Trailers come in many different forms and perform all kinds of different tasks, but one of the most common types of trailers used by the labor force is dump trailers. Dump trailers are trailers with a large container that lifts up through the use of hydraulics and are regularly employed to transfer heavy objects. A standard instrument for many farmers, ranchers, and construction workers, dump trailers are the perfect addition to make any manual laborer’s life a little bit easier.
Dump trailers come in all shapes and sizes and provide the power needed to transport anything of a larger scale and weight. But just like with any other heavy equipment, users should be aware of the workings of dump trailers and the safety precautions of operating one. First, let’s talk about the different types of dumps trailers being offered today.
Different Types of Dump Trailers
The most important thing to perform a job correctly is to have the right tools, and transporting heavy loads are no different. There are various types of dump trailers for rent or sale on the market today, and each type offers a different set of features that benefit different jobs. Some of the types of dump trailers being sold include the standard, or common, dump trailer, side dump trailers, and semi-trailer end dump trailers, just to name a few.
The standard, or common, dump trailer is a dump trailer frequently used for the transport of items in the construction industry. Side dump trailers are dump trailers that, as the name implies, dump over the side rather than the back, which make them fast and easy to unload. And semi-trailer end dump trailers are trailers often used for moving very large content.
Uses for Dump Trailers
Uses for dump trailers can range from small chores to large-scale, industrial errands, and with such a big variety to choose from, buyers will be able to pick the one best suited for their personal, or commercial, needs.
Dump trailers are versatile tools that workers can use for a variety of jobs. Personal uses of dump trailers include moving furniture and appliances, transporting small vehicles, and hauling building supplies. Commercial uses include junk transport, snow removal, and landscape supply transportation.
Regardless of the type of dump trailer used or the job it’s used for, operators must familiarize themselves with the safety precautions associated with the usage of these trailers in order to prevent any accidents and serious bodily harm from occurring
Safety Precautions When Using Dump Trailers
Similar to any kind of heavy equipment, dump trailers are large, heavy machinery and need to be treated with proper respect. Many problems can occur if these trailers are used wrongly, so users must know the ins and outs of all associated safety precautions.
The most common accidents that occur when using dump trailers happen when emptying a load, unexpectedly lowering a bed, and contacting overhead wires.
When an operator empties a dump trailers’ load, the bed is raised up so that the contents are allowed to spill out. When this bed is raised, it’s possible for the trailer to tip over. This could happen because of unbalanced loads, high winds, uneven ground, or jackknife positioning, which is where the truck and trailer are basically folding together like a pocket knife. To prevent tip-overs, users should make sure to equally distribute the weight of the load when filling the trailer and to slowly raise the bed when emptying the load to allow the contents to gradually slide out the opening.
Unexpectedly lowering a bed can lead to serious bodily harm and even death if users and workers are not paying attention. During repairs or maintenance, workers work between a raised bed and the frame of the truck or trailer. If the trailer’s operator were to inadvertently lower the bed, the mechanics of the bed could fail and it could crush the worker underneath it. To prevent this, dump trailer beds should be fitted with a dump box lock bar that physically stops the bed from coming down.
Contacting overhead wires can occur when an operator moves the truck while the bed is still raised. If the raised bed were to be touching wires as the driver stepped out, this could lead to electrocution if the driver were to contact the ground and cab at the same time. To prevent this, users must always remember to lower the bed before moving the truck and to be patient while the bed is coming down.
As the old adage goes, “Safety first,” and dump trailers are no exception. As long as users follow protocol and take the right precautions, these trailers will be the perfect addition to help complete almost any kind of transporting job users throw its way.
