The Unique Cemetery Groundskeeping Vehicles That Handle Final Rests

Most people recognize hearses, but few realize that the final vehicle many encounter before burial is often a small, specialized groundskeeping machine. These purpose-built vehicles operate exclusively within cemeteries, performing tasks like moving dirt, transporting caskets, and maintaining expansive memorial parks.

Earlier this year, Forest Lawn Funerals, Cremations, and Cemeteries in Glendale, California, reached out with details about its fleet of unique vehicles. The memorial park hosts an annual cars-and-coffee event showcasing classic hearses, with the next gathering scheduled for August 10, from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Meet Forest Lawn’s Custom Groundskeeping Fleet

The photos Forest Lawn shared revealed more than just elegant hearses. In the background stood a collection of agricultural and industrial machines designed for cemetery maintenance. These include:

• Dirt Hauler – Moves casket-sized amounts of dirt to excavate burial sites.
• Casket Loader – Transports caskets to burial plots.
• Custom Flatbed – Serves as a tent transporter and utility vehicle for services.
• John Deere Lawnmower – Mows the park’s 250 acres with a 105-inch cutting deck.

Forest Lawn maintains multiple versions of each machine, along with casket lowering devices, irrigation trucks, and fabrication equipment.

Power and Engineering Behind the Machines

Ricardo Rojas, Forest Lawn-Glendale’s Automotive and Mechanical Transportation Supervisor, provided details on the vehicles’ specifications:

Dirt Hauler

• Engine: 1987 Chevy 350
• Transmission: 400 turbo automatic
• Rear Differentials: 1984 GMC Topkick
• Front Axles: 2019 Isuzu truck, extended for vehicle width

Casket Loader

• Engine: Ford 2.5, propane-powered
• Transmission: 435 heavy-duty Ford 5-speed
• Transfer Case: NP 205
• Differential: 1-ton GMC
• Front Axle: Isuzu single

Custom Flatbed

• Front Axle: 1987 P-van
• Rear Differential: 1-ton GMC
• Engine: 2.5 Ford, gasoline-powered
• Transmission: C4 automatic

John Deere Lawnmower

• Engine: 65 HP Kubota diesel
• Transmission: Hydrostatic
• Drive: 4-wheel
• Cutting Deck: 105 inches

Purpose-Built for Cemetery Operations

All machines were custom-built for Forest Lawn’s needs. Fabricator Juan Henriquez maintains the equipment, ensuring these bespoke vehicles remain operational. Originally constructed in the 1950s using military powertrains, they have been refurbished and adapted over decades to meet the memorial park’s evolving requirements.

"These machines ultimately help make the grieving process easier by ensuring smooth operations behind the scenes."