Hydraulic Dump Trailer

Leo Rabon · Mar 26, 2013

I currently own a 5 ft by 8 ft Tilt-Bed Utility Trailer with a 1500# axle. My plans are to convert the trailer to a Hydraulic Dump Trailer. I probably will go ahead and change the axle to a 3500#. My use of the trailer will be for hauling leaves from my lot placed in the trailer by a leaf and debris loader. Only in leaf season will I have to place the plywood sides on it approximately 4 feet high (6 to 7 yard capacity) to haul to the local landfill 3 miles away. I have a lot of leaves and after 15 years of bagging and loading and unloading at the landfill, at 64 years old, I am no longer able to move so many of the bagged leaves. Using it as a tilt bed is a real pain also, since it does not tilt enough for the leaves to fall out without digging and making so much dust for my breathing problems.
I think I have most of the "plan" figured out except for the kind of "hydraulic cylinder" needed and where to purchase. I prefer to have a "hand pump" for the hydraulic cylinder since my use of the hydraulic will be limited and I don't want to have to maintain a battery and electrical components for most of the year without use. The most weight based on my calculations (for the leaves only) will not be over 1,000 pounds per load. By converting my tilt bed to a dump bed will keep me from having to store 2 trailers. My only other use of the trailer will be (as is now) transporting my mowers and other equipment for repairs and also my golf cart. Cost is an issue for me so I really can't afford to invest in another trailer and also storage of another trailer is an issue also.

Any help or suggestions on the hydraulic cylinder and hand pump would be appreciated (as well as any other suggestions). I have a cousin with a welding shop that will do the conversion for me but he doesn't have much knowledge about the hydraulics.

Thank You
Leo Rabon

SLHawkins · Mar 26, 2013

Northern Tool, Portable Generators, Pressure Washers, Power Tools, Welders | Northern Tool + Equipment, or Harbor Freight will have what u need. You can get what u need through tractor supply Corp as well.

Hawk

Diamondpilot · Mar 27, 2013

Honestly how much longer will you be able to do this work? You mentioned breathing and lifting. I would just hire it done. For what it will cost you its a losing proposition.

You will need a cylinder, pump, hoses, wood, steel, axles, hangers, springs, wheels, tires, ect.

Chris

JJZ 109 · Mar 27, 2013

Diamondpilot said:
Honestly how much longer will you be able to do this work? You mentioned breathing and lifting. I would just hire it done. For what it will cost you its a losing proposition.

You will need a cylinder, pump, hoses, wood, steel, axles, hangers, springs, wheels, tires, ect.

Chris

I think he plans on converting his current trailer to a manually operated type lift. Maybe something like one of these pumps to operate a lift cylinder if I read him correctly:

But still, he mentions an axle swap and other mods to the trailer. I'm wondering also if it's really worth it. I suppose it could be because he appears to have the time, the inclination and a cousin with a welding shop.

oldnslo · Mar 27, 2013

Could you just use a long hydraulic jack like those used on engine hoists / cherry pickers. Completely self contained and simple. another option I have seen is winch and pulleys for the tilt.

Leo Rabon · Mar 27, 2013

Thanks guys for the replies:

Hawk: Thanks for the reply. Now I know where to get the supplies.

Chris: I don't know how long I will be able to do it but I ate breakfast this morning hoping to make it to lunchtime. Just kidding, I have read many of your posts before and you are a really intelligent guy and I respect your opinions.

Todd: You hit the nail "square on the head". Thanks

Oldnslo: Thanks for your suggestion but I am not real comfortable with those option.

Thanks to all. You have been a big help.

Leo

Diamondpilot · Mar 27, 2013

Leo Rabon said:
Thanks guys for the replies:

Hawk: Thanks for the reply. Now I know where to get the supplies.

Chris: I don't know how long I will be able to do it but I ate breakfast this morning hoping to make it to lunchtime. Just kidding, I have read many of your posts before and you are a really intelligent guy and I respect your opinions.

