Tipper semi-trailers are indispensable when it comes to performing tasks like bulk cargo transportation, carriage of construction materials, agricultural products shipping, etc. Primarily, these are grain, sand, gravel, soil, construction debris and other materials that can be loaded and unloaded by raising/lowering the body. Earlier, dump trucks were used for these tasks. Nowadays, tipper semi-trailers are typically used. They provide their owners with higher load capacity and better maneuverability, and besides, they are cheaper. Tipper semi-trailers are used together with semi-trucks.
Due to their construction and raising mechanisms, tipper semi-trucks quickly unload materials, which saves time and effort during cargo transportation. A hydraulic system allows controlling of body lifting and provides precise control of the unloading process. Well, how to choose a tipper semi-trailer? Depending on the tasks performed by them, semi-trailers are manufactured in various dimensions and constructions.
What Is Crucial to Take Into Account When Choosing a Tipper Semi-Trailer
It is significantly important to choose machinery thoughtfully because your right decision will impact operating costs, maintenance, and repair costs in the future.
Which tipper semi-trailer is better to pick, and what features to take into account to work at a profit rather than at a loss?
The Specifics of the Semi-Trailer Frame Construction
It is essential to ensure that you choose a factory-made frame and a homemade one. The metal must be new and durable, as it should withstand significant static and dynamic loads during operation. The design must provide additional stiffening elements like longitudinal and transverse beams. The entire frame design must ensure uniform load distribution and prevent cargo from shifting during transportation by truck.
Alarm!
It is drastically important for the frame to be tailored for the cargo type and operation conditions of a semi-trailer.
The Material of the Body
Typically, steel or aluminum is used for the manufacture of the body. Which of them is better for a semi-trailer?
A semi-trailer made of aluminum does not rust, so it can be used to transport almost any product. For example, aluminum does not produce sparks, so it is used to transport flammable and explosive substances. Yet, after damage, repairing an aluminum body is more difficult and expensive. Defects and dents on steel sides are easier to eliminate.
Hydraulic Cylinder and Brakes’ Technical Condition
The technical condition of these components affects the safe operation of the tipper semi-trailer. By extending the hydraulic cylinder rod, the body is raised and grain, sand, slag, or other bulk material is unloaded. For the hydraulic cylinder, it is important to select an item made by a trusted brand. The surface of the cylinder must be chrome-plated. If the power cable breaks, the manufacturer must provide protection.
The importance of an ideal brake system condition cannot be overestimated. Modern semi-trailers are equipped with an electronic anti-lock braking system (ABS), which automatically regulates the air pressure in the brake cylinder chambers so that the wheels do not lock in the event of emergency braking.
There are several more criteria to consider before you select a tipper semi-trailer.
- How does its tailgate open? If you want to avoid so-called “idle runs”, it’s important to choose a tipper semi-trailer whose tailgate opens wide open (like a gate) and upwards like a lid. With both opening options, the semi-trailer can perform the functions of a dump truck and a carrier of palletized cargo.
- The floor thickness and additional insulation. You need to select a floor of optimal thickness (at least 5-6 mm) with reinforcements to withstand the pressure of heavy loads and not be damaged.
- Tents. An opportunity to cover a grain dump truck with an awning allows you to preserve and protect valuable cargo from weather factors. The grain will not be scattered during transportation.
- Tailgate locking hardware quality. If the hardware is of the finest quality, the tailgate won’t suddenly be opened on the run and the cargo will remain safe and sound.
- Lifting axle availability. It is an important component of a semi-trailer which is lifted automatically when the body is empty, and it lowers when loading.
- Is underrun protection provided? To reduce the curb weight of the semi-trailer, many truckers do not use underrun devices. Such actions are highly not recommended!
- The presence of a stop for safe servicing of the dump truck with the body raised. The stop fixes the body in the desired position to protect maintenance personnel from accidents.
The right choice of a semi-trailer is a guarantee that your transportation to be efficient and your logistics to be profitable.
What Kind of a Tipper Semi-Trailer Suits Grain Transportation
How to choose a grain-transporting semi-trailer? Load capacity and spaciousness are both significant for a carrier as they provide high profitability of freight transportation. Yet, when buying a semi-trailer, do not forget to clarify the warranty terms and service maintenance options for a grain-transporting semi-trailer. Just ask a seller about them. This may help you to maintain your machinery in good condition and rely on the technical support of a manufacturer in case of breakages and emergencies.
The Top 7 Best Semi-Trailer Models
Which semi-trailer to take for grain transportation from the options available in the market? Traditionally, popular brands among transport companies that specialize in grain transportation are Benalu, Schmitz Cargobull and other semi-trailer manufacