Benne Rey     Fernand Rey's original design rear loader model was produced by SEMAT, and appropriately named the Benne Rey. Paris contractors SITA and CGEA seem to have been the biggest customers for this heavy-duty, continuous-loading packer, which was a more modernized version of the 1930s Reyloader. They still featured the large but narrow loading hopper, much like the original version, which could be loaded from three sides. An overhead roof or canopy extended over the hopper and crewmen. The cable operated tailgate was replaced with an ingenious rod linkage system, which automatically raised the entire hopper as the body was tilted. The canopy folded up during the raising process. For a time, the Benne Rey could still be ordered with the old-style cable-operated gate.     By the 1960s, the Rey series had transitioned from welded steel bodies to lighter alloy construction, with a full-width hopper. Shelvoke & Drewry (SD) built a licensed version in 1959 known as the Pakamatic, which became one of Great Britain's most popular models during the 1960s. SEMAT's Benne Rey models were ultimately suceeded by newer revolving packers in the 1970s, yet remained a common sight throughout France for years afterward. Cable-operated tailgate remained optional as on this 1950s Benne Rey model Benne Rey with narrow hopper from the 1960s, probably still in production exclusively for Paris contractors View of unloading position showing the rod-linkage system for opening the tailgate Modernized Benne Rey of the 1960s, with lighter body and full width hopper View of the new model wide hopper, with blade fully retracted and ready to load... Inverted drawer-type blade advances; follower plate allows for continuous loading while the blade is in motion Refuse is forced into body under a row of fixed teeth, which help shred and retain the load. Optional dual-bin dustless loader attachment Optional dustless loader attachment with hand-loading capability Optional container lift with 1,100 litre wheeled bin 3/24/20 © 2020 All Rights Reserved Photos from factory brochures/advertisements except as noted Logos shown are the trademarks of respective manufacturers