Todd: You hit the nail "square on the head". Thanks

Oldnslo: Thanks for your suggestion but I am not real comfortable with those option.

Thanks to all. You have been a big help.

Leo

I just think life is too short. My father is 67 and in the last few years he really laid off the yard work. He hires it all done for what seems reasonable rates. For the cost of converting your trailer a crew of two with the right equipment could do your fall cleanup for a number of years before you would break even.

Chris

texas42 · Mar 27, 2013

I'm 70 and still do all my own yard work myself and still enjoy it. However, it doesn't get done as fast as when I was younger. I have over the years acquired the tools I need to make my work as easy as possible.
Since your trailer is 5 x 8 and you have access to fabrication help, what about one of those roll up mat unloaders they make for pickup beds. I think that would be as inexpensive as any thing, would not crank hard since you are unloading leaves, and could be made to detach when not needed.

Leo Rabon · Mar 27, 2013

Chris:
I retired last year and enjoy being outside. (last 43 years sitting behind a desk) While I worked, I did hire someone to do it for lack of time and it is not cheap. My leaf load is about 3000 lbs per year. I need to stay active for as long as I can. After you retire, you have more time to spend money and less money to spend. I love outdoor power equipment and get a lot of joy doing my yard. You sound just like my son. He fusses about what I do and I pay him "no attention". Thanks for the thoughts. You will get there sooner than you think.

Leo

Leo Rabon · Mar 27, 2013

texas42 said:
I'm 70 and still do all my own yard work myself and still enjoy it. However, it doesn't get done as fast as when I was younger. I have over the years acquired the tools I need to make my work as easy as possible.
Since your trailer is 5 x 8 and you have access to fabrication help, what about one of those roll up mat unloaders they make for pickup beds. I think that would be as inexpensive as any thing, would not crank hard since you are unloading leaves, and could be made to detach when not needed.

Texas42:
That is a possibility and I will look into that. I don't get things done as fast either and I don't care.
Thanks for your suggestion.
Leo

Diamondpilot · Mar 28, 2013

Leo Rabon said:
Chris:
I retired last year and enjoy being outside. (last 43 years sitting behind a desk) While I worked, I did hire someone to do it for lack of time and it is not cheap. My leaf load is about 3000 lbs per year. I need to stay active for as long as I can. After you retire, you have more time to spend money and less money to spend. I love outdoor power equipment and get a lot of joy doing my yard. You sound just like my son. He fusses about what I do and I pay him "no attention". Thanks for the thoughts. You will get there sooner than you think.

Leo

Hey, glad you are still active. Just wanted to put a different twist on this.

I think converting the trailer is a bigger deal than you think. I have done it and when all is said and done its twice the work and money. Just things like the fenders placement can be a major issue. Have you thought about selling your current trailer and getting a new one better suited? Price it out.

Chris

Leo Rabon · Mar 28, 2013

Diamondpilot said:
Hey, glad you are still active. Just wanted to put a different twist on this.

I think converting the trailer is a bigger deal than you think. I have done it and when all is said and done its twice the work and money. Just things like the fenders placement can be a major issue. Have you thought about selling your current trailer and getting a new one better suited? Price it out.

Chris

Chris: Free labor + free steel + some $ for hydraulics = Small Costs. (I swap out some work with my cousin). Sell my utility trailer for small amount and invest in a new or used=(impossible to find around here) ready made dump trailer= $$$$$ (out of pocket). Can't find a small dump trailer (around here) but they are expensive. I don't want or need the popular 5 X 10 models with dual axles (it will not serve my other needs for a small utility trailer for most of the year). I have no room to store 2 trailers. Based on my cost (as listed above) to convert my utility trailer, I can't go wrong on that route, (I Think???). All I have to do is purchase the hydraulics and I will get my son to do the math (he is a Licensed Civil Engineer) for the placement of the cylinder and some other calculations on the trailer. What you are suggesting makes perfect sense (as I said, you are an intelligent guy) but the other factors listed above makes it better for me to do the conversion, a small Dump Utility Trailer when I need it and a Small Utility Trailer for other needs around the house (all on one set of wheels) for limited dollars out of pocket.
Thanks for your suggestions.
Leo

