Abstract: A refuse loader with vehicle mounted guide rails which includes a pair of guide rails at least one of which has a longitudinally extending gear profile. A trolley is provided having a motor and at least one driven gear driven by the motor. The driven gear engages the longitudinally extending gear profile. Guide rollers keep the trolley engaged with the guide rails. Outwardly extending lift arms fixedly attached to the trolley are provided for detachably securing a refuse container to the trolley. When the motor is activated, the driven gear rotates and the trolley moves relative to the guide rails as the driven gear moves along the longitudinally extending gear profile.

Abstract: A compaction mechanism uses cables to move a compaction plate within a compaction chamber of a garbage truck. Cable guide pulleys are positioned adjacent a first end and a second end of the compaction chamber. Each cable has a first end and a second end, both of which are secured to the compaction plate. A winch-like drive assembly is used to concurrently move the cables to pull the compaction plate. This compaction mechanism is better able to withstand uneven resistance on the compaction plate without twisting.