CONVERTO-BOWLES 1961 Converto Packer; a Bowles push-type half-pack with telescopic lift     Bowles had many partnerships and distributors over the years, some of which never came into fruition. Bausenbach (a.k.a. Buffalo Metal Container) was the first, as has been discussed previously. In the early 1960's, Dick Shields was a sales representative for Converto, a small manufacturer based in Cambridge City, Indiana. He and Vince teamed up to sell Bowles equipment in the eastern United States under the Converto-Bowles trade name. Converto-Bowles literature of the time suggests that some models may have been built at Converto's own facility.     Though no longer offering packer bodies, independently-owned Converto is still in business in Cambridge City. They produce ConverTainer lugger trucks, roll off frames and other material handling equipment for the scrap and recycling industries. An early 60s Converto-Bowles Load-N-Pack on International chassis Converto-Bowles push type packer on international cabover, with a cab guard in place of the salvage rack Another Converto-Bowles demonstrator, equipped with a full-pack body. Visually, this looks like an 'eastern' style front loader, with its heavy reinforcement bracing. Packer blade was roller-guided and powered by a single telescopic cylinder (85,000 pounds thrust) and lift arms were rated at 8,000 pounds. 18, 20 or 22-foot boxes were available. It is equipped with power retractable mirrors. Salesman demonstrates the dump cycle with an electric remote control. Note how the rearview mirrors have retracted ahead of the ascending arms. Although similar devices are used today on some makes, the remote control shown here was most likely for show purposes, and not a regularly available option. The Bowles line of roll-offs and transfer trailers were also sold under the C-B name. Another product, the ConverTainer lugger truck (shown above) was a not a Bowles product, and was sold simply as a Converto. The absence Converto-Bowles advertising after 1965 would indicate that the partnership had ended about that time. Afterwards, only the ConverTainer lugger was listed. 1/17/10 © 2010 All Rights Reserved Logos shown are the trademarks of respective manufacturers Photos from factory brochures/trade advertisements except as noted