FL Series Front Loader     Pak-Mor's growth spree continued unabated with the mid-decade announcement of an all new front loader, the FL series. Designed by Orin Anderson, the new model featured over-the-cab arms, and an optional container-leveling system. Body sizes initially were 20, 25 and 32-cubic yards, all with flat tailgates (hydraulically raised). Later models with bubble tailgates were offered up to 42-yard capacities. Basic series designation was based on lift arm capacity; FL400 for 4500 lb. capacity, FL600 for 6000 lb. arms, and later an 8000 lb. FL800 model. The last two digits were the body capacity. The massive appearance and box-like body bracing would remain virtually unchanged during the FL's long life, finally being phased out by 1993-94 in favor of lighter models.     The full-travel packer plate on the FL series was propelled in the same manner as the H-series barrel trucks, via a telescopic ram mounted horizontally and protruding through the face of the packer panel. A cylinder overlap of 10-12" per stage insured long life. Interlock switches prevented container dumping while the panel was in motion. 1-10 cubic yard containers could be handled by the FL series. This 1960s Mack MB has the FL632 body, with rod-operated hopper door. Inset at upper right; welded I-beam construction gives the Pak-Mor FL series its distinctive 'egg carton' look Optional hydraulic-operated hopper door (left), and discharging load at right 1976 Pak-Mor mounted on a White Road Xpeditor chassis Rear shot of this '76 model shows the original style solid end gate with manual screw clamps Inside the FL series; business end of the packer panel, with twin guide rails in foreground On the inside of the roof we see the reverse-slanted load stays, which help keep the compacted load from 'springing back' into the hopper area. Vertical slots in the top of the packer blade allow it to pass over the stays without damage. Bubble-tailgate equipped version readies to dump cardboard 1992 F835B, 35-cubic yard body... ...inside the F835B showing the horizontal packing cylinder and blade guide rails One of the last of the original FL series; a 40-yarder from 1993... ...and from the same year, a 20-yard box on single-axle chassis SELECTED PATENTS Patent # Description Inventor Assignee Date US3474923 Loading mechanism for front end loading refuse vehicles Anderson Pak-Mor June 25, 1968 US3572529 Front-end loading refuse vehicle Anderson Pak-Mor February 3, 1969 4/5/09 (updated 6/5/22) © 2009 All Rights Reserved Photos from factory brochures/advertisements except as noted Logos shown are the trademarks of respective manufacturers