The Automator was produced in limited numbers during the mid-1990s and was used by a number of large national firms. This curved-shell ASL used a paddle-type continuous packer, and bears striking resemblence to Australian designs. 1995 brought the first drop-fame side loader for manual or semi-automated collection, which could be fitted with a fully automated arm as well. The following year, McNeilus released the Autoreach ASL which used a slide-type packer. The Autoreach arm featured a unique 'side-to-side' action for hard-to-get cans. Tilt-to-dump versions were joined by the AFE (Autoreach Full Eject) side loader, with a body based on the McNeilus front loader. The Sidewinder was a variation of the Autoreach with side buckets for manual collection. The latest is the ZR Series ASL which was announced in 2009, with a 'Zero Radius' lift arm for use on routes where clearance is minimal.
One of the last McNeilus Automators, a 1994 model still working in California in 2008
Video courtesy of MrBillT
McNeilus drop-frame side loader equipped with an automated arm
Drop-frame side loader unloads by gravity
Autoreach arm can move in and out, as well as side-to-side in an 8-foot arc
The tilt-dump version has a 5-cubic yard hopper area
AFE (Autoreach Full Eject) uses a body similar to the McNeilus front loader
ZR Series arm pulls can in, then lifts straight up and over into the hopper
The ZR rail lift uses a hydraulic roller drive to hoist and dump
