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Oshkosh Truck Subsidiary McNeilus Introduces Lightweight Refuse Hauler

11 October 1999

Oshkosh Truck Subsidiary McNeilus Introduces Lightweight Refuse Hauler for West Coast Market

    DODGE CENTER, Minn.--Oct. 8, 1999--McNeilus Companies, Inc., a leading manufacturer of refuse hauling bodies and a subsidiary of Oshkosh Truck Corporation (NASDAQ-OTRKB), has introduced a new lightweight front-loading refuse body to meet the strict weight requirements of California and other West Coast areas. The new Pacific Series front loader body weighs less than 15,000 pounds and carries 40 or 43 yards of refuse, depending on the configuration.
    The new front loader was engineered from the ground up so it remains as reliable, long lasting and easy to use as other McNeilus models.
    "We didn't simply take our standard front loader and build it lighter. Instead, we used the combined engineering resources of McNeilus and Oshkosh Truck to reduce weight while maintaining strength and durability -- `must haves' for refuse haulers," said Dan Lanzdorf, president of McNeilus. "The addition of the Pacific Series to the McNeilus product line offers our customers an outstanding value when they need lightweight, fast and reliable refuse packers."
    The Pacific Series provides cycle times as short as 16 seconds for the container dump. It also has a "pack-on-the-go" feature that allows operators to pack the load while they drive to the next pick-up location.
    The first Pacific Series Front Loader was unveiled at an open house at the McNeilus service center in Milpitas, Calif., near San Jose, Sept. 19.
    In addition to meeting lower weight requirements, the new McNeilus front loader is easy to operate and maintain. It features the Air Ware(TM) control system, which uses air-operated mechanical switches and minimal electronics to help reduce vehicle down time and operating costs. The steel used in the hoppers, sides and floors is lightweight, high-strength Temperflex(TM) steel. Individual body sidewall panels and the floor can be easily replaced, if necessary. Among other features on the new front loader are:


     
-    Commercial-grade Intertech hydraulic pump and cylinders

-    Aeroquip hoses and fittings

-    Bolt-on fenders and canopy for easy repair

-    Aluminum 50-gallon hydraulic oil tank

-    Five-point tailgate locking system

-    Bolt-on lift arms

-    Lift arm cylinders bolted directly to the strong, front wall of
     the loader


    The Pacific Series is available in dump as well as full-eject models. Both models are available on a choice of commercial chassis, including Peterbilt and Volvo brands.
    The new Pacific Series is manufactured at McNeilus' main facilities in Dodge Center, Minn. Parts and service support is provided through two McNeilus service centers in California. These centers offer 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week support and perform pre-delivery inspections on all McNeilus units.

    McNeilus Companies, Inc., a subsidiary of Oshkosh Truck Corporation (NASDAQ-OTRKB), is a leading manufacturer of refuse bodies, concrete mixers, and concrete batch plants. Its products marketed to the refuse industry include rear loaders, front loaders, manual side loaders and AutoReach(R) automated side loaders.