Overview

Overview
This Peterbilt 520 FEL low-cab-forward is configured as a residential refuse collection unit, built around a 53" ProBilt cab and a 40-yard front loader push-out body. Intended service is refuse/on-highway, with commodities hauled listed as refuse, scrap, and recycling.

Engine & Drivetrain
Power comes from a PACCAR MX-11 engine rated at 400 HP (peak power at 1,600 RPM) with 1,450 lb-ft of torque (at 900 RPM), governed to 2,200 RPM, refuse-duty rated and 2024-emissions compliant. It runs EMUX electronics architecture, an engine compression brake, a 2-speed fan clutch for frequent start/stop cycles, a high-efficiency cooling system, bugscreen, heavy-duty air cleaner, pre-cleaner, and a vertical LH exhaust with single-module DPF/SCR and a 90-degree diffuser. Power is delivered through an Allison 4500 RDS-P Rugged Duty Series automatic transmission (Gen 6) in a 6-speed configuration with a console-mounted push-button shifter, an SPL170 HD-XL driveline with midship bearing, and an SPL170 XL interaxle driveline for the tandem rear axles. Rear axle ratio is 5.38, with a typical operating speed rated at 55 MPH. The electrical system includes a 160-amp, 36 SI brushless alternator with remote voltage sense wiring, three PACCAR premium 12V dual-purpose batteries (2,190 CCA) in an LH frame-mounted aluminum battery box with a 300-amp disconnect switch, a PACCAR premium starter, and a 110–120V immersion block heater. Fuel is carried in a 26" aluminum 80-gallon tank (RH BOC) with anti-siphon protection, paired with a 7.3-gallon DEF tank (LH BOC) and a PACCAR MX fuel cooler. The truck also comes with PACCAR SmartLINQ remote diagnostics (5-year OTA subscription), Prognostics connectivity, and global telematics hardware.

Chassis & Axles
The front axle is a PACCAR FX-20 steer axle rated 20,000 lbs with a 4" drop and wide-track configuration; the rear axle is a Meritor RT46-164E rated 46,000 lbs with a 5/8" wall and differential lock. GAWR is rated 20,000 lbs front and 23,000 lbs on each intermediate axle position, for a 66,000 lb GVWR (front axle load 20,000 lbs, rear axle load 46,000 lbs, GCW 66,000 lbs). Wheelbase measures 210", with a 335" cab-to-EOF dimension and a maximum grade rating of 6%. The frame uses 10-3/4" steel rails (343"–450") at 3/8" thickness with a full steel inner liner and zinc-coated anti-corrosion treatment, an EOF square setup for a body-builder-installed crossmember, an FEPTO provision with a 4-7/8" bumper extension, and (2) Holland TH-10050 tow hooks at the EOF. Braking is handled by Bendix air-cam drum brakes (16.5x7 front, 16.5x8.6 rear) built to refuse-service spec, with rear brake camshaft reinforcement, gusseted cam brackets front and rear, upsized parking brakes, 6S6M ABS, Bendix Smart ATC traction control, and synthetic axle lubricant throughout. Steering is a Sheppard M100 dual-gear power steering setup, and the air system includes a Bendix AD-HF EP air dryer with heater and coalescing filter.

Suspension
Front suspension uses taper leaf springs and shocks rated 23,000 lbs. Rear suspension is a Hendrickson HMX EX 460 rated 46,000 lbs with a 54" spread, Haulmaax technology, a 70K creep rating, and shock absorbers.

Cab & Interior
The 53" LCF ProBilt cab rides LH drive with a thermal insulation package and a gray interior featuring high-visibility yellow interior grabhandles. Seating includes a Peterbilt air-ride, high-back driver seat and a Peterbilt non-air-ride, low-back passenger seat, an RH driver armrest, and orange seat belts. The cab has a tilt/telescoping steering column with a Peterbilt-logo steering wheel, diamond plate LH/RH floor covering, a two-piece flat windshield, a dark-tint fixed rear window (18.5"x54"), and a combo fresh-air heater/air conditioner. Mirrors are stainless steel, heated and motorized on each side, plus a front-mounted look-down mirror and (4) 8" convex mirrors. Audio is a ConcertClass AM/FM radio with weatherband, 3.5mm aux, Bluetooth phone/audio, USB port, and a midlevel 4-speaker package, with automatic mute in reverse. Additional equipment includes an air-assist cab tilt pump, a painted black front cab guard, rain gutters over both doors, electric pantograph windshield wipers with intermittent, an NFPA-compliant exterior entry grabhandle, and 4.5" rubber flares on the cab and wheel well fenders. The digital cluster features a 7" main instrument display with transmission oil temperature, brake application air pressure, air restriction indicator, and PTO indicator readouts. Exterior lighting includes single rectangular halogen headlights, LED clearance and marker lights with guards, self-canceling turn signals, and park-brake-activated brake lights. Safety equipment includes a UL-listed hazmat-approved fire extinguisher (cab-mounted), a triangle reflector kit, and backup alarm wiring to the EOF.

Body & Equipment
The unit is built with a 40-yard residential front loader push-out body with diesel-powered hydraulics, finished in white to match the chassis. Body dimensions are 288" in length and 162" in height, with a 1,000 lb max laden weight rating. Equipment includes front body spring mounts, a single-bolt rear tie-down, a radius cab shield with air flip extension, a front body screen with extension, a hopper sump overlay, a telescoping side door ladder, a streetside body roof ladder, and remote grease fittings on the pack panel. Arms are rated 8K commercial with 60" forks and 6" fork bumper extensions, powered by a Permco front pump mounted at the front bumper with a streetside hydraulic tank. Body controls are FL Pete interior, joystick-operated (streetside), with throttle advance and a top door/arm interlock. Lighting and camera equipment includes a container light on the mirror bracket, a hopper floodlight, (4) smart strobes on the tailgate, dual camera floodlights on the tailgate, and a dual 3rd-eye camera system covering backup and hopper views from a mid-body post. Additional equipment includes a plastic shovel, a 20-lb body-mounted fire extinguisher, rub-a-fender protection, and a yellow 72"x24" caution decal on the tailgate. The cab, hood, and roof are finished in white with a black frame and bumper, matching the white body paint.

Tires & Wheels
Front tires are 315/80R22.5 HAU3, 20-ply, mounted on Alcoa 22.5x9.00 high-polish aluminum wheels. Rear tires are 11R22.5 HSC3, 16-ply with TPMS sensors, eight in total, mounted on Alcoa Steel Armor wheels with a steel inner/aluminum outer high-polish 22.5x8.25 construction, eight rims total. Wheel guards are fitted between the wheels on the tandem axle.

Warranty & Protection
This new unit is backed by Peterbilt Class 8 Standard Coverage (1 year/100,000 miles), PACCAR MX Standard Coverage (2 years/250,000 miles / 400,000 km / 6,250 hours), and an EPA Emissions Warranty (5 years/100,000 miles) on the 2024-series emissions engine. One year of towing coverage is also included. The refuse body carries a separate 12-month warranty covering the body and cylinders.