Abstract: A front loading refuse collection vehicle has a refuse receiving body within which a compaction panel is movable between a refuse receiving position and refuse compacting positions spaced from the receiving position. A pair of hydraulically actuated power cylinder assemblies are connected to the body adjacent the refuse receiving end and to the compaction panel, the assemblies extending in criss-cross fashion one above the other. The ends of the assemblies connected to the panel are restrained by apparatus which is normally passive and does not interfere with the connection between each hydraulic cylinder assembly and the panel, but which upon failure of the connection between a hydraulic cylinder assembly and the panel restrains movement of the cylinder assembly having the failed connection so that the end of that assembly remains closely adjacent to the panel and between the side walls of the body.