With the closing of the Loadmaster plant at Culpeper, Virginia, production was moved to the City of Norway on Michigan's Upper Peninsula during the 1990s. The venerable LM-100 series remained in the new lineup with only minor changes, but was discontinued around the end of the decade. Of all the original series, only the famous LM-400 has survived, a tribute to its rugged construction and popularity with demolition waste haulers. For many, it remains the "Ultimate Weapon" amongst heavy-duty rear loaders.
A Michigan-built Loadmaster LM-120 from 1998
Beefed up late-model LM-100 sweep panel, and curved-face ejector
The Mighty LM-400, Loadmaster's Ultimate Weapon since 1971
LOADMASTER LM-400 VIDEO
Detailed HD video of a late-model LM-425 in action courtesy of George Lanoszka
LOADMASTER: THE NEXT GENERATION
Joining the classic 400 Series is an all-new lineup, starting with the compact Elite and the full-size Excel/Legacy series. These feature modern curved-shell bodies and slide-sweep packers with internally-located cylinders. Polymer blocks carry the slide panel, replacing the steel rollers used on the original models. The City of Chicago recently placed a large order for Excels, and an all-new Automated Side-Loader has been announced and will soon be joining the new Loadmaster family.
Bruce Polit inspects a new Loadmaster Excel, part of large order placed by the City of Chicago
