How to Choose the Right Bin Lifter for Your Waste Collection Operation
Choosing the right bin lifter can have a significant effect on the efficiency, safety and productivity of a waste collection operation.
Although bin lifters may appear relatively simple compared with the refuse compactor truck they are fitted to, different lifters are designed for very different types of bins, loading systems and collection routes.
A municipality collecting hundreds of standard 240-litre wheelie bins each day may require a different lifting system from a commercial waste operator handling larger four-wheeled containers. Some collection routes also need to accommodate a mixture of bins and manually loaded refuse bags.
The correct choice therefore depends on more than simply whether a lifter can physically raise a particular bin.
This guide explains the main factors to consider when choosing a bin lifter and how different configurations can be matched to municipal, commercial and private waste collection operations.
What Is a Bin Lifter?
A bin lifter is a mechanical system fitted to a refuse collection vehicle to raise a waste container and empty its contents into the vehicle’s loading hopper.
Depending on the design, the lifter engages with the bin, raises it through a controlled movement, tips the container so that the refuse is discharged and then returns the bin to ground level.
This provides an alternative to manually lifting or emptying heavy waste containers.
Transtech supplies a range of bin lifters and bin tippers for waste collection vehicles, with different models designed around specific container sizes and collection requirements.
Bin Lifter or Bin Tipper: Is There a Difference?
The terms “bin lifter” and “bin tipper” are often used to describe equipment performing essentially the same overall task: mechanically lifting and tipping a waste container into a refuse collection vehicle.
The terminology used can vary according to the equipment design, supplier and waste collection industry.
What matters when selecting equipment is not the name alone, but the type of bins the unit can handle, how it interfaces with the collection vehicle and how it operates during the collection cycle.
Start with the Bins You Need to Empty
The most important starting point is the waste container itself.
Before choosing a bin lifter, establish exactly which bin sizes and types are used on the collection route.
These may include:
- 120-litre wheelie bins
- 240-litre wheelie bins
- Larger two-wheeled containers
- 600-litre four-wheeled bins
- 660-litre four-wheeled bins
- 770-litre four-wheeled bins
- 1,100-litre commercial waste containers
- A mixture of bins and hand-loaded refuse bags
A lifter optimised for one container type may not necessarily be the best solution for another.
Understanding the current container system – and any changes planned for the future – is therefore essential before specifying the lifting equipment.
Consider Whether You Need a Low-Level or High-Level Bin Lifter
One of the important differences between bin lifter designs is whether the equipment uses a low-level or high-level lifting arrangement.
Each approach has advantages for particular collection methods.
Low-Level Bin Lifters
A low-level lifter can be particularly useful where the collection operation needs to handle both wheelie bins and manually loaded bags or loose refuse.
The ML150 Bin Lifter, for example, is designed as a versatile low-level lifter for areas where 240-litre European-style bins may be collected alongside hand-loaded plastic bags.
Because the unit sits close to the hopper sill height, collection crews can still load bags over the lifter rather than having the equipment obstruct manual loading.
This makes a low-level system particularly relevant where a municipality or contractor is transitioning from bag collection to wheelie bins or operates routes containing a mixture of both.
High-Level Bin Lifters
High-level lifters raise the bin so that it empties above the compactor mechanism.
This can allow bin emptying and refuse compaction to take place at the same time, which can be valuable on high-volume collection routes.
The ML220 Bin Lifter is a high-level system optimised for 240-litre two-wheeled bins and is designed for intensive collection operations.
Where large numbers of standardised wheelie bins need to be emptied during each shift, this type of configuration can improve collection productivity.
How Many Bins Do You Collect Per Shift?
Collection volume is another major factor when choosing a bin lifter.
A vehicle servicing a small number of commercial containers has very different requirements from a municipal refuse truck emptying hundreds of wheelie bins every day.
On high-volume routes, even a small difference in the time required for each lifting cycle can accumulate into a significant amount of working time over an entire shift.
The ML220, for example, is designed to achieve cycle times of approximately seven to eight seconds with suitable 240-litre bins and can handle more than 1,200 bins during an eight-hour shift under appropriate operating conditions.
For intensive municipal routes, cycle time and the ability to continue compacting while bins are being emptied can therefore become important selection criteria.
Do You Collect 240-Litre Wheelie Bins?
The 240-litre two-wheeled wheelie bin is widely used in refuse collection and several Transtech bin lifters are designed around this type of container.
However, the correct model still depends on the collection method.
Where 240-litre bins are used alongside hand-loaded bags, the ML150 low-level bin lifter provides the ability to handle both collection methods.
Where a route has been standardised around 240-litre bins and high collection productivity is required, the ML220 high-level bin lifter may be more appropriate.
This illustrates why bin capacity alone should not determine the equipment choice. The collection method and route volume are equally important.
What If You Collect Larger Four-Wheeled Bins?
Commercial and municipal waste operations may also need to handle larger four-wheeled containers.
These bins require lifting equipment designed for their greater dimensions and weight.
