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McNeilus Companies Introduces New Air-Ware Control System

8 June 1999

McNeilus Companies Introduces New Air-Ware Control System to Improve Refuse Packer Reliability and Ease-of-Repair

    DODGE CENTER, Minn.--June 8, 1999--McNeilus Companies, a leading manufacturer of refuse bodies, introduced its new, air-operated control system, called Air-Ware(TM), at the Waste Expo `99 in Dallas, Texas, June 7 - 10. The new control system uses air-operated mechanical switches and minimal electronics to help reduce vehicle down time and operating costs.
    "The Air-Ware Control System offers durable and reliable packer body controls that are designed specifically for the rigorous operating requirements of the refuse industry. McNeilus engineers have virtually eliminated the primary maintenance concern of refuse packer customers -- electronic failures. Now, if you have air, you can finish your route," said Jim Johnston, Vice President and General Manager - Refuse Products, for McNeilus.
    In the event of an electrical/electronics failure, all electrical valves have a manual override to allow the operator to continue primary packer operations.
    The Air-Ware Control System is incorporated into a three-section console located on the right-hand instrument panel at the driver's finger tips. The lower segment contains controls for auxiliary functions such as body accessories, work lights, strobe lights and auxiliary axles. The middle segment contains the driver information center with indicator lights and gauges for loading arm position, top packer door position and tailgate position. The top portion of the console includes controls for the "pack-and-sweep" function and all other major packer body activities. All of these functions are controlled via a mechanical / air switch, eliminating electrical interaction, and, therefore eliminating the possibility of electrical failure.
    The Air-Ware Control System incorporates numerous features designed to improve reliability and speed system troubleshooting:



-    To determine if there is a system failure, the operator simply
     listens for air leaks in the systems.

-    The electrical circuits and fuse block are located in a
     weatherproof compartment inside the cab. In addition, the primary
     air-system control panel is located inside the packer body. Both
     protected locations reduce the corrosive effects of exposure to
     road grime, salt and water.

-    No test light is required to test body control functions because
     the primary activation is a mechanical air switch.

-    The rear of the cab control console is removable to provide easy
     access for service and replacement of components.

-    Proximity switches have been eliminated, thus reducing the amount
     of diagnostics needed for the electronic system.

-    Electrical wiring is function-coded for easy identification, and
     both electrical and air harnesses are labeled with the
     appropriate circuit information.

-    Multi-pin connectors simplify installation for the electrical and
     pneumatic harnesses.


    The new system is available on all current McNeilus rear loaders, front loaders and side loaders.
    McNeilus Companies, a subsidiary of Oshkosh Truck Corporation , is a leading manufacturer of refuse bodies, concrete mixers and batch plants. Its products marketed to the refuse industry include rear loaders, front loaders, manual side loaders and AutoReach(R) automated side loaders.