Garbage Truck Expert Support · Tampa, FL
Garbage Truck Expert Support
You don't have to figure it out alone. Our team is on the line to walk through diagnostics, help identify the problem, and point you toward the right next step — whether that's a part, a service decision, or guidance on a quick fix.
Call. Diagnose. Decide.
What You Get On The Line
Help That Actually Helps
When you call, you get someone on the line who has worked on these trucks — not a menu or a generic call center. Here's what we can help with.
Phone Diagnostics
Walk through fault codes, symptoms, and system behavior with someone who has likely seen the same issue before.
Parts Identification
Can't find the part number? We can help cross-reference OEM and aftermarket across the major refuse truck brands.
Field Repair Guidance
For situations that can be addressed in the field, we can walk through what to check and what's most likely the fix.
Next Step Routing
We help assess the problem and point you toward the right next move — a rental, a tow, a part, or your local service shop.
When You Call
How Our Support Works
Every call is answered by a real person, not a menu. Here's what happens when you reach our support line.
You Describe What's Happening
Tell us the symptoms — what the truck is doing, any warning lights or fault codes, when the problem started, what you've already tried. The more detail, the faster we can help.
We Ask The Right Questions
Based on your chassis, body brand, and symptoms, we guide you through a targeted diagnostic process — checking the things most likely to cause that specific problem on that specific truck.
Field Or Shop Decision
If the issue can be addressed in the field, we'll walk you through what to check and what the likely fix is. If it needs the shop, we'll help you decide between options — tow-in, drive-in if safe, or arranging a rental to keep your routes running.
Parts & Next Steps
Once we've identified the likely problem, our parts team can check availability on what you need. If we have it, we can arrange pickup or delivery. If it requires sourcing, we'll start that process while you're still on the call.
What We Know
Areas Of Expertise
Our team has decades of combined experience across all major chassis platforms and body brands used in refuse operations.
Engine & Powertrain
Hydraulic Systems
Body & Packer
Electrical & Controls
Brakes & Suspension
Parts Identification
Self-Help Reference
Common Issues — Start Here
A few of the most common issues we get asked about. Read through the diagnostic steps. If you're still stuck, that's exactly when to call.
Hydraulic Packer or body moving slowly or won't cycle
Common Symptoms
- Packer cycles slower than normal
- Lift arms move sluggishly or stop partway
- Whining or cavitation noise from pump
- Cylinder drifts back down under load
Diagnostic Steps
- Check hydraulic fluid level — low fluid causes cavitation and weak operation. Top off if low and look for leaks.
- Check hydraulic filter condition — a restricted filter causes pressure loss and slow operation. Replace if overdue.
- Inspect hoses for damage, bulges, or fluid weeping. A burst or partially failed hose is a common cause of weak operation.
- Listen at the pump — cavitation noise (high-pitched whine) usually indicates air ingestion from low fluid or a suction-side leak.
Slow operation can also be control valve, relief valve, or worn pump. Call (813) 241-0711 and we can walk through the likely root cause.
Engine Engine cranks but won't start, or won't crank at all
Common Symptoms
- Starter engages but engine won't fire
- No crank at all when key is turned
- Engine starts then stalls immediately
- Multiple fault codes active on the dash
Diagnostic Steps
- Check battery voltage. Diesel trucks require 12.4V+ at rest. Check both batteries on dual-battery setups and inspect terminal connections for corrosion.
- Check fuel level and confirm fuel shutoff valve (if equipped) is fully open. Check primary and secondary fuel filters for restriction.
- Read active fault codes on the dash cluster or ECM. Note all active codes — codes like SPN 94 (fuel delivery) or SPN 110 (coolant temp) point directly to the cause.
- Check for active DEF/DPF derates. Some fault conditions lock out engine start. If the dash shows a red stop engine lamp, note exactly which indicator is lit.
- Check the chassis inhibit relay or starter relay location in the fuse/relay box — a faulty relay is a common no-crank cause on Freightliner and Kenworth.