The ML325 was developed for applications involving larger four-wheeled bins and is capable of handling a broad range of DIN/MGB containers from approximately 120 litres through to 1,100 litres, depending on the configuration.
For operators dealing with a variety of container sizes, this wider compatibility can be valuable.
The Transtech bin lifter range includes models intended for both smaller wheelie bins and larger commercial waste containers.
What If Your Route Uses Mixed Bin Sizes?
Some waste collection operations cannot standardise on one container size.
A route might include conventional 240-litre wheelie bins as well as larger four-wheeled containers used by businesses, complexes or other high-volume waste generators.
In this situation, a lifter designed to accommodate mixed container sizes may be preferable to one optimised exclusively for a single bin.
The ML450, for example, is a low-level lifter developed for operations that use 240-litre bins together with larger four-wheeled containers such as 660- and 770-litre bins.
It can therefore provide a useful solution where container sizes vary across the route and hand-loaded refuse may also form part of the collection operation.
Consider the Weight of the Loaded Bin
Bin capacity tells only part of the story.
The weight of the waste inside the container must also be considered.
A bin containing light household refuse can weigh considerably less than a similarly sized container filled with dense commercial waste.
Every bin lifter has operating limits, and the equipment must be selected according to both container size and expected loaded weight.
Using equipment outside its intended lifting capacity can increase wear, reduce reliability and create unnecessary safety risks.
Operators should therefore consider realistic loaded-bin weights rather than specifying equipment based only on empty container dimensions.
Match the Bin Lifter to the Refuse Compactor
The bin lifter does not operate independently. It forms part of the complete refuse collection vehicle.
The lifting system needs to work correctly with the hopper, compaction mechanism, vehicle hydraulics and body configuration.
Transtech supplies refuse compactor trucks for municipal and commercial waste collection, including rear-loading configurations that can be equipped with suitable bin handling systems.
When specifying a new vehicle, the compactor body and bin lifter should ideally be considered together.
When adding a lifter to an existing vehicle, compatibility with the current body and hydraulic system needs to be established before installation.
Vehicle Chassis and Weight Matter Too
The weight of the bin lifter becomes part of the complete vehicle specification.
This can be especially important on vehicles where available payload or rear axle capacity is limited.
A heavier lifting system may reduce the amount of waste the vehicle can legally carry or may not be suitable for a particular chassis configuration.
The ML220’s relatively low mass, for example, allows it to be used in applications where a heavier high-level lifter may not be appropriate for a single rear axle vehicle.
Vehicle weight, axle loading and equipment compatibility should therefore form part of the selection process.
Ground Clearance Is Important in Real-World Operation
Bin lifters are mounted at the rear of refuse collection vehicles, where they can potentially be exposed to kerbs, uneven ground and other obstacles.
Ground clearance becomes particularly important when vehicles operate on rough roads, at landfill or disposal sites, or in areas with uneven surfaces.
Equipment that extends too far below the rear of the vehicle can be more vulnerable to accidental damage.
Several Transtech Mechlift models are designed with ground clearance in mind to reduce the risk of damage during normal waste collection operations.
Think About Manual Bag Loading
Not every waste collection route has converted completely to wheelie bins.
Some areas continue to use refuse bags, while others use a combination of bags and bins.
If collection crews still need to manually load bags into the hopper, the physical position of the bin lifter becomes important.
A bulky lifting system can make manual loading more difficult.
This is one of the reasons the ML150 uses a low-level design. Bags can still be loaded over the top while the vehicle remains equipped to empty 240-litre bins mechanically.
For mixed collection systems, this flexibility can be more valuable than choosing a lifter designed purely for maximum bin throughput.
Consider Whether the Lifter Needs to Be Removable
Some operators may need to remove or transfer bin lifting equipment between vehicles or temporarily operate the refuse truck without the lifter.
In these situations, ease of removal can become an important consideration.
The ML150 is designed so that the lifter can be removed or transferred without tools in a short period of time.
The ML220R rocker lifter takes the concept further with a demountable design in which the frame and lifting mechanism form an integrated unit.
A removable system can provide additional fleet flexibility and can also simplify certain servicing requirements.
Collection Productivity Is More Than Cycle Time
Fast lifting cycles can improve productivity, but cycle time should not be considered in isolation.
The overall collection process includes positioning the vehicle, moving the bin to the lifter, engaging the container, lifting and emptying it, returning it to the ground and moving to the next collection point.
The refuse compactor also needs to process the collected waste efficiently.
A high-level lifter can be beneficial on intensive routes because bin emptying and compaction can take place simultaneously.
On other routes, the flexibility to handle bags and different bin types may be more important than maximum cycle speed.
The best bin lifter is therefore the one that improves the productivity of the complete collection operation.
Maintenance Requirements
Bin lifters perform repetitive mechanical movements in demanding outdoor environments.
They are exposed to dust, moisture, refuse and frequent loading cycles.
Maintenance requirements should therefore be considered before selecting equipment.
