Hey there! As a supplier of used waste collection trucks, I often get asked about the hydraulic system of these vehicles. It's a crucial part of how these trucks work, so I thought I'd break it down for you.
What's a Hydraulic System Anyway?
Before we dive into the hydraulic system of a used waste collection truck, let's quickly talk about what a hydraulic system is in general. A hydraulic system uses a liquid, usually oil, to transmit power. It's based on Pascal's Law, which says that when you apply pressure to a confined fluid, that pressure is transmitted equally in all directions.
In simple terms, it's like when you squeeze a water balloon. The pressure you apply makes the water push out evenly in all directions. In a hydraulic system, this principle is used to create mechanical force and movement.
How Does the Hydraulic System Work in a Waste Collection Truck?
In a used waste collection truck, the hydraulic system is responsible for a bunch of important tasks. Let's take a look at some of the key functions:
Lifting and Dumping
One of the main jobs of the hydraulic system is to lift and dump the waste containers. When the truck arrives at a collection point, the hydraulic cylinders extend to lift the container up and tip it into the truck's hopper. This is a powerful process that requires a lot of force, and that's where the hydraulic system shines.
Think about it like this: if you were trying to lift a heavy container by hand, it would be nearly impossible. But with the hydraulic system, it's a breeze. The system can generate enough force to lift even the largest and heaviest waste containers with ease.
Compacting the Waste
Once the waste is in the hopper, the hydraulic system is used to compact it. Compacting the waste is important because it allows the truck to carry more waste in a smaller space. The hydraulic ram pushes against the waste, compressing it down and making it more dense.
This is similar to how you might pack clothes into a suitcase. You try to push them down as much as possible to make more room. The hydraulic system in the waste collection truck does the same thing, but on a much larger scale.
Opening and Closing the Tailgate
The hydraulic system also controls the opening and closing of the tailgate. When the truck reaches the landfill or waste disposal site, the hydraulic cylinders are used to open the tailgate so the compacted waste can be dumped out. Once the dumping is done, the cylinders retract to close the tailgate again.
It's like having a mechanical helper that can open and close the door for you. The hydraulic system ensures that the tailgate opens and closes smoothly and securely, every time.
Components of the Hydraulic System in a Waste Collection Truck
Now that we know what the hydraulic system does, let's take a look at the main components that make it work:
Hydraulic Pump
The hydraulic pump is like the heart of the system. It's responsible for creating the pressure needed to move the hydraulic fluid. The pump is usually driven by the truck's engine, and it sucks in the hydraulic oil from the reservoir and pumps it into the system at high pressure.
Think of it as a water pump in a house. It takes water from the well or tank and pumps it through the pipes at high pressure so it can reach all the faucets and appliances. In the hydraulic system of a waste collection truck, the pump does the same thing with the hydraulic oil.
Hydraulic Cylinders
The hydraulic cylinders are the muscle of the system. They convert the hydraulic pressure into mechanical force and movement. When the high-pressure hydraulic oil enters the cylinder, it pushes against a piston, which in turn moves the rod attached to the piston.
This is similar to how a syringe works. When you push the plunger, the pressure inside the syringe forces the liquid out through the needle. In a hydraulic cylinder, the pressure forces the piston to move, which can be used to lift, push, or pull things.
Valves
The valves in the hydraulic system control the flow and direction of the hydraulic oil. They act like traffic cops, directing the oil where it needs to go. There are different types of valves, such as control valves, check valves, and relief valves.


Control valves are used to regulate the amount of oil flowing to different parts of the system. Check valves allow the oil to flow in one direction only, preventing it from flowing back. Relief valves are used to protect the system from overpressure by releasing the excess oil if the pressure gets too high.
Reservoir
The reservoir is where the hydraulic oil is stored. It's like a big tank that holds the oil until it's needed. The reservoir also helps to cool the oil and remove any air bubbles that might be in it.
Just like a gas tank in a car, the reservoir needs to be filled with the right amount of oil. If the oil level gets too low, the system won't work properly, so it's important to check and refill the reservoir regularly.
Why is the Hydraulic System So Important?
The hydraulic system is crucial for the operation of a used waste collection truck. Without it, the truck wouldn't be able to perform its main functions. Here are some of the reasons why the hydraulic system is so important:
Efficiency
The hydraulic system allows the truck to perform its tasks quickly and efficiently. It can lift, dump, and compact the waste in a matter of seconds, which means the truck can collect more waste in less time. This is important for waste management companies because it helps them to save time and money.
Safety
The hydraulic system also plays a big role in safety. It ensures that the waste containers are lifted and dumped safely, without any risk of them falling or tipping over. The system also provides a smooth and controlled movement, which reduces the risk of accidents and injuries.
Durability
Hydraulic systems are known for their durability and reliability. They can withstand the harsh conditions and heavy use that a waste collection truck is exposed to. With proper maintenance, the hydraulic system can last for many years, making it a cost-effective investment for waste management companies.
Our Used Waste Collection Trucks with Great Hydraulic Systems
At our company, we offer a wide range of used waste collection trucks with top-notch hydraulic systems. Our trucks are carefully inspected and refurbished to ensure that they are in excellent working condition.
We have different types of trucks available, including 8 Cbm Compression Garbage Truck 4X2 Garbage Truck 5 Tons Refuse Garbage Compactor Truck, Japan Brand 12 CBM Garbage Compactor Truck For Sale, and SHACMAN 7 Cbm Roll-Off Garbage Trucks. These trucks are equipped with high-quality hydraulic systems that are designed to handle the toughest waste collection jobs.
Whether you need a small truck for residential areas or a large truck for commercial waste collection, we have the right solution for you. Our team of experts can help you choose the best truck for your needs and provide you with all the support and maintenance services you need.
Contact Us for More Information
If you're interested in learning more about our used waste collection trucks or have any questions about the hydraulic system, don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you find the perfect truck for your waste management needs.
Just reach out to us, and we'll be happy to discuss your requirements and provide you with a detailed quote. We look forward to working with you and helping you take your waste collection operations to the next level.
References
- "Hydraulics 101: An Introduction to Hydraulic Systems" - Fluid Power Journal
- "The Basics of Hydraulic Systems in Heavy Equipment" - Equipment World
- "How Hydraulic Systems Work in Waste Collection Trucks" - Waste Management Magazine
