of one these JA swing-links taken in 2000, available at Hank's Truck Pictures

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