Read us the active fault codes before calling — we can diagnose the likely cause immediately. (813) 241-0711.
Body & Packer Tailgate won't fully close or won't latch
Common Symptoms
- Tailgate closes partially but latch won't engage
- Tailgate drifts open while driving
- Hydraulic tailgate cylinder won't fully extend
- Latch mechanism moves but doesn't catch the pin
Diagnostic Steps
- Inspect the latch receiver pin and latch hook for debris, corrosion, or deformation. Clean the latch area and test if debris was the obstruction.
- Check tailgate cylinder travel — if it stops short of full extension, check for low hydraulic pressure on the tailgate circuit or an internal cylinder leak.
- Check for bent or cracked tailgate frame that may be preventing alignment with the latch. Look along the edges of the tailgate for visible distortion.
- Inspect hinge pins and bushings for wear that may cause the tailgate to sag out of alignment. Worn hinge bushings are a very common cause of misalignment on high-cycle trucks.
Do not operate the truck with a tailgate that won't fully latch. This is a safety issue. Call (813) 241-0711 — we can usually get you a same-day part.
Brakes Low air pressure warning or brakes dragging / pulling
Common Symptoms
- Low air pressure warning buzzer or light
- Air pressure builds slowly or won't reach 120 PSI
- Truck pulls to one side when braking
- Brakes feel hot or you smell burning after stops
Diagnostic Steps
- If you have a low pressure warning while stationary, listen for audible air leaks. Walk around the truck with the engine off — leaks are usually audible at fittings, chambers, or the air dryer.
- Check the air dryer — if it's purging repeatedly or continuously, you may have a check valve failure allowing air to flow back through the dryer.
- If brakes are dragging, check that all brake chambers have released. A spring brake that didn't fully release will cause severe drag and heat. Do not drive.
- Check for ice or moisture in air lines during cold weather — water in the system can freeze and block or lock up brake chambers.
Air brake issues are a safety stop. Do not drive with a low pressure warning. Call (813) 241-0711 immediately for guidance.
Electrical Body controls / joystick unresponsive or PTO won't engage
Common Symptoms
- Controller fault code or error light
- Joystick or in-cab switch unresponsive
- Packer won't engage when commanded
- Sequence stops partway through cycle
Diagnostic Steps
- Note any fault code displayed and the conditions under which it appears (when starting, when commanding, only at temp, etc.).
- Check that PTO is properly engaged. Many packer faults trace back to PTO not seeing engagement.
- Verify proximity sensors aren't damaged or mis-aligned — bent brackets and impact damage are common.
- Check parking brake interlock — some bodies require parking brake set to enable packer.
Have your fault code and body brand ready when you call. (813) 241-0711.
Engine High coolant temperature warning or engine overheating
Common Symptoms
- Temperature warning light or gauge in red zone
- Engine derate (power reduction) active
- Coolant reservoir low or empty
- Steam from engine compartment
Diagnostic Steps
- STOP the truck immediately if temperature is in the red zone. Continuing to run causes catastrophic damage. Turn off engine, do not open the radiator cap while hot.
- After cooling (15–20 minutes), check coolant level in the reservoir and radiator. If critically low, look for wet areas, puddles, or steam residue indicating a leak.
- Check the radiator face for blockage — debris, compacted material, or bugs can severely restrict airflow. Clean the radiator face if packed.
- Verify the radiator fan is operating. A failed fan clutch is a common cause of highway-speed overheating that doesn't appear at idle.
Red-zone overheat is a stop-immediately situation. Call (813) 241-0711 for guidance before attempting to move the truck.
Before You Call
Information To Have Ready
Not Sure What's Wrong?
Pick Up The Phone — We'll Talk It Through
You don't have to be sure what the problem is to call us. Describing what you're seeing is enough. We'll ask the right questions and help you figure out the next move — whether that's a part, a rental, or a shop visit.