My dump trailer build

[leveller]

After thinking about it for a long time, I finally decided to build a dump trailer to pull behind my tractor. I own a mini excavator, and many times when excavating in a back yard for a reno or patio, etc., there is no place to put the dirt. My plan is to load into the trailer with the mini ex., then haul dirt out with tractor and trailer, as opposed to a skid steer, which can cause a lot of damage on grass. That is my main reason for a trailer, but I'm sure I will find many uses around my yard as well as on a job site.
My goals for the trailer- Trailer must be no wider than my tractor,
- must have steep enough dump angle to unload wet or sticky dirt,
- build it strong enough to last,
- build it with stuff I had laying around to keep cost down (I have a well equipped shop, and I am a bit of a pack rat, so I have more stuff laying around than most people!)
The first pics are of the basic frame and my dump hinge points. I tend to design as I go, so plans change along the way, although I did a lot of sketching and measuring before I started. Also note- I am a lot more comfortable in the shop with a welder in my hand than on a computer, so I'm not sure if the pics will show up or not. I have never posted a build before, but I enjoy looking at all the other projects on here, especially with pics, so I will make an effort to document this build if it interests anybody. Hope you enjoy, and any comments or suggestions are welcomed

 

[leveller]

Obviously the pics did not show up (no surprise as I don't know anything about computers), but with my son's help, I will try again. Hope this works!

 

[Hooked_on_HP]

Befor you go to far figure out where your cyl will mount to the frame and to the box to get the lift you want. This is what has me at stand still right now on my trailer. Good luck and post a lot of pics.BTW if you upload your pics to photobucket first it is a lot faster to load them on TBN.
Bill

 

[easygo]

Leveler,

Thanks for posting this. Would you give some rough dimensions on the trailer and what kind of tractor are you going to pull it with.

I for one like seeing projects like that especially with pictures. I have a dump trailer build coming up in the near future but have to wait for the snow to melt. See picture of my "shop" during another trailer build.

 

[GE222]

I recommend having a pretty substantial reinforced edge surrounding the dump box. Try as you might, occasionally it will get bumped with the excavator bucket.

Will it have one or two axles? Two will provide better support for the load, but will scuff the turf when turning tight.

I have been wanting to build one myself with these same thoughts in mind.

Also, how about stake pockets in case you want to add side board extensions for light weight material.

 

[leveller]

Bill (hooked on HP) I have enjoyed watching your progress, that is what made me post my build, thanks for posting. I have my cylinder mounted, after a first try that did not work well! I am very surprised at the strength needed for the cylinder mounts! I am using a cylinder that looks very much like your's, Bill. Mine is about 4 in. bore, with a 23 in. stroke.I too had the cylinder laying around from another project, so I am making it work. My trailer is 4 ft. by 8 ft. I used 1 1/2 by 3 in. tube with 1/8 wall for the main frame. The trailer will have only one axle, so as to reduce damage on grass while turning, but I am using 15 in. wheels (and hubs) salvaged of a rear axle of a front wheel drive car. My tractor is a 235 Bobcat. I will post some pics showing my lift system. The first two pics are of my hinge, the last two pics of are my first attempt to mount my cylinder. I was planning to add more braces than in the pics. I have been using air pressure to try out my lift range.

 

[leveller]

After some experimenting, this is what I have decided on for the bracing and cylinder mounts. I may add some more bracing on the front (lower) cylinder mount. At this stage, everything is only tack welded, so I can still take things apart and make changes if I have to. I never thought I would have to build the lift system this heavy, but dumping the trailer puts a lot more stress on the frame than I expected. I was trying to avoid using a hoist, rather lift with only a cylinder, but a hoist might have been a better option.

 

[Hooked_on_HP]

When the box is down what angle is the cyl. pushing up at. I am learning that the cyl. doesn't have much lifting force if the cyl. angle is under 10.deg.
Bill

 

[Scotty370]

Doggone it Hooked, took the words right out of my mouth! I'm in the process myself of a dump trailer. and I'm flumexed on a lift geometry! ~Scotty

 

[leveller]

When the box is down what angle is the cyl. pushing up at. I am learning that the cyl. doesn't have much lifting force if the cyl. angle is under 10.deg.
Bill

I spent a lot of time trying to figure out the right angle. The way I have it set up now seems to work, but I have not tried to lift box with a load yet. I have been using compressed air to lift box, but hope to get hydraulic hoses made today, so I can accually lift the box with the tractor. My lower cylinder mount is just tacked in place, so I can still move it if needed.I will check the angle of my cylinder and let you know tonight.- Greg

 

[20 20]

I bult my own dump trailer and use it for everything. One of the best things I've ever used. I'll try and find a picture

 

[leveller]

For those who are interested, my cylinder is at a 13 degree angle. 20/20, I would love to see pics of your dump trailer, especially the lift set up and tailgate. I am trying to decide if I will build a 2 way gate or not. For those of you that have dump trailers, what do you have for tailgates? Greg

 

[Bennet.man]

Do you have any idea what the capacity will be with that size of tubing? I've been kicking around the idea of building one myself, but I would like it to hold 2500#, and be road worthy!

