Kenworth L770 vs. Peterbilt 520 Refuse Truck

If you’re looking for a low cab forward refuse truck, two models consistently make the top of the list: the Kenworth L770 and the Peterbilt 520. Both are premium vocational truck options that share many of the same specifications and are designed specifically for demanding municipal and waste collection applications.

So, which refuse truck is the better choice?

Kenworth L770 vs. Peterbilt 520 Comparison

Looking at this chart, it’s easy to see that the L770 and 520 have a lot in common. Since both trucks are built by PACCAR, many of their specifications and capabilities are remarkably similar. The decision comes down to factors like design preference, driver comfort, and the configurations that best fit your fleet’s needs.

Kenworth L770 Strengths

Superior Visibility

One of the biggest advantages of the Kenworth L770 is its visibility. Refuse trucks spend a lot of time in neighborhoods filled with pedestrians, cars, cyclists, and children where every inch of visibility matters.

The L770’s low cab forward design positions drivers closer to the road, giving them a better view of their surroundings and reducing blind spots. Combined with its extra-wide windshield and large side windows, drivers get superior visibility in every direction.

Easy Entry and Exit

Waste collection drivers enter and exit their cab frequently during a single shift. That’s why the Kenworth L770 was designed specifically with driver accessibility and comfort in mind. Incorporated features like: 

• Wide 90-degree door openings
• Ergonomically placed grab handles
• Low step height
• Spacious cab access

make getting in and out of the cab quicker, easier, and less physically demanding throughout the workday.

Flexible Cab Configurations

The L770 offers multiple cab layouts for virtually any refuse or municipal application. Those cab configurations include:

• Left-hand drive
• Right-hand drive
• Dual-seated configurations
• Left-hand seated with right-hand stand-up

Upfit Compatibility

Kenworth offers factory-prepared frame layouts for the L770 that simplify the installation of:

• Front loaders
• Side loaders
• Rear loaders
• Recycling bodies
• Municipal utility bodies

Peterbilt 520 Strengths

Durable Exterior Design

The Peterbilt 520 is built with a galvanized steel cab to handle the daily wear and tear of demanding vocational environments. Additionally, its low cab forward design provides easy maneuverability for moving through residential and urban routes.

Driver Comfort

Inside the cab, drivers have a spacious environment with easy-to-reach modern controls, digital driver display, and ergonomic comfort features that improve productivity throughout long shifts.

Refuse Application Versatility

The Peterbilt 520 is compatible with a variety of front loader, rear loader, side loader, and municipal body configurations. This flexibility makes it well-suited for various municipal, commercial, and residential waste collection applications.

Multiple Powertrain Options

The 520 is available with PACCAR diesel engines as well as Cummins natural gas options, which allows fleets to choose a powertrain that best fits their performance and emissions goals.

Which Truck Is Better for Refuse Collection?

If your job includes:

• Residential garbage collection
• Recycling pickup
• Municipal sanitation
• Urban waste management
• Commercial refuse routes

then, the Kenworth L770 is a strong choice. Its low cab forward design, superior visibility, drivetrain options, and upfit compatibility make it one of the industry’s most capable refuse trucks on the market.

The Kenworth L770 and Peterbilt 520 are both built to handle the tough demands of refuse collection and vocational applications. However, for fleets looking for excellent visibility, flexible cab configurations, a wide range of upfit options, and a truck designed specifically for challenging routes, the Kenworth L770 stands out as the overall top choice.

Want to learn more about the Kenworth L770? Check out our brochure for a closer look at specifications, engine options, dimensions, cab configurations, and more.