Operators should look at factors such as:
- The number of moving components
- Bearing requirements
- Hydraulic hoses and cylinders
- Wear points
- Availability of replacement parts
- Ease of inspection
- Ease of removal for servicing
A simpler system with readily available parts can help reduce downtime and long-term maintenance costs.
Parts Availability and Local Support
A bin lifter may perform thousands of cycles during normal waste collection operations, so wear and maintenance are inevitable over its working life.
Access to replacement parts and technical support should form part of the purchasing decision.
Transtech’s Mechlift bin lifters are locally designed and supported for South African operating conditions, and the designs make use of standard components where practical to assist with parts availability.
Local technical support can be particularly valuable for municipalities and waste contractors that cannot afford extended vehicle downtime.
Safety and Manual Handling
Waste containers can become heavy when full.
Mechanically lifting and tipping compatible bins can reduce the amount of manual handling required from collection crews.
However, mechanical equipment must still be used correctly.
Operators should be trained in the appropriate loading procedure and remain clear of moving components during the lifting cycle.
The bin itself should also be compatible with the lifting equipment and remain in serviceable condition.
Correct equipment selection, operator training and regular maintenance all contribute to safer refuse collection operations.
Choosing a Bin Lifter for Municipal Waste Collection
Municipal collection routes can involve hundreds or even thousands of bins and collection points.
For these operations, the selection process should consider:
- The standard bin size used by households
- Whether bags are still collected
- Number of bins emptied per shift
- Required cycle time
- Compactor body configuration
- Vehicle chassis and axle capacity
- Road and disposal-site conditions
- Maintenance and parts support
A municipality that has fully standardised on 240-litre wheelie bins may have different requirements from one gradually transitioning from bag collection to bins.
Choosing a Bin Lifter for Commercial Waste Collection
Commercial waste operations often deal with a wider variety of containers.
Shopping centres, factories, estates, business parks and other commercial properties can generate larger waste volumes and may use four-wheeled bins with significantly greater capacities.
In these applications, the ability to handle different container sizes and weights can be more important than optimising the lifter around one standard household bin.
A wider-capacity system such as the ML325 or a mixed-bin solution such as the ML450 may therefore be worth considering, depending on the specific containers being serviced.
Which Transtech Bin Lifter Should You Choose?
The following provides a simple starting point when comparing the Transtech range:
- ML150: A versatile low-level lifter suited to 240-litre bins and routes where hand-loaded bags are also collected.
- ML220: A high-level lifter optimised for high-volume collection of 240-litre two-wheeled bins.
- ML220R: A demountable high-level rocker lifter designed for flexibility, easy removal and high-volume bin collection.
- ML325: A high-level single-comb lifter for a broad range of bins from approximately 120 litres up to 1,100 litres.
- ML450: A heavy-duty low-level option for operations handling 240-litre bins together with larger four-wheeled containers.
These descriptions are a guide only. The correct model should be confirmed according to the actual bins, vehicle and collection requirements.
Questions to Ask Before Buying a Bin Lifter
Before requesting a quotation, gather as much information as possible about the collection operation.
- What sizes of bins need to be emptied?
- Are they two-wheeled or four-wheeled containers?
- What is the maximum expected loaded-bin weight?
- Are refuse bags also manually loaded?
- How many bins are emptied during a normal shift?
- Is a low-level or high-level lifting system more appropriate?
- Does the lifter need to be removable?
- Which refuse compactor body will it be fitted to?
- What chassis and axle configuration does the vehicle use?
- What ground clearance is required?
- Are parts and technical support readily available?
Answering these questions before selecting equipment can prevent a lifter being specified purely on price or bin capacity without considering how it will perform on the actual collection route.
Bin Lifters for South African Waste Collection Operations
South African waste collection conditions can vary considerably between municipalities, private contractors and commercial operators.
Routes may include formal wheelie-bin systems, hand-loaded bags, large commercial containers or a combination of all three.
Vehicles may also operate on urban roads, residential streets and demanding disposal sites during the same working shift.
This makes it important to select equipment suited to local operating conditions rather than treating the bin lifter as a generic accessory.
Bin Lifters from Transtech
Transtech supplies bin lifters for municipalities, private waste contractors and commercial waste collection operators throughout South Africa.
The ML range includes low-level, high-level, demountable and heavy-duty configurations for different container sizes and collection requirements.
Transtech can assist with selecting a bin lifter according to the bins being collected, the refuse vehicle configuration and the operating requirements of the collection route.
Explore the complete Transtech Bin Lifter and Bin Tipper range for an overview of the available models.
Get Advice on the Right Bin Lifter for Your Operation
The best bin lifter is not necessarily the largest or fastest model. It is the system that best matches the bins, refuse vehicle and collection method used by the operator.
Bin capacity, loaded weight, collection volume, low- or high-level operation, manual bag loading, vehicle compatibility, ground clearance and maintenance requirements should all be considered before making a decision.
Contact Transtech to discuss your waste collection requirements and get advice on selecting an appropriate bin lifter for your refuse collection vehicle.
Note: Prices and specifications shown are for reference only and may change without notice. For the latest information, please contact Transtech directly on 021 948 4746.