Sponsored by:
How McNeilus Is Engineering the Next Generation of Waste Collection Through Collaboration, Innovation, and Customer Commitment
For more than five decades, , an Oshkosh Corporation business, has been a trusted name in refuse and recycling collection. From the earliest rear loaders to some of the industry鈥檚 most advanced intelligent, electrified and autonomous solutions, McNeilus has remained steadfast in its mission: to design reliable, high-performing equipment and technology that helps haulers, municipalities, and private contractors keep communities clean, safe, and efficient.
Today, that legacy continues with renewed momentum. Through innovation in intelligent products, electrification, automation, and advanced manufacturing, the company is setting the standards of tomorrow while staying deeply focused on the needs of its customers today.
鈥淥ur philosophy is simple,鈥� said Lee Dreas, president of McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing. 鈥淲e meet customers where they are, whether that鈥檚 electrifying their fleet, exploring autonomy, or continuing to rely on trusted diesel-powered vehicles. It鈥檚 about flexibility, partnership, and delivering the right solutions at the right time.鈥�
A Legacy of Reliability and Service
McNeilus鈥� decades-long heritage in refuse and recycling manufacturing has been built on one thing: trust. The company鈥檚 robust lineup of front, rear, and side loaders has become synonymous with performance and durability. Each model, whether it鈥檚 the versatile 鈩� Front Loader, rugged 鈩� Series, or highly adaptable 鈩� Side Loader, is engineered to meet the real-world demands of haulers large and small.
From weight-optimized designs that enhance payload capacity to hydraulics that deliver smooth, precise operation, McNeilus trucks are purpose-built for the challenges of modern refuse and recycling collection. The Meridian Front Loader, for example, was designed around efficiency and longevity, using smart structural design and lightweight components that help maximize payload without compromising strength. Every detail, from sealed cross members that help prevent internal corrosion to accessible hydraulic and electrical systems, reflects McNeilus鈥� focus on uptime and long-term value.
鈥淲e designed the Meridian to deliver more than just performance鈥攚e designed it to keep trucks on the road,鈥� said Jeff Meyer, McNeilus product manager. 鈥淓very feature is about helping our customers maximize uptime, simplify service, and get the most out of their fleet every day.鈥�
McNeilus continues to enhance its core product lines of front, rear, and side loaders to support the needs of the industry today while preparing for the road ahead. These core products remain the foundation of McNeilus innovation鈥攕erving as the platform where new technologies in electrification, automation, and intelligent systems are developed and refined.
Innovation That Drives the Industry Forward
As customer needs evolve, so does McNeilus鈥� product portfolio. The company鈥檚 鈩� ZFL鈩� and ZSL鈩� electric refuse and recycling collection vehicles represent a major leap forward in the journey toward zero-emission, low-noise, high-efficiency operations. These eRCVs not only manage greenhouse gas emissions and fuel costs but also help cut noise pollution, making them ideal for early-morning and residential routes.
Electric refuse and recycling collection vehicles also simplify maintenance by eliminating complex mechanical systems like exhaust and emissions components, resulting in few parts to service and low total cost of ownership.
And for fleets looking to make a smaller step toward electrification, McNeilus offers Electric Power Take-Off () technology. McNeilus鈥� ePTO solution enables the efficient operation of compaction and lift systems using energy directly from the chassis battery鈥攈elping fleets reduce idling, lower emissions, and meet sustainability goals without a complete powertrain transition.
鈥淓lectrification is one way to bridge between operational performance and environmental responsibility,鈥� Dreas said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to be helping haulers lead that change.鈥�
Intelligent and Autonomous Solutions: Smart, Safe Routes
McNeilus is also pioneering the use of artificial intelligence and autonomy to enhance operational safety and route efficiency. Its 鈩� AI system, integrated with the Zero Radius鈩� Side Loader, automatically identifies and aligns with containers for consistent, precise lifts, managing operator fatigue and promoting route efficiency.
Meanwhile, the company鈥檚 HARR-E鈩� (Hail-able Autonomous Refuse Robot 鈥� Electric) demonstrates the potential for future autonomous collection. First introduced at CES 2025, HARR-E combines AI-enabled navigation with zero-emission operation to showcase how automation could transform the waste industry in the years ahead in unique environments such as master planned communities, universities and more.
These advancements reflect McNeilus鈥� broader commitment to integrating intelligent systems and connectivity across its product lines. With its ClearSky鈩� Intelligence solution, fleet operators can monitor vehicle performance, track maintenance schedules, and optimize uptime – all from a centralized dashboard.
Strength in Collaboration and Customer Focus
Every McNeilus innovation begins with one core principle: listening to customers. The company鈥檚 sales, engineering and product management teams work closely with haulers, technicians, and operators to identify the challenges they face daily, and then develop practical, long-term solutions.
