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Do you see big trucks taking away garbage? Have you heard their loud engines? Some are not loud at all! Today, I will show you the engines inside garbage trucks. You will know why some engines are best for cities or big jobs and how new tech makes trucks better and cleaner. Let’s open up the world of garbage truck engines together!
Why Garbage Trucks Need Special Engines
Garbage trucks are very strong trucks. They do important work for every city and place. They drive, stop, and go again, many times a day. This is called stop-and-go driving. That is why these trucks need special heavy-duty truck engine power.
Some trucks go up hills, carry lots of trash, and drive long or short routes. Some must follow EPA regulations or emission laws. Which engine is the best choice? It depends on the job. Here comes CLW GROUP. We help you pick the right engine so your truck does the work you need!
Old Favorite: Diesel Engine Trucks
Many garbage trucks use diesel engines. Diesel engines are strong. They last a long time. Big brands like Cummins, Mack, Volvo, and Freightliner make engines for these trucks.
Why choose diesel?
- Proven reliability
- High torque at low RPM (good for stop-and-go)
- Wide fuel availability
But, diesel engines can be very noisy. They make more smoke (emissions). Cities want cleaner air, so some places may not allow diesel for all jobs.
When is diesel best?
- Long-haul routes
- Places without CNG or charging
- Traditional fleets
New Choice: Natural Gas (CNG/LNG) Engines
CNG means Compressed Natural Gas. LNG means Liquefied Natural Gas. These gases power many new garbage trucks, made by makers like Peterbilt and Autocar Trucks.
Why pick CNG or LNG?
- Lower emissions (NOx, PM)
- Much quieter running
- Fuel prices are stable, often lower than diesel
- Use of renewable natural gas (RNG)
But CNG/LNG trucks need special pumps. They may not drive as far before stopping to refuel. The tanks can be bigger and heavier.
When is natural gas best?
- City or suburban routes
- Fleets who care about lower emissions
- Places with special fueling stations
The New Future: All-Electric Trucks
Do you want a zero emission truck? Battery electric garbage trucks are here! They use battery electric vehicle (BEV) technology, like Regenerative Braking, Electric Motor/Powertrain, Lithium-ion battery tech, and more. Dennis Eagle and others build these quiet, green machines.
Why choose electric trucks?
- Zero tailpipe emissions (no smoke!)
- They are very quiet
- Low engine maintenance costs
But these trucks cost more to buy. They need charging infrastructure. Their heavy batteries mean they go fewer miles before needing a charge. Electric grid and chargers must be ready before use.
When is electric best?
- Short city routes
- Tight emission rules
- Companies with charging stations
In-Between Tech: Hybrid Garbage Trucks
Some garbage trucks use hybrid powertrain. This means two types of power, like hydraulic hybrid or electric hybrid. These help cut fuel use and pollution while keeping diesel’s strong pull.
Why pick hybrid systems?
- Less fuel
- Less emissions
- Regenerative braking saves energy
But hybrids cost more at the start. They can be tricky to fix, needing special parts and training.
When is hybrid best?
- Routes with many stops
- Fleets wanting lower costs and cleaner air
Other Choices: New and Special
- Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV): Uses hydrogen, very clean, but rare and costly.
- Propane Engines: Not common for big trucks, hard to find fuel.
What Makes People Pick the Right Engine?
Every city and company needs different trucks. What must you think about first?
- How far do trucks go?
- How many times do trucks stop?
- Are roads flat or hilly?
- What fuel is easy to find?
- What do emission laws say?
- How important is noise?
- How much can you spend first and over time?
- What is your company’s green goal?
CLW GROUP helps answer all these questions. We offer customized production, make trucks for your job, deliver them, and give you after-sales service and technical consulting. We help fleets pick the right engine technology advancements for today and tomorrow.
Compare Engine Types: Easy Table
| Feature | Diesel Engine | Natural Gas Engine (CNG) | Battery Electric | Hybrid System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Cost | Low | Medium | High | Medium to High |
| Fuel/Energy Cost | Medium | Low | Changes with rates | Lower than diesel |
| Range | High | Medium | Medium | High |
| Emissions | Higher | Lower | None | Lower |
| Noise Level | High | Medium | Low | Medium |
| Maintenance | Medium | Medium | Low | Medium to High |
| Where Used? | Long routes | City, Suburbs | Short city routes | Stop-heavy routes |
| Market Share | High | Growing | New and growing | Smaller, but useful |
What Can CLW GROUP Do for You?
At CLW GROUP, we build the right truck for your job. We know engine size, horsepower, torque, and all important parts like power take-off (PTO) and hydraulics system. We offer customized waste collection vehicles, rear loader garbage trucks, automated side loader engine choices, and many more body types.
We can also help you find:
- The right refuse vehicle for your route.
- The best municipal fleet engine choice.
- The lowest total cost of ownership (TCO).
Want to see more trucks? Find everything at our specail trucks factory.
Real Examples: What Trucks Do Others Use?
- Big rural fleets use diesel for long trips.
- Cities switch to CNG to save fuel and lower noise.
- Clean cities try electric for the greenest, quiet rides.
- Some switch to hybrid to save fuel and money.
See our rear loader garbage truck for a strong and smart choice!
What Should You Do Next?
Are you ready to pick your engine? Do you want a truck that matches your work and saves money? At CLW GROUP we listen to you. We use the latest tech and meet all rules. We care about strong parts like your engine control module (ECM), engine monitoring systems, and what is best for your fleet management.
No matter if you want diesel, natural gas, electric, or hybrid, we have your answer. We even make other trucks, too! See our tipper truck for moving other heavy loads, or our food truck waste disposal truck for kitchen waste.
Want to talk to us and learn more? We are ready to help.
Conclusion
Every garbage truck needs the right engine for its job. Whether you need power, quiet, clean, or savings, CLW GROUP brings you the best choices, service, and support. We use all the top vocational truck engine suppliers, diagnostic codes garage truck systems, and battery technology to make your work easy, today and tomorrow.
Let us help you drive forward. Come to CLW GROUP and see your perfect garbage truck come to life!
