Martco Waste Systems
Dallas, Texas

1976 Martco Pak-Rat on GM 1-ton truck chassis     Martco Waste Systems took over the manufacture of the Pak-Rat side loader from Hesston in 1976. Originally, these small satellite packers had been produced by Val-Jac. During more than a quarter century, Martco steadily improved and modernized the Pak-Rat, replacing the original scissor-link packer with a full telescopic unit, and adding vertical-lifting tailgate doors. Trailerized versions were also added to the line for stationary use.     Pak-Rat side loaders also were sold, and it is unclear if these were developed by Martco, or came over from Hesston. They bear a unique arrow-shaped bracing pattern on the side walls (with or without cross-ribbing), and used a standard slide-sweep packer mechanism. Capacities to 20-cubic yards were made, but the rear loader seems to have been phased out by the late 1980s.     The last Pak-Rat side loaders known to have been built were in 2007 or 2008, and no other information is currently available on the status of the company. SEE ALSO: Hesston, Val-Jac 2003 model Pak-Rat 10-yard side loader Later model Pat-Rat side loaders got a 3-stage telescopic packer ram Collage of Pak-Rat rear loaders 1981 Martco advertisement 7/4/16 © 2016 All Rights Reserved Photos from factory brochures/advertisements except as noted Logos shown are the trademarks of respective manufacturers