Refurbishing ASL arms is not about cutting corners鈥攊t is about maximizing the value of equipment that still has plenty of life left. The process saves fleets money, reduces downtime, and keeps trucks on the road without sacrificing quality.
By Jeff Jewett
Automated side-loader (ASL) arms are one of the hardest-working parts of a refuse truck. It quickly becomes evident when the wear and tear of everyday use starts to break them down, which can lead to route delays and unexpected downtime. A residential side-loader being out of service just one day can cost haulers more than $1,200 in lost revenue and added fees. Rising equipment prices and budget constraints are additional challenges when purchasing new equipment more often than necessary. This is where arms refurbishment comes in鈥攁n advanced program that restores arms to like-new condition.
Most gently used ASL arms qualify for the arm refurbishment program. However, arms that are completely damaged beyond repair do not qualify. If an arm experiences significant damage and has bent or broken components, it will not meet the criteria for refurbishment. The most qualified are arms that have loosened up over time and may even be putting extra strain on the truck. One way to check is the 鈥淗andshake Test鈥� 鈥攁 method to test the integrity of the arm by grabbing the fingers of the ASL arm and moving the gripper up and down. If there is looseness or play in the joints, it is time to consider refurbishing. You will also want to look closely at pins in all the moving joints. The earlier these signs are spotted, the easier it is to bring the arm back to like-new condition. If a truck is sitting idle for a week or more, the cost of downtime can quickly match the investment needed for a refurbished arm.
Images courtesy of 91仓库quip.
Technical and Process Evolution
The refurbishment process has not significantly changed in recent years. However, technician skill level has evolved along with increased work completion rates. Every arm that comes through the shop shows something new about wear and failure points, which helps the team refine their approach. Instead of changing the OEM design, they focus on reinforcing the spots that take the most stress and replacing high-wear parts like pins, collars, and cylinders. The finished product is an arm that looks and performs like new鈥攐ften exceeding its original lifespan.
The arm refurbishment process has evolved into a more sophisticated and efficient operation. What began as a single-technician, start-to-finish rebuild has transitioned into a structured, production-style workflow. The work is divided into stages and managed by dedicated teams鈥攅ach focused on the disassembly, reinforcement, and final testing. This structured approach enhances efficiency while maintaining the precision and quality that fleet operators depend on.
By standardizing the processes and tightening quality controls, refurbishment programs now produce arms that look and perform consistently across the fleet, giving operators confidence that every truck will deliver reliable, uniform performance.
Methodology and Quality Assurance
During refurbishment, all worn pivot points are replaced to restore tight, precise functionality. All cylinders, pins, collars, races, bearings, and rebuild valves are replaced as needed. After full mechanical restoration and testing, the arms are finished with a fresh coat of paint and made ready for operation.
One of the most important aspects of refurbishment is strengthening weak points without changing the original manufacturer鈥檚 design. Technicians do not alter patents or reengineer the arm鈥檚 structure; instead, they strengthen areas most prone to wear or failure. For quality assurance, the arms undergo a comprehensive inspection and testing process, running through 50 to 60 cycles on a test booth before delivery.
When it comes to shipping, the focus is on speed and simplicity. Refurbished arms are stocked and ready to ship, so fleets do not have to wait weeks for a replacement. Each arm is shipped in a custom cradle that protects it during transport and streamlines the return of the core for refurbishment.
Addressing Misconceptions and Barriers to Adoption
One of the most common misconceptions about refurbishing ASL arms is that they cannot be restored to original OEM quality. In reality, each arm undergoes a complete teardown, replacement of worn parts, and a strict testing process that guarantees it will perform like the original. Many times, the reinforcements made during refurbishment actually extend the arm鈥檚 lifespan beyond its initial service life.
Oftentimes, when operators attempt to refurbish arms themselves, the process amounts to little more than swapping out a few pins or bushings. While that might get the truck back on the road temporarily, it is not the same as a full rebuild. Replacing arms is also a complex and potentially unsafe job that requires specialized, heavy equipment and expertise. If something goes wrong on the road, it can lead to costly downtime. A professional refurbishment program helps mitigate that risk by certifying that each arm is fully restored, tested, and ready to perform reliably.
Many fleet operators still carry some skepticism and assume that if an arm is not brand new, it cannot match the same level of performance. But once they see a refurbished arm鈥攐r better yet, test one side by side鈥攊t usually changes their mind.
Cost, Payback, and Financial Metrics
The cost difference between a refurbished arm and a brand-new OEM unit is striking鈥攁nd it is often the first thing fleet owners notice. Attempting a full in-house rebuild can take 40 to 60 man-hours, a luxury most shops simply do not have. Refurbishment sidesteps that challenge, allowing the swap to be completed overnight instead of leaving a truck sidelined for a week or more waiting on a new OEM replacement.
The secret to the success of these refurbishments is centered around the people doing the actual work. There is not an outside labor pool with this kind of experience, so these technicians must be highly specialized. New hires undergo roughly six months of training before they are fully up to speed. With low turnover, that knowledge grows deeper and more refined with each passing year.
Refurbishing ASL arms is not about cutting corners鈥攊t is about maximizing the value of equipment that still has plenty of life left. The process saves fleets money, reduces downtime, and keeps trucks on the road without sacrificing quality. Every step is precise and consistent, handled by people who know these arms inside and out. As more fleets experience the results firsthand, refurbishment is proving itself not as a fallback option, but as a smart, strategic choice. | WA
Jeff Jewett is the Director of Parts and Service Sales at 91仓库quip. For more than several years, he has worked directly with fleets to provide cost-saving solutions through refurbished ASL arms, helping customers reduce downtime and keep their trucks on the road. Jeff can be reached at (855) 767-8536, e-mail at [email protected], or visit .