Abstract: A leaf collection vehicle utilizing a vehicle body from a refuse collection vehicle having a receiving hopper, a storage compartment, a tailgate assembly, an operator cab and a packer mechanism for transferring refuse from the receiving hopper to the storage compartment, the refuse collection vehicle body being transformed into a leaf collection vehicle by removably installing a fan assembly within the receiving hopper, the fan assembly providing suction for gathering leaves, a suction hose removably attachable to the fan assembly for collecting and transferring leaves initially to the storage compartment and then to the receiving hopper, and a boom member for holding the suction hose, the boom member being operable from the cab compartment of the vehicle and being movable from a storage position along a side of the vehicle body to an operative position for gathering leaves.

Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle body having a receiving hopper with a pendulum packer device mounted for arcuate movement therewithin, a tapered storage compartment for receiving refuse material from the receiving hopper, a tailgate assembly having a pneumatic mechanism for controlling the tailgate latch mechanism, and an ejection system for dumping the refuse material collected within the storage compartment, the storage compartment having a trough or channel associated with its top portion for housing the hydraulic cylinders associated with the pendulum packer device and the tailgate assembly. The hydraulic cylinder associated with the ejection system as well as the hydraulic tank and hydraulic fluid cooler associated with the vehicle body are all positioned over hazmat containment devices to contain any leakage from these components during normal operation. The tapered storage compartment is formed by joining two rectangular sheets of material to a pair of wedge shaped members.