 
Truxmore Pakker 
1960 Truxmore Pakker (23 cubic yard) on GMC LCF chassis Truxmore Pakkers are easily identified by the large, angled hydraulic cylinder support at the upper front section of the body and by the "bubble" tailgate assembly. Also note the wheel near the charging door, which was turned to unlock the tailgate buckles, keeping the crew away from the back end during unloading.  These hydraulic barrel trucks were cheaper than typical rear loaders and had a bare minimum of moving parts, yet could pack a respectable 700 pounds per cubic yard and swallow anything that would fit through the charging doors. The Pakker could be loaded from the right, left or from both sides at once by opening or closing the sliding charge doors. They also offered "no tilt" full ejection dumping at a time when the big three rear loaders were just beginning to add that feature. Drawbacks included a high loading height, well above the truck frame, which required workers to use the step below each side opening. As the body became full, telescopic metal partitions on either side were raised, which made the last stops the hardest. Also, when both doors were open, it was possible to toss bagged refuse through one door and out the other, back on to the street !
The Pakker enjoyed much success on the east coast, not only because of its features, but undoubtedly due to lower destination costs (rival Pak-Mor was built in south Texas). It became a favorite of the small independent haulers as well cost-conscious municipalities. During its thirty year life, capacities ranged from a baby six cubic yard model on up to a huge thirty-two yarder. The larger models were often used to service commercial routes with Truxmore's side loading container system. 
2/5/05 © 2005 Eric Voytko All Rights Reserved Logos shown are the trademarks of respective manufacturers Photos from factory brochures/trade advertisements except as noted |