1978 E-Z Pack HCSL-20 Side Loader (29 cubic yards capacity) with barn doors for unloading
Along with the rear loader, the E-Z Pack side loader was completely re-designed for 1978. In fact, the changes to were far more radical to the side loaders, now dubbed HCSL for High Compaction Side Loader. The new model was a modern drop-frame type with a low profile, partial-packing blade powered by in-line hydraulic cylinders. This basic design traces its roots to side loaders made by Bowles and Shu-Pak in the late 1950s. A crusher panel, powered by a single double-acting ram helped to feed bulky objects into the hopper. Unloading was tilt-to-dump, and body capacities were 25, 29 and 37 cubic yards. Hopper and body were integrated as a single assembly, adding strength and eliminating leakage at the packing area.
The HCSL was a bold move for E-Z Pack, breaking with side loader tradition, much of which they had helped to create. They were now venturing into territory which was then mostly the province of smaller builders such as Maxon (who was then building the Shu-Pak) and McClain. In hindsight, their timing would appear to have been perfect, as the late seventies saw a growing trend toward automation and one-man manual systems. Bodies of this type were well suited to those collection systems. Even the Department of Sanitation, New York City (DSNY) bought some E-Z Pack HCSL's during their brief experiment with side loaders in the early 1980s. The series remained in production through the turn of the century.
Big 37 yard version of the HCSL from 1978, mounted on Crane Carrier chassis
Later model HCSL with hydraulic 'bubble' tailgate. Note also change to roof line above hopper, which was squared off
Detail of the crusher panel
A different tailgate variation; flat end gate with hydraulic lift
1990s HCSL-37 with bubble gate. Auto-locking tailgates were added in the 1980s
Above and below: Video of an E-Z Pack HCSL courtesy of Scott Watson/Trashman242