 

[Scotty370]

For those who are interested, my cylinder is at a 13 degree angle. 20/20, I would love to see pics of your dump trailer, especially the lift set up and tailgate. I am trying to decide if I will build a 2 way gate or not. For those of you that have dump trailers, what do you have for tailgates? Greg

My plan is to have 4- 1" pins that will project from each side of the tailgate, and will be captured by a rotated hook clasp so that I can lower it from the top, pick-up style, or crack the bottom open for spreading lime, gravel etc. I could then easily remove it entirely. My lift dilemma is that I'd like to be able to use it behind my tractor (that has rear hydro ports) or behind an ATV, no ports! Looking to copy some thing like this?

Heavy duty tandem axle ATV trailers for off road use by Country ATV

Maybe? Suggestions welcolme! ~Scotty

 

[dcyrilc]

My plan is to have 4- 1" pins that will project from each side of the tailgate, and will be captured by a rotated hook clasp so that I can lower it from the top, pick-up style, or crack the bottom open for spreading lime, gravel etc. I could then easily remove it entirely. My lift dilemma is that I'd like to be able to use it behind my tractor (that has rear hydro ports) or behind an ATV, no ports! Looking to copy some thing like this?

Heavy duty tandem axle ATV trailers for off road use by Country ATV

Maybe? Suggestions welcolme! ~Scotty

A couple of things I noticed in the video:
The attachment for the lower end of the ram is down near axle height... well below the bed and frame.
The lift arm has a slide mechinism to allow it to change attachment location along the bottom of the bed which allows for a shorter ram.
Very short ram length allowing an upright position when collapsed.
This design should allow for good usage of the rams power all the way through its extension, from start to finish.

I'm following several threads on dump trailer build, and the greatest issue seams to be too shallow an angle on the ram when collapsed. I've been visualizing some sort of a mechinism like this so that a shorter ram could be used.

 

[2ndgenguy]

Do you have any idea what the capacity will be with that size of tubing? I've been kicking around the idea of building one myself, but I would like it to hold 2500#, and be road worthy!

I have been considering building something similar myself. The 7k and up pricetags on the factory builts seem a bit steep to me.

 

[dcyrilc]

Sorry, here's the drawing.
Not sure how a black & white stick drawing was 3,620KB.

 

[powerstroke444e]

My plan is to have 4- 1" pins that will project from each side of the tailgate, and will be captured by a rotated hook clasp so that I can lower it from the top, pick-up style, or crack the bottom open for spreading lime, gravel etc. I could then easily remove it entirely. My lift dilemma is that I'd like to be able to use it behind my tractor (that has rear hydro ports) or behind an ATV, no ports! Looking to copy some thing like this?

Heavy duty tandem axle ATV trailers for off road use by Country ATV

Maybe? Suggestions welcolme! ~Scotty

I put a 12v pump on my atv to run the dump trailer. It was under $300 and it gets used all the time instead of hooking to tractor.

 

[rdbrumfield]

With a single ram it takes a lot of steel reinforcement of the frame to hold things together. The other thing is I notice is how far back under the load you are pushing from to get the height you need.

My opinion, is that by making a scissors lift it would take one more pin, but you would be picking half the weight and still extend as far. By half the weight I mean picking closer to the front instead of the middle or closer to the hinge.

When building a scissors system, just a couple of things to watch for. the rotation of the two moving parts cannot to the point of tubelocking the cylinder side against the opening parts. The pins for the cyl ram should be a couple of inches shorter than the stroke from the elbow.

Here is a pic of one I just installed in my rig. When down, all the pressure is put on the scissors, as the hoist lifts, it is pushing straight up initially.

 

[GuglioLS]

.....SNIP.....SNIP......For those of you that have dump trailers, what do you have for tailgates? Greg

Hi Greg,
Man your making excellent progress, it''s taking shape and looking great.

Here is the tailgate I built for my home made dump trailer, it seems to work for me, perhaps it will give you some ideas:




Here is a link to the complete build:
Home made Dump Trailer Start to Finish


Larry