A modular front-loading, refuse collecting vehicle has a low-profile, front-loadable waste bin (intermediate container) and a side-loading robotic arm. To reduce mechanical stresses, a major portion of the mass of the robotic arm mechanism is situated to the rear of the intermediate container so that a mass and beam combination is defined where the mass-supporting beam has reduced length. More specifically, hydraulic and/or other relatively massive motor devices of the robotic arm mechanism are mounted to the rear of a refuse-containing wall of the intermediate container. Elastomeric and/or other dampening devices may be interposed between the vehicle and the bulk mass of the combination of the intermediate container and robotic arm mechanism for converting into heat some vibrational energy. A modular sled system may be provided for supporting different robotic arms in combination with refuse containers made of different materials.