The waste removal industry plays an underappreciated and vital role in communities. Unfortunately, it hasn't kept up with the modern tech often found in other sectors. Waste collection crews are expected to perform under tighter schedules, stricter safety regulations, and meet rising sustainability standards. When talking about modernizing fleet tech, much of the focus is on telematics and fuel efficiency. While those are important areas, one of the most overlooked upgrades is the multi-axis industrial controller.
The Role of Control Systems
Garbage trucks are, in essence, mobile hydraulic systems. They lift bins, compact waste, and navigate urban routes with precision. All these movements depend on control systems, yet many fleets operate with outdated controllers using legacy technology and aging hardware.
Obviously, when any piece of the system fails, it can delay pick-ups, disrupt entire routes, and require emergency repairs. All putting further stress on a time-sensitive industry.
Why Upgrade?
- OPERATOR ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE
Industrial controllers must deliver unwavering performance in the most punishing environments—something legacy systems often fail to do. As extreme operation and environmental stressors become the norm, the demand for ultra-rugged, field-proven control equipment is critical to ensure operational continuity and reliability where failure is not an option. - OPERATOR SAFETY
Driving in unpredictable loading environments and city streets requires responsive and reliable control systems. Features such as redundant sensors, programmable logic, and real-time signal feedback help reduce the chance of malfunction and improve daily safety for operators. - OPERATOR HEALTH
The right hardware setup does more than move machines; it supports the operators. Pairing multi-axis controllers with ergonomic, customizable grips can significantly reduce fatigue, lower the risk of injury, and increase precision during long shifts. - DATA INTEGRATION
Modern waste fleets are becoming more digital. Whether integrating with GPS routing, performance metrics, or fleet diagnostics, controllers must be capable of seamless communication. Outdated analog controllers can become major obstacles to smarter, more efficient operations.
What to Look for in a Next-Gen Industrial Controller
- Redundant Hall Effect sensors for critical safety applications
- Factory-programmable output curves, including ratio metric and absolute options
- Built-in short circuit and reverse polarity protection
- Durability through environmental coating
- Selectable return to center force to reduce fatigue
- Configure and design the controller you want, not what’s in the catalog
As the waste collection industry moves toward smarter, safer, and more connected operations upgrading to multi-axis industrial controllers that are custom designed to meet the specific needs of their operators and function in the toughest demands will become a requirement.
OEM Controls offers rugged, field-proven solutions like the JS9 Controller, which is specifically designed for heavy-duty applications like waste removal. Explore the full product lineup or speak with an expert about custom-fit upgrades for your fleet.
