Rotary Refuse Collectors
By Eric Voytko
The following article is an addendum to Michel Ferro's KUKA history here at CRT
Since its inception in the 1920's, the KUKA (now FAUN) rotary refuse collector, often referred to as the "Shark", has been sold around the world under the KUKA/FAUN names, and in other cases wearing the badge of licensed builders. Additionally, there have been numerous imitations of the KUKA rotary drum concept.
CALABRESE PESCACANE
Calabrese SpA, Bari, Italy has been a longtime seller of the KUKA rotary body, which in the past had been identified as "Pescacane", which is Italian for Shark. Shown is a 1967 model 215. The firm currently has in their catalog the modern version of the FAUN Rotopress.
GRANGE FRERES
In France, Grange Freres distributed the KUKA refuse line. This subsidiary was rolled into the FAUN Eurotec group in the early 1990's. Shown below is a 1971 Grange Freres 215 rotary on a Saviem cabover.
GABLER/THYSSEN TURBOPRESS
The German firm of Gabler made some minor changes to the drum drive for their rotary which was sold as the Turbopress. Gabler used a direct-drive hydraulic motor to drive the drum, as opposed to the chain or gear drives used on the KUKA. Otherwise, these are quite obviously very similar to the KUKA rotaries. Following bankruptcy in the 1980's, production continued by new owner Thyssen. Turbopress' mascot, the little wheeled bird, is saying "For a Friendly Environment".
POLICAR and TALENTI ROTOMATIC
Like the Gabler Turbopress, these Italian designs came up with slightly different drum drives to avoid infringement problems. The Talenti Rotomatic is in all probability the body that was sold in the United States as the Orbie 202 for a brief time in the mid 1970's.
TRESPOLSAC ROTOPAK
This Italian rotary is either a license-built KUKA 205 or a very close copy
EAGLE SPEEDYLOAD
Eagle Engineering Company Ltd., Warwick, was an early and major player in the British refuse body market having fielded many unique designs of compression rear loaders. The 1961 Speedyload shown here was Eagle's rotary model, and most likely was built under license from KUKA.
LAIRD ROTOPRESS
Laird Municipals, Anglesey, Wales, was a U.K. licensee for the KUKA/FAUN refuse bodies, including the Rotopress. Laird was absorbed by FAUN in 1996, becoming FAUN Municipal Vehicles Ltd. The Laird Rotopress shown below is equipped with a leaf vacuum.
M-U-T ROTOPRESS
In Switzerland, the FAUN Rotopress bodies are sold by Maschinen-Umwelttechnik-Transportanlagen GmbH, Stockerau. The firm also sells the FAUN rear loaders.
KAOUSSIS MILLPRESS
Athens-based Kaoussis has been building the Millpress since 1971.
JAPANESE ROTARIES
Japanese versions of the Rotopress exist, and as is their custom are generally quite smaller to navigate narrow urban streets. Early models were made by KUKA, though I have no specific information on the firms that currently manufacture or distribute them at this time. Interestingly, the drum rotation on the Japanese versions is counter-clockwise, as opposed to the clockwise rotation of western versions.
Above; 1972 KUKA model 210. Below; later model rotary refuse collector
Video of Japanese rotary collector courtesy of Tokiwaji
