Used 2016 Garbage Trucks For Sale
Shop used 2016 garbage trucks, including automated side loaders and front loaders, with specs, route-fit insights, and refuse-duty buying guidance.
Learn more
Have used 2016 garbage truck to sell? List it here to reach thousands of buyers.
About Used 2016 Garbage Trucks
The first buying decision is route type. Automated side loaders are built for residential collection and usually show up with 31 to 33 yard bodies, cart tippers, joystick controls, and in some cases dual-steer cabs for curbside visibility and tighter turns. Front loaders are more common in commercial service, using forks to lift dumpsters over the cab and typically carrying bodies around 30 yards. Most 2016 refuse trucks in this class use heavy-duty automatic transmissions such as an Allison 3000 or 4500 RDS and diesel engines in the Cummins ISL9 range, though some municipal units were spec'd for CNG. Typical GVWRs run around 62,000 to 66,000 pounds, with axle ratings and rear ratios selected for low-speed torque, repeated starts, and full-load stability rather than highway fuel economy.
On a used 2016 garbage truck, the expensive checks are usually in the body and emissions system. Buyers should pay close attention to packer cycle operation, hopper condition, arm wear, body floor and sidewall corrosion, ejector function, and hydraulic cylinder leakage. On side loaders, inspect the automated arm for slop at pivot points, cracked welds, and sensor or control faults. On front loaders, fork alignment, arm pin wear, and crossmember cracking deserve a close look. Engine and chassis inspection should include DEF and EGR service history, active fault codes, transmission shift quality, PTO engagement, suspension wear, and frame condition around high-stress mounting areas. Low miles can be attractive, but refuse trucks often accumulate heavy engine hours and severe-duty wear from constant compaction cycles, short-trip heat loads, and extended idle time.
Cab configuration and service support also matter more in garbage than in many other truck categories. Cabover refuse chassis such as the Autocar ACX or Mack LR and LEU-style platforms are popular because they improve maneuverability in alleys, cul-de-sacs, and dense urban routes. Dual-steer setups can improve productivity and operator safety on one-sided residential pickup, but they add complexity and component cost. Buyers comparing listings should weigh body brand support, local hydraulic service capability, parts access for electronic controls, and the truck's fit with container type, route density, transfer-station distance, and shop skill level. The right 2016 garbage truck is not just a chassis with a body attached. It is a route-specific piece of refuse equipment that has to compact reliably, survive repeated loading cycles, and stay productive in a high-abuse environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look at first on a used 2016 garbage truck?
Start with the refuse body, not just the engine. The body is where many of the highest repair costs show up. Check packer operation, hydraulic cylinders, hoses, ejector function, hopper structure, floor wear, corrosion, and any cracks around arm mounts or loading assemblies. Then review engine fault codes, emissions repairs, PTO operation, transmission behavior, and service records. On refuse trucks, odometer mileage alone does not tell the full story because route work creates heavy wear through compaction cycles, idle time, and repeated stop-and-go use.
Are 2016 garbage trucks usually diesel or CNG?
Most used 2016 garbage trucks on the market are diesel, commonly with Cummins ISL9 power, but CNG units are also found, especially from municipal fleets. Diesel trucks are generally easier to place into service because fueling and technician support are broader. CNG trucks can make sense for fleets already set up for compressed natural gas, but tank certification, fuel system inspection, and local service capability should be confirmed before purchase. The best fuel choice depends on your infrastructure, technician familiarity, and route economics.
What is the difference between an automated side loader and a front loader garbage truck?
An automated side loader is typically used for residential collection and uses a side-mounted arm to grab and dump carts, often with the driver staying in the cab. A front loader is more common in commercial refuse service and lifts dumpsters over the cab with front forks. Side loaders are ideal for high-density cart routes and can be found in dual-steer configurations for visibility and efficiency. Front loaders are better suited for larger containers, commercial accounts, and routes that require fewer stops but heavier pickups.
Is mileage or engine hours more important on a used refuse truck?
Both matter, but engine hours and body cycle wear are often more revealing than mileage on a garbage truck. Refuse trucks spend much of their life at low speed with frequent stops, PTO use, compaction cycles, and extended idle periods. A truck with modest miles can still have substantial severe-duty wear if it spent years on dense urban or residential routes. If hours are available, compare them with the mileage and inspect the refuse body for wear patterns that confirm how hard the truck has actually worked.
What body size is common on a 2016 garbage truck?
A common body size for 2016 garbage trucks is around 30 to 33 yards, especially on automated side loaders and front loaders used in municipal and private hauling. The right size depends on route density, container volume, legal weight limits, and haul distance to the landfill or transfer station. A larger body can reduce disposal trips, but payload is still limited by axle ratings and local weight laws. Buyers should match body size to route needs rather than assume the biggest body delivers the best productivity.