L355SS · Mar 28, 2013

:confused2:

Leo Rabon said:
Texas42:
That is a possibility and I will look into that. I don't get things done as fast either and I don't care.
Thanks for your suggestion.
Leo

Lay a long tarp on the floor of the trailer and up the back and long enough to cover the leaves for transport. When you unload, you pull the tarp end (that covered the load) and roll the leaves out. Attach the covering part of the tarp to a tree then drive away. You need a tarp 20' long, 8' for the deck then 4' up the back and another 8' to cover the load. The top cover part is what you pull on to roll out the load. Someone may have used this method and can explain it as I obviously lack that skill.:confused2:
Dennis

Leo Rabon · Mar 28, 2013

L355SS said:
:confused2:
Lay a long tarp on the floor of the trailer and up the back and long enough to cover the leaves for transport. When you unload, you pull the tarp end (that covered the load) and roll the leaves out. Attach the covering part of the tarp to a tree then drive away. You need a tarp 20' long, 8' for the deck then 4' up the back and another 8' to cover the load. The top cover part is what you pull on to roll out the load. Someone may have used this method and can explain it as I obviously lack that skill.:confused2:
Dennis

Thanks Dennis:
I have to take the leaves to a local landfill (you dump) and nothing to hook the tarp to. I am afraid 6 to 7 yards of compacted leaves (approximately 1,000 lbs may be more than I can handle by pulling on the tarp. I have used that method before (on a much smaller scale) and it works well with a light load.
Thanks
Leo

L355SS · Mar 28, 2013

Leo Rabon said:
Thanks Dennis:
I have to take the leaves to a local landfill (you dump) and nothing to hook the tarp to. I am afraid 6 to 7 yards of compacted leaves (approximately 1,000 lbs may be more than I can handle by pulling on the tarp. I have used that method before (on a much smaller scale) and it works well with a light load.
Thanks
Leo

Take more smaller trips or have wife/buddy with vehicle to anchor to!

Diamondpilot · Mar 28, 2013

Leo Rabon said:
Chris: Free labor + free steel + some $ for hydraulics = Small Costs. (I swap out some work with my cousin). Sell my utility trailer for small amount and invest in a new or used=(impossible to find around here) ready made dump trailer= $$$$$ (out of pocket). Can't find a small dump trailer (around here) but they are expensive. I don't want or need the popular 5 X 10 models with dual axles (it will not serve my other needs for a small utility trailer for most of the year). I have no room to store 2 trailers. Based on my cost (as listed above) to convert my utility trailer, I can't go wrong on that route, (I Think???). All I have to do is purchase the hydraulics and I will get my son to do the math (he is a Licensed Civil Engineer) for the placement of the cylinder and some other calculations on the trailer. What you are suggesting makes perfect sense (as I said, you are an intelligent guy) but the other factors listed above makes it better for me to do the conversion, a small Dump Utility Trailer when I need it and a Small Utility Trailer for other needs around the house (all on one set of wheels) for limited dollars out of pocket.
Thanks for your suggestions.
Leo

I agree if you can get so much for free. How are you going to get a good deal on the axle, springs, wheels, tires, ect.

Chris

bcp · Mar 28, 2013

Put your leaf pile beside the road, with a sign:

Leaves for composting or mulch
$5 bushel

Someone will steal them.

Bruce

Leo Rabon · Mar 28, 2013

Diamondpilot said:
I agree if you can get so much for free. How are you going to get a good deal on the axle, springs, wheels, tires, ect.

Chris

I am converting my current utility trailer and will use the items I already have. I will have to buy the hydraulics. It will be done in September (just in time for the leaves). My cousin is getting his planting done (he is a farmer also) now and after the crop season is done, we will make the conversion.

Leo
Leo