Kalispell rolled out a new garbage truck this fall to improve service for commercial customers.  

Called a front loader, the machine lifts and dumps larger trash containers used at businesses and apartment buildings over the front of truck using automated forks. The new system is meant to be safer, more efficient, reduce costs and require less manpower to operate.   

A single front-load route won’t waste any time either. The truck is expected to satisfy the current demand and provide 20% additional capacity, which in turn will shave off some rear load routes, according to the city’s Solid Waste Master Plan adopted in May 2024.  

Traditionally, a driver and one or two operators dump commercial bins into the classic rear load trucks, which like the name suggests, collect garbage through the back end. 

But the city’s rear loaders are stretched thin, preventing the addition of new commercial green bins, according to the plan. The new front loader will ease that burden.  

“By transitioning most commercial customers to front-load dumpsters, the city is reducing the number of less efficient rear-load routes,” wrote Public Works Director Susie Turner in an email to the Inter Lake.  

Public Works crews added fork pockets to some of the existing 2-yard steel containers to accommodate the new waste collector. Additional four-yard and six-yard containers were also purchased, according to Turner.  

The variety of bins offered is expected to attract more customers. 

Unlike the classic rear loaders that use a two- or three-person crew, only one driver is needed to man a front loader. The operator rarely has to leave the driver’s seat unless access to the bin is locked. 

Rear-load operation is labor intensive and poses a higher risk for injury, so the front-load system “can significantly increase safety for vehicle operators” and will be more cost effective, according to the plan.  

Kalispell City Council in October voted to buy the new front loader using a $416,900 loan tagged with a 5% interest rate from the Montana Board of Investments Intercap Loan Program. 

While rear loaders typically cost less at about $350,000, the more expensive front loader is expected to save money in the long run.  

“Despite a higher annual capital cost for the front-load operation, there are substantial savings in personnel costs, as well as a decrease in collection costs when compared to the current system,” reads the plan.  

Now, the city fleet for weekly residential and commercial routes boasts three sidearms, one rear loader, and the new front loader.  

But the city doesn’t intend to replace its fleet with front loaders. Sidearm trucks are still needed for residential rollout and alley service, according to Turner.  

Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at 758-4407 and [email protected].