Pac-Mac RLX Rear Loader: City of Arcadia

The post-Christmas glut of garbage provided the perfect opportunity to revisit Arcadia, FL and their two truck strong rear load fleet. Although essentially a bargain basement rear load body and chassis, the Pac-Mac/Ford combination doesn't struggle too much with the route. No doubt the packer geometry could be better when it comes to clearing commodity in the hopper during the first half of the pack cycle, as evidenced by all the spillage onto the street, but I'm sure part of the reason for the messiness is a crew used to less-frequent hopper cycles on a usually much lighter route. Nevertheless Pac-Mac sites an exceedingly optimistic 3.6 yard hopper volume (Compare to the 2RIII's 3.5 yards). Packer cylinder arrangement is unusual. Similar to the sort of "offset-pusher" type like on the 2R/II/IIIs and McNeilus, but with the stationary ends of the cylinders mounted to the inner sides of the tailgate instead of a brace spanning the width of the hopper. The smallest Loadmaster body uses a similar setup.

The Ford F-750 is a departure from the usual International or Freightliner and made for quite the treat. There wasn't quite as much of the signature Ford air brake sound as I was hoping for, but some squeaking and hissing still made its way to the microphone. Might just come down to gentle pedal application on the part of the driver.

Thanks to Chris and the rest of the crew, as well as FormerWMDriver. Filmed December 29, 2014.