Until May 2007 there has been no industry standard that directly addressed grapple trucks as used for refuse collection.  Existing ASME standards governing “knuckleboom cranes” are not intended to apply to grapple trucks, but were instead intended to cover low duty cycle cranes. 

The new ANSI Z245.1 standard released by WASTEC (Waste Equipment Technology Association) for mobile waste collection equipment includes a section on grapple trucks.  The standard defines first “grapple loader” as “a hydro-mechanical device able to rotate on an axis with a grapple or bucket attached at the end of the boom, which is intended for the collection of waste that due to size and/or weight is impractical to containerize” then “grapple truck” as “a vehicle equipped with a grapple loader for loading waste…Vehicle may then be used for transporting same waste.” 

Although this standard does not yet address the important factors of metal wear and fatigue, it does cover basic stability requirements, walk-thru type controls, and conspicuity, all important factors in making your grapple truck more safe.

For more information about this standard or to purchase copies go to www.wastec.org and click on the publications page, or call WASTEC’s publications department at 202-364-3739.