Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle has a hopper and a rear storage chamber. A compaction and ejection platen is disposed to transfer refuse from the hopper into the storage chamber. A compaction cylinder has a rod which is connected to a guide mounted on the forward side of the platen. The rod is selectively lockable to either the forward or rearward end of the guide to provide either a normal or extended rearward stroke of the platen for refuse compaction or ejection, respectively.

Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle has a hopper and a compacting platen. A slide cover is disposed behind the platen and automatically moves rearwardly and forwardly therewith when the platen is short stroking or otherwise moving in at least a portion of the hopper area. The slide cover and platen move together as a unit at all times in this situation. When the platen is moved rearwardly in a full stroke during a compaction cycle, the platen and slide cover are automatically disengaged at a selected point in the stroke to permit the platen to freely proceed rearwardly. Upon retraction of the platen, it and the slide cover automatically re-engage.