June 18, 2025
Today’s waste fleets need to deliver reliable performance, long-term durability, and easy serviceability. The Meridian™ Front Loader from McNeilus® checks every box—purpose-built to help haulers and municipalities tackle demanding routes, control costs and manage downtime. Here’s an overview of some of the key advancements and how they are designed to enhance refuse and recycling fleet effectiveness.
Built for the Real-World Demands of Waste Collection
Designed for Productivity and Payload Efficiency
For waste haulers, every pound matters. The Meridian’s low body weight—roughly 17,000 pounds—is critical to support productivity. At this weight, it’s significantly lighter than many legacy front loaders. This low curb weight translates to impressive payload capacity, which is especially critical in weight-sensitive states.
“We looked at the structure to see where the strength was needed to make the body last, and where we could take weight out. The lighter we can make the body, the more payload haulers can carry, giving them a real advantage on the road.” - Jeff Meyer, McNeilus Product Manager
Built for Longevity with Smart Structural Design
A front loader is a long-term investment which provides more value the longer it remains in service. The Meridian Front Loader was built with durability at the core, using tested structural technology to promote a long operational lifespan.
The Meridian is a lighter option than our heavy-duty Atlantic™ platform while still delivering the strength refuse collection demands. Rather than using traditional flat steel floor panels, McNeilus engineers incorporated structural tubing throughout the floor, providing outstanding rigidity. Square tube cross members go into the longitudinal members to provide impressive strength. Cross members lock into place with precision and sealed ends keep out moisture and debris, which can cause internal corrosion. Every structural decision was made to help ensure the truck performs reliably through years of daily wear.
Smart Features That Keep Your Fleet on the Road
Easy-to-Service Layout to Manage Downtime
On the Meridian Front Loader, the overall layout was designed with maintenance in mind.
- Components like hydraulic valves and electronic modules are located on the exterior of the body, making access easy.
- Technicians don’t need to access the hopper to perform routine service, which helps make the job simple and promotes safety on the ground.
- Electrical modules are located behind a removable panel, and hydraulic lines follow predetermined paths with designated spaces.
“A consistent setup with easily accessible components can help service technicians work very efficiently.” - Jeff Meyer, McNeilus Product Manager
Responsive Hydraulic and Control Systems
The Meridian Front Loader’s hydraulic and control system is engineered for responsive, reliable field performance and includes several advancements compared to a traditional pneumatic system:
- A proportional electric-over-hydraulic system gives operators smooth, precise control over arm and packer movements, which are unaffected by variables like air pressure or system load.
- The CAN-based architecture allows joystick movements to translate consistently under all conditions.
- The Kawasaki variable-displacement piston pump offers efficiency with a reliable track record and few warranty concerns.
The Meridian also supports modern fleet management tools, including telematics integration. The ClearSky™ Intelligence platform allows fleets to track real-time performance data, manage maintenance and make informed, efficient decisions about fleet vehicles.
Long-Lasting Ejector Track for Durability
The Meridian Front Loader uses a reinforced ejector track designed based on the proven Atlantic Series. This upgrade supports long-term durability, even under heavy use. To further protect the system, a steel shaver is built into the ejector cylinder. It cleans the rod with each cycle to help keep debris out and help provide long internal component life.
Clean Headframe Design for Improved Safety
The clean headframe layout locates hydraulic components away from exhaust and transmission systems, making maintenance efficient and straightforward by addressing the need to climb between the body and exhaust to access critical systems.
Hopper and Packing Efficiency
The updated hopper on the Meridian manages the demands of daily packing. Reinforced walls and a new crossmember layout help spread out packing forces, helps manage wear and helps promote long body life. The ejector’s hydraulic routing now includes hoses that move in line with the cylinder, which reduces the number of fittings and the number of places for potential leaks.
Refined Reservoir
The Meridian’s updated hydraulic reservoir holds 45 gallons, a reduction from our standard square reservoir, and still provides complete system support and functionality. This reduction helps manage oil use and overall truck weight while freeing up frame space. Additionally, by keeping the reservoir in the same curbside spot across builds, McNeilus makes routine service fast and straightforward for maintenance crews.
“We designed the Meridian to deliver more than just performance—we designed it to keep trucks on the road. From layout to hydraulics, every feature is about helping our customers maximize uptime, simplify service and get the most out of their fleet every day.” - Jeff Meyer, McNeilus Product Manager
Versatility to Fit Your Route, Region, or Operation
No two routes are exactly alike—and your front loader shouldn’t be either. The Meridian is designed with the flexibility to adapt to a wide range of fleet needs, whether you're running dense residential routes, high-volume commercial pickups, or planning for the future of alternative fuels.
- Flexible Configurations for Fleet Customization. Available in 4- and 5-axle configurations, the Meridian adapts to a variety of payload needs and route types. Fork options, control packages and fuel configurations, including diesel and CNG, make it easy to tailor the truck to your environment.
- Compatible with Evolving Powertrains. As some fleets move toward electric solutions, weight becomes more critical than ever. The Meridian’s light body design makes it an ideal platform for electric chassis, helping offset battery mass and support an efficient range.
- Ready for Both Residential and Commercial Work. From alleys to avenues, the Meridian’s performance scales with the job. From collecting individual carts to servicing high-volume commercial bins, it’s up to the task.
“Whether you're navigating narrow city streets or maximizing payload on long-haul routes, the Meridian offers the versatility to keep up with your operation today, and scale with it tomorrow.” - Jeff Meyer, McNeilus Product Manager
Learn More About the Meridian Front Loader
The Meridian is ready to work if you’re looking for a front loader that delivers on performance, reliability and long-term value. To see it in action or learn more about how it fits your fleet, contact your local McNeilus dealer today.