SELF DUMPING EVO
For 1971, the product line was diversified with the EVO 2000. a self-dumping version of the original EVO transfer vehicle. The 12-cubic yard body could be emptied directly at a dump or pit by ejection out a rear hydraulic tailgate. The body was demountable, and could be swapped with a closed-end transfer body if needed. With the addition of the EVO 2000, Lodal now offered a option for buyers who didn't need the transfer system, but wanted to purchase a stand-alone refuse collector..
The EVO 2000 featured a slightly heavier GVW rating, but used the same driveline, consisting of a Chrysler V-8 gasoline engine and Torqueflite automatic transmission. The entire engine and trans module was mounted on a unique roller tray for easy servicing, or replacement with complete spare units. The gearbox was coupled to an Oshkosh transfer case (later Rockwell), which shunted power 180-degrees forward to the live front axle. Eventually, bodies up to 28-cubic yards with dual rear axles were offered, and the more powerful Caterpillar 3208 (naturally aspirated) and Detroit 8.2L (turbocharged) V-8 diesels replaced the gas engine. The most current models use inline Cummins diesels.
EVO 2000 shared much of the same components of the 1600 and 1800 series transfer vehicle, but could dump out the back
Few refuse trucks can match the 360-degree visibility of the EVO cab
Chrysler V-8 and Torquflite transmission roll-out on tray for easy service
EVO has one of the lowest hoppers in the industry
T-SERIES LOAD-A-MATIC (LAM)
By 1974, the LAM front loader was revised, for the first time receiving over-the-cab lift arms for capacities of up to 10,000 pounds. Exclusive to Lodal, the lift cylinders were mounted underneath the arm, pushing, rather than pulling the load. By adding larger bustle tailgates, the same 25-yard body shell could become 30 or 34-yards, with the famous low-friction Lodal roller platen. Suspended on four 6-3/4" rollers, friction was reduced 4-to-1 compared to slide-block packers. A massive, vertical telescopic ram operated the packer. New side-hinged hopper doors (optional) replaced the original single-piece hatch.
Of course, the patented Lodal triangle was standard, but in another first for the LAM, and optional fork-type coupler was now offered. This made the LAM compatible with existing containers designed for Dempster and E-Z Pack models, opening up sales prospects for front loaders used without the EVO transfer system. In fact, the fork and triangle couplers could be interchanged by merely changing the crossarm, adding to the re-sale value of the unit.
34-yard LAM on White Xpeditor couples with a triangle-type Lodal container
LAM on International Harvester Cargostar with optional fork-type coupler
Lodal continues to build complete refuse vehicles and bodies at Kingsford, Michigan. They remain one of the few companies in the world to have produced complete refuse vehicles (chassis and packer) on a continuous basis. The LAM and EVO have been joined by the ECO, a multi-configuration curbside recycler. The EVO side loader can now be fitted with manual cart dumpers or automated lift arms, and with compartmented bodies. The truck loader arm which started it all in 1950 is still in production, using the articulating lift arm and a jaw-type bucket. From a small shop building a truck loading attachment, to a state-of-the-art refuse truck manufacturer, Lodal has indeed come a long way.
Modern LAM front loader on Mack MR chassis
The massive Lodal packing blade: the only roller-platen in the industry
Unitized construction lets EVO body utilize space that is wasted on conventional chassis
Fastrack 90 automated lift arm on EVO side loader
ECO 3000 recycling body
ECO 3030 recycling body
Late-model Grapple Tilt: Lodal has been building truck loader attachments for over 65 years
Excellent Video by FormerWMDriver showing modern EVO with telescopic packer.
Note how the panel penetrates the length of the body, and the "fallback" door behind the hopper
