Many novice buyers remain under the impression that dump trailers are just to fulfill one purpose: to dump stuff. Well, that’s true, but there is a lot more to understand about dump trailers if you are in the market to buy one. For starters, the mechanism of dump trailers is crucial to understand if you want to purchase them for your business.
You will be spending a huge sum of money on purchasing a dump trailer, and it would be heart-shattering to realize that the one you bought does not serve your purpose. There is no harm in learning about the mechanism of dump trucks if you are going to own one.
Here is our detailed guide that will help you learn everything there is to know about dump trucks.
#1. There Are Different Sizes of Dump Trucks
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Dump trucks are available in various sizes, and the capacity to carry a load depends on the one you choose. Click Here to see what dump trailers are available for sale. You would surely want a dump truck that allows you to haul the loads you want to carry around. The sort of job you want to undertake with the trailer will significantly impact the size you choose.
The length of dump trailers may range from 8 to 30 feet. The 14-foot length is the most popular length for dump trailers because it is suitable for transporting skid steer loaders while retaining maneuverability.
#2. It is Possible to Buy a Dump Truck That is Galvanized
If you wish to carry loads or chemicals in your dump trailers that would likely result in rust, you can buy a galvanized one. The process of galvanizing a trailer is an additional step that may be taken beyond just painting it. The trailer goes through a galvanizing procedure, in which it is immersed in a chemical bath that prevents corrosion.
The chemical will cover the inside of the tube frames and penetrate all the other crevices and spaces if the tubes are completely submerged in the solution. Galvanizing is an expensive process, but it will extend the life of a trailer and will almost certainly enhance its worth when it comes time to sell.
The fact that some manufacturers are experimenting with bed spray liners demonstrates how seriously they take the issue of durability in their products. This will greatly assist, particularly on the front of these trailers, which generally sustains significant damage.
#3. Different Wall Height for Your Dump Truck
One of the most crucial aspects when buying a dump truck is considering the wall height. The standard wall height in trailers is about 24 inches. However, it is possible to extend it if your requirement demands it. You may either order the dump trailer with tall side walls or buy the removable extension for them.
If you don’t want to spend additional bucks on the extension, you can simply with the side and front walls using wood. However, these are not as durable as the options we mentioned above.
#4. You Can Choose a Dump Truck Based on its Lifting Mechanism
There is a small selection of various lifting mechanisms available for your consideration.
Hydraulic
One hydraulic cylinder is sufficient to operate a telescopic-style hydraulic lift, which may be positioned in the middle of the front of the box and is designed to elevate the box to its dumping angle.
Dual piston
You also can go with a dual-piston design, which places two pistons beneath the trailer and utilizes them to raise the trailer’s angle to its dumping position.
Scissor lift
The alternative, known as the scissor lift, is something that many, if not most manufacturers, opt to go with. A single cylinder is used by the scissor lift to elevate the trailer to the dumping angle at which it is positioned. Because of the scissor lift’s ability to spread out the footprint, there is a reduced risk of racking the box and frame if the weight is not evenly distributed.
Choosing gravity down over power down
Always go for the gravity-down option rather than the power-down one if you have the choice. Certain trailers need the battery to lower the dump box, which may reduce the battery’s useful life in half. When you turn gravity down, you let it do all the work for you, saving your battery when you truly need it.
#5. Every Manufacturer Offers Different Thickness of Metal
Some trailer manufacturers use thicker metal than others to construct their products. Because of the greater wear and tear, the metal on the trailer’s bed is often thicker than the metal on the sides of the trailer. If your trailer is never used for anything other than hauling mulch, you shouldn’t worry too much about the thickness of the bed.
However, a bed constructed out of heavier metal would serve you better if you want to load your trailer with large stones and concrete debris. Just keep in mind that steel is a heavy metal. Thus the heavier the trailer is, the thicker the metal will be. Compared to its maximum capacity, a trailer’s capacity decreases as its weight increases.
#6. The Option to Upgrade the Axle of Your Dump Truck
If you anticipate that you will need to be able to support a greater amount of weight in the future, you often have the choice to upgrade to a bigger axle. In general, bigger axles need wheels with a higher load capacity, thicker and more numerous studs, and larger brakes. Torsion axles and leaf spring axles are the two primary types. Torsion axles are more common.
Dump trailers are often loaded over their recommended capacity and subjected to heavy wear and damage. When torsion axles are bent due to being overloaded with weight, the traditional solution is to replace the whole axle, which may be costly.
The primary reasons you would want to go with a torsion axle are that they are quieter due to the reduced number of moving components and the fact that they need less maintenance throughout the axle’s lifetime. Leaf spring axles are the superior option for dump trailers because of how they work together and how effectively they function on uneven terrain.
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