IDENTIFICATION: SWING PANEL REFUSE PACKERS

Classification: Swing Panel Packers
LOADING: INTERMITTENT

    A broad class of refuse packer bodies whose common feature is a vertically-hung swinging packer panel that both loads and packs refuse in the body. Classification includes diverse designs that may have little else in common, including top-hinged, bottom hinged, and link-guided panels. Power means may be mechanical, hydraulic or any combination. Auxiliary packing/retaining panels and pre-crushing may be used. Auxiliary load retaining fences or panels may be incorporated. Refuse may be loaded over, through, on top of or underneath the panel and through closeable doors. Generally intermittent loading, though continuous loading possible on some models.

    Classification excludes: Models in which the swing panel is not the primary loading mechanism (i.e. auxiliary compression plates in non-swing panel type packers), pendulum type packers which are dedicated continuous loaders and horizontal bi-directional "paddle" packers. Also excludes any rear load packer in which the panel normally rests ahead of the loading hopper.

    One of the earliest types of packer bodies. Pioneered by Sovel in France in the mid-1930s. First USA model by Gar Wood broke open the North American packer market in 1937. Mostly obsolete by 1970, although some variations still in use, primarily in small satellite packer bodies.