Classic Refuse Trucks KUKA

Odds and Ends, and Other Makes

By Eric Voytko

The KUKA refuse collector, often referred to as the "Shark" has been sold around the world wearing the badge of licensed builders such a Laird (Scotland) and M-U-T (Austria), and as well as imports that wore the famous KUKA name.

Above, top row: At left is a 1967 Type 215 "Pescacane" (Italian for Shark) by Calabrese, on the right is a 1971 French version of the Type 215 from Grange Freres.

Above, bottom row: Sharks came to the United States briefly starting in the late 1960's, initially being distributed by the St. Regis Paper Company in conjunction with that companies paper sack refuse collection system. On the left this Florida "Shark" lived on dry land, probably owned by the City of Miami. On the right a private contractor in New Jersey has this 215 on an older Ford chassis.

Above: By 1974, the Type 215 was available through Orbital Collection Systems of Washington D.C., one of two imported rotary refuse bodies that wore the Orbie badge in the U.S.

Rotaries: Other Makes

Additionally, there have been imitators of the KUKA design. The rotary refuse collector has been most popular in Europe under the KUKA name, but other companies have also tried their hand at making this type of body, often with minor changes to avoid infringement on the KUKA design. In the 1930's, several versions were sold in the U.S.A. including Von Keller, American LaFrance and Keystone. England's famous Eagle Engineering also had a rotary in their always-diverse product line. Here are some more contemporary examples:

Above: German firm of Gabler made some minor changes to the drum drive for their rotary which would later be sold as the Turbopress. Following bankruptcy in the 1980's, production continued by new owner Thyssen. The little wheeled bird is saying "For a Friendly Environment".

Above: Italian challengers. At left, the Policar, on the right is a Trespola Rotopak

Above: In addition to the KUKA 215, Orbital Systems also sold this giant model 202. In 1974, the author witnessed a demonstration of this type truck given for a suburban Washington municipality. CRT contributor Nick Haflinger noted Orbies like this being used by the City of Philadelphia into the early 1980's.

Above: The Italian-made Talenti Rotomatic is most likely the same as the Orbie 202 shown above. Orbital is not known to have had manufacturing facilities, so their 202 was likely an imported Talenti body.

CRT wishes to offer sincere thanks to Michel Ferro who provided the majority of the photos and information for this article. His generous contribution has allowed CRT to bring you this fascinating look at one of the most popular classic refuse trucks of all time.

7/2/06