2017 Garbage Trucks For Sale

A 2017 garbage truck can be a practical middle-ground buy for fleets that need modern refuse equipment without late-model pricing. In this year range, buyers will commonly find automated side loaders, front loaders, rear loaders, and full-eject refuse bodies mounted on purpose-built low-cab-forward chassis such as the Peterbilt 320, Autocar ACX Xpeditor, Mack LR, and similar severe-service platforms. Many 2017 units were spec'd for municipal routes, so the real value is usually in the body condition, hydraulic performance, and route suitability as much as the chassis itself.

The first decision is body style. Automated side loaders are common in residential collection and usually feature a cart-tipper arm or grabber with reach specs that matter in cul-de-sac and tight curbside work. Front loaders are built for commercial dumpsters and higher payload cycles, often paired with heavier front axle ratings and reinforced forks. Rear loaders still make sense for manual or semi-automated collection and for operations handling mixed waste, bulk pickup, or tighter alley access. Buyers should confirm body manufacturer, cubic yard capacity, packer design, hopper size, arm condition, and whether the truck uses a standard packer or full-eject body. Common body builders in this segment include Heil, Labrie, McNeilus, New Way, and Loadmaster.

On 2017 refuse trucks, drivetrain and emissions spec deserve close attention because stop-and-go garbage routes are hard on every system. Diesel units in this class are often equipped with Allison automatic transmissions, heavy front axles, tandem or tag axle setups, and horsepower ratings matched to body size and route density. Some 2017 trucks were also built with CNG engines, especially on municipal residential service, so fuel type should be reviewed alongside shop capability and local fueling access. Check engine hours, PTO engagement quality, hydraulic leaks, packing cycle speed, steering play, suspension wear, brake life, and axle kingpin condition. Refuse applications put far more stress on chassis components than highway miles alone would suggest, so hour-meter history and maintenance records can be more useful than odometer readings.

A strong 2017 garbage truck should match the route before it matches the price. Look at turning radius, axle ratings, legal payload in your state, body weight, cab configuration, and how easily the truck can be serviced. Residential fleets may prioritize automated arm performance, visibility, and right-hand stand-up or low-entry ergonomics. Commercial fleets may care more about lift capacity, frame strength, and compaction force. It also pays to inspect the floor, body side sheets, tailgate seals, eject panel, cart tippers, and hydraulic cylinders for wear from corrosive waste streams. When the chassis, body, and route type line up, a 2017 refuse truck can still deliver dependable collection service and solid cost-per-route performance.