What is the best hydraulic ram arrangment for a dump trailer?

tmc_31 · May 24, 2014

Hey all,

I am in the market for a new dump trailer. I have a 7-8 year old 6X10 dump with a 10,000gvw. It has worked well for me since I bought it new. I have carried my skid loaders in it on some rather long (3k mile) trips with no problems.

I have traded up my skid loader to one that won't fit in my dump trailer

. So I have been looking at new ones. I have settled on the 7X14 size with a 14k gvw so that I can stay below the 26k limit that requires a CDL.

The trailers that I have been looking at have various configurations of hydraulic lifts. There are the scissor lifts, the straight lifts and the dual cylinder straight lifts. Of course the dealers all tout the advantages of the types of lifts on the trailers that they sell.

My question is what are the advantages or disadvantages of the various types of dump trailer lift arrangements?

I will be using this trailer to haul my skid around, haul construction and demolition debris and I will likely load it up to capacity with dirt, sand or rock on occasion.

Thank you for you thoughts,

Tim

QRTRHRS · May 24, 2014

IMHO, the scissors lift is stronger albeit slower than single or dual cylinders unless you are talking a single telescopic cylinder up front. With adequate hydraulic pressure, the telescopic is simple, strong and fast.

As for the rest of your thread, I am going to assume you are crossing state lines and maybe relative to a business? Regardless, you may want to look into going over the 10k trailer. There are recent and past posts on the issue including some from your state if I recall correctly.

tmc_31 · May 25, 2014

thanks QRTRHRS,

I appreciate your opinion on the lift arrangement.

This trailer will be used locally, most likely within 100 miles of home. As best I can tell after talking to several Texas DPS/DOT officers and much reading, I am good in Texas as long as I stay under the 26,001 limit for now. We all know that these laws/regulations are a moving target as time marches on and from state to state. A few years ago I made a trip to Vermont with my 14k GN utility trailer loaded to the gills with a skid loader and other tools. I was legal in Texas, weighing in at 23.5k GCVW. Not so sure about in the other states I went through. Made it up and back with nary a look by the DPS/DOT. Passed all the weigh stations too. Maybe just dumb luck.

Tim

Scooby074 · May 25, 2014

Single telescope up front would be first choice.

Single mid mounted cylinder would be my last one. Dual side cylinders would be better from an even lifting perspective.

ENC · May 26, 2014

I have used all types some owned by my boss some rented.

I would only consider dual cylinders. They are way better when you are forced to unload with a little bit of side slope or with unbalanced material. I have never damaged or tipped a trailer but some of the flex I have seen from a single cylinder dump makes me nervous. All of the scissor lift cylinder operated ones I have seen were power up and power down. All of the non scissor were power up and gravity down.
Gravity down saves battery life but may take longer in colder climates. Just my $0.02

tmc_31 · May 26, 2014

Thanks for your opinions guys! anyone else?

Tim

George2615 · May 26, 2014

I just bought a 16' dump trailer by Cross Country Trailer. Its 13,800 GVW with a 10K capacity. It uses a single cylinder with scissor lift. I got the 16' to haul my tractor in if needed. It won't fit in a 14'. As mentioned it is power up and power down. Just got the plate and reg. the other day so haven't used it yet. Planning on using this week to get some bank run and then some gravel for my driveway. The trailer manufacturer told me that the scissor lift is all they use on larger trailers for the leverage advantage. A previously owned K3500 dump truck had a similar single cyl. scissor lift. I don't know if its the best set up. Like mentioned, all mfg. will give reasons why their type set up is best.