This collaborative approach extends far beyond product design. McNeilus partners with to ensure customers receive responsive service and support wherever they operate. These local partnerships mean customers can count on McNeilus’ expertise for both equipment and service, backed by the strength and resources of Oshkosh Corporation, a global leader in mission-critical vehicle manufacturing. McNeilus remains focused on customer priorities through a sales management team working directly with dealers to ensure voice of customer remains a priority at McNeilus.
鈥淲e harness the power of Oshkosh鈥檚 engineering and manufacturing capabilities while maintaining the personal touch that customers expect from McNeilus,鈥� Dreas explained. 鈥淭hat combination is what allows us to innovate quickly, deliver consistently, and support our customers for the long haul.鈥�
Advanced Manufacturing: Where Innovation Meets Execution
Behind every McNeilus vehicle is a world-class manufacturing operation built for precision, safety, and scalability. The company recently completed a major modernization of its facility in Dodge Center, Minnesota, transforming it into a next-generation, Industry 4.0 environment.
The updated facility features high-flow production lines, robotic paint systems, and a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) that tracks each build stage digitally for end-to-end traceability. Connected torque systems and digital work instructions ensure every fastener and component meets McNeilus鈥� strict quality standards.
The expansion of McNeilus鈥� side loader manufacturing line, following the successful launch of its rear loader high-flow line, allows the company to meet growing demand while enhancing worker safety and assembly efficiency.
鈥淏y introducing smart technologies and reimagining our processes, we鈥檝e built a foundation that supports the success of our team members and the customers we serve,鈥� said Dreas. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a win-win and delivers better quality products at the scale the industry needs.鈥�
The Hidden Cost of Waiting: Why Timing Is Everything in Equipment Procurement
In a market defined by rapid change, from supply chain disruptions to fluctuating material costs, timing has never been more critical. Over the past few years, the refuse and recycling industry has experienced firsthand how global events and the external environment can impact production schedules, pricing, and chassis availability. Today, forward-thinking fleet managers are discovering that strategic planning is the new competitive advantage.
McNeilus is helping customers stay ahead of these challenges by future-proofing fleet investments. Through close collaboration with OEM partners and dealers, the company has secured an allocation of cost-effective chassis available now for 2025 and 2026 build slots.
That means haulers and municipalities can lock in availability and pricing today, protecting budgets and project timelines from the volatility that has disrupted procurement cycles in recent years.
鈥淲e鈥檙e setting the standards of tomorrow while focused on today,鈥� said Dreas. 鈥淭hat means working closely with our customers to understand their needs, both operational and financial, and making sure they have options that keep them moving, regardless of what happens in the broader market.鈥�
For customers looking to expand fleets or replace aging units quickly, McNeilus also maintains a robust inventory of stock trucks ready for delivery, ensuring that urgent needs can be met quickly.
This proactive strategy stems from McNeilus鈥� broader philosophy of partnership. The company works collaboratively with customers to understand operational goals, anticipate market changes, and develop flexible solutions that safeguard performance and profitability.
Why Acting Early Matters
- Manage financial structure. McNeilus helps customers manage cash flow by maintaining reliable lead times and working closely with chassis OEMs to align build slots with chassis delivery.
- Ensure delivery certainty. Early scheduling guarantees production slots before high-demand periods.
- Control total cost of ownership. Locking in pricing now helps stabilize budgets and supports more accurate financial planning.
- Access tailored configurations. Advance orders allow more flexibility in specifying features, technologies, and powertrain options鈥攊ncluding electric and ePTO solutions.
In an environment where agility and foresight are essential, McNeilus is not only delivering industry-leading products, it鈥檚 also helping customers navigate uncertainty with confidence.
Total Lifecycle Support: One Source, Same McNeilus Standard
McNeilus鈥� commitment doesn鈥檛 end at delivery. The company provides through its nationwide network of parts, service, and training opportunities, ensuring customers stay operational and productive for years to come.
Through its McNeilus All Makes Program, customers can source components for nearly any make or model, not just McNeilus trucks. This 鈥渙ne source鈥� approach delivers the same McNeilus quality and reliability across the entire fleet, simplifying maintenance and controlling downtime.
The company鈥檚 service and training programs further reinforce its customer-first approach. From in-person technician training to online learning modules and field service resources, McNeilus empowers its customers with the knowledge and tools to keep trucks running efficiently, no matter the brand.
Building the Future鈥擳ogether
As the refuse and recycling industry enters a transformative era, McNeilus stands ready to lead the way. With a balance of innovation and practicality, a robust dealer network and the strength of Oshkosh Corporation behind it, the company is redefining what鈥檚 possible in refuse collection.
McNeilus鈥� message is clear: the future of refuse and recycling collection isn鈥檛 just coming鈥攊t鈥檚 already being built within McNeilus鈥� design and manufacturing facilities.
To explore how McNeilus can support your fleet, from stock truck availability to intelligent and electric solutions, contact your local McNeilus dealer or sales representative, or visit .