Selection Tools

Benefits of Compaction

• Discourages Scavengers
• Saves Labor
• Reduces Collection Costs
• Reduces Insect/Rodent Problems
• Prevents Windblown Trash
• Reduces Fire Hazard
• Controls Odor
• Saves Inside Storage Space and Outside Parking Spaces
• Extends Pavement Life
• Stops Pilferage
• Prevents Unauthorized Access to Your Trash
• Prevents Unauthorized Disposal

• Fewer Trips...
  make more use of roll-off truck by acquiring more accounts
• Fewer Cleanup Problems...
  when trash is sealed in a container, there are fewer complaints of messy bin areas
• Reduced Bin Damage/Fires...
  sealed containers reduce vandalism opportunities
• Account Retention...
  compactor customers are usually long term customers. Also, if you don’t offer the compactor solution, someone else will!
• Liquid Retention...
  self-contained compactors retain liquids better than any bin, thus eliminating mess associated with liquid refuse.

Basic Compaction Systems

Selection Criteria Benefits of Compaction Equipment Options

A compactor system has three main parts:

• the Compactor
• the Power Unit
• the Container

Stationary Compaction System

Drawing of a stationary compactor with an attached power unit and compaction container
Self Contained Compactor
Drawing of a self contained compactor with external power unit

Compactor

Every compactor has a compactor frame, a steel housing which contains the components of the compactor.

Waste materials are loaded into the charge box, which holds the materials prior to compaction. The clear top opening measures the distance from the retracted ram to the inside of the breaker bar. The ram, a heavy duty steel plate pushes trash through the charge box into the receiving container. The breaker bar crushes large materials such as crates or pallets, which extend above the charge box. The ram is pushed forward by a hydraulic cylinder. When the ram is fully extended, a directional control valve or limit switch is activated, causing the ram to reverse (except on CYCON equipped units which do not require limit switches). The ram's cycle can be repeated until all the material is pushed into the receiving container. The hydraulic cylinder is housed at the rear of the compactor behind the ram.

Power Unit

A power unit, installed on or with every compactor, consists of an electric motor and hydraulic pump. Hydraulic fluid is drawn from an oil reservoir and forced through hoses. This, in turn, forces the cylinder to move, pushing the ram forward. An electrical control panel, containing switches, relays, and timers, operates the compactor.

The hydraulic system has an operating range from 0 to 3000 psi. When the container is full, the pressure climbs to its predetermined maximum. In most cases, the load is considered full when the pressure ranges from 1500 to 1800 psi.

Container

The receiving container connects to the breaker bar and the charge box opening. Compaction takes place inside the container, not the charge box in most cases. As the container fills, materials move across the floor and are diverted back by the roll plate. This continues until the container is full.

Compactor Dimensional & Clearance Data

The following dimensions should be used as a guide. Actual dimensions may vary depending on installation and roll-off hoist models. They are subjected change without notice.

Selection Criteria Benefits of Compaction Equipment OptionsCompactor and Hoist Dimensional Data