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Driver-Operator Guide

Chapter 8—Garbage Packers

• Operators
• Operation
• Preventive Maintenance

Operators

Operators of garbage-packer trucks must be qualified to operate trucks as large as those on which garbage packers are mounted. After such qualification, they should be trained to operate the packer unit.

Operation

The garbage packers purchased by the USDA Forest Service are well designed, efficient, and safe when used as intended. They are also expensive and potentially dangerous. It is of the utmost importance that the units be maintained properly and operated correctly.

Safety Rules

1. When the packer is being used for refuse collection, one member of the crew shall be designated as the packer operator. The packer operator shall be the only member of the crew authorized to operate the packer functions. The prime responsibilities of the packer operator include:

• Seeing that the collection crew is clear of all packer functions before operation.
  
  
• Ensuring that the packer is maintained correctly, all safety equipment is included, safety regulations are understood and followed, and that safety interlocks are working properly.

2. Never allow anyone to stick a head, arm, or any other limb inside the packer during the refuse collecting operation.
   
   
3. Crewmembers wear snug-fitting clothing.
   
   
4. Storing articles inside the packer is prohibited.
   
   
5. The operator and helpers should wear shoes with nonskid soles.
   
   
6. Never allow anyone to get in the packer unless the packer blade is adequately blocked.
   
   
7. Wear hardhats at all times.
   
   
8. The barrel lifter must clear the opening of the packer before the automatic blade cycle valve is operated. Keep the barrel lifter and step in their stored position when traveling.
   
   
9. Keep your body clear of the barrel lifter and make certain your hands and arms are out of the barrel lifter’s path.
   
   
10. Do not leave garbage in the packer overnight.
    
    
11. The following safety equipment shall be with the packer at all times:

• Stiff arm for rear bubble or door
  
  
• Five-pound A, B, C-rated fire extinguisher
  
  
• Packer-blade block
  
  
• Backup alarm
  
  
• Chock blocks
  
  
• First aid kit
  
  
• Hardhats
  
  
• Reflectors or flares
  
  
• Tire chains
  
  
• Fire tools

Operating Procedures

1. To engage the power takeoff, first place the truck transmission in neutral. Depress the clutch pedal and engage the power takeoff control. Release the clutch pedal slowly. Let the oil in the packer’s hydraulic system circulate for several minutes. The clutch should be depressed when disengaging the power takeoff. Always disengage the power takeoff before moving the truck, even when only moving a short distance.
   
   
2. Before loading refuse, make sure that the packer blade is retracted against the forward wall. Refuse must never be dumped in front of the blade. Always check to see if the tailgate clamps are locked.
   
   
3. Most packer controls are equipped with an automatic cycle. This cycle compacts the refuse and returns the blade to the forward wall. If, at any time, it becomes necessary to stop the blade movement, place the control lever in the neutral position. On some packer models a swinging latch is located just below the valve handle and may be swung up to hold the handle in the neutral position.
   
   
4. Engine speed and hydraulic pump flow are controlled by an electric accelerator solenoid. This solenoid sets the engine revolutions per minute, which gives the correct blade cycle time.
   
   
5. After each load is dumped, check to see that the tailgate is sealed properly when closed.

Preventive Maintenance

The basic truck shall be maintained in accordance with standard regional policy for such vehicles. A complete manufacturer’s guide to lubrication should be included with the packer unit.

1. Tire pressure is of critical importance. Load variations in a garbage packer are common and driving is hazardous with incorrect pressures. Check the pressure in each tire daily.
   
   
2. The oil level in the hydraulic system should be checked once a week. Always check the unit for leaks. If the hydraulic system is low, use the manufacturer’s recommended hydraulic system oil.
   
   
3. The ram-blade runners shall be lubricated at least twice a week.
   
   
4. Grease the zerk fittings on equalizer shafts, ram blade arms, step assembly, and tailgate lock assembly at least once a week.
   
   
5. Oil the hinge points on the container, lift unit, step assembly, and tailgate once a week.
   
   
6. Clean the packer and truck thoroughly, inside and out, at least every 2 weeks.

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