Hesston Mfg. was started in Kansas in 1949, and was a supplier of agricultural equipment. The company went public in 1968, and by mid-1973 the Waste Equipment Division of Hesston Corporation was formed, grouping different makes of refuse equipment. This included the Pak-Rat line of compact side loaders formerly built by Val-Jac of Maize, Kansas. These were built in 8 or 10-cubic yard models, with a variety of containers and lifts availlable. The packer blade was powered by twin single-stage cylinders and a scissor-linkage. A line of roll-offs, with capacities to 60,000 pounds was also offered. Waste Equipment Division ceased operations around 1977. Pak-Rat production was transferred to Martco.
SEE ALSO: Martco, Val-Jac
Hesston amalgamated several makes of solid waste handling equipment
LEFT: Hesston single-axle RO for 2 or 2.5 ton trucks had 34-inch rails and hauled 13, 16 or 20-yard box
RIGHT: Big model was rated to 60,000 pounds and 45-yard boxes, powered by drum winch
Video of a vintage Hesston Pak-Rat still in use in Oregon
(Courtesy of Thrash-n-Trash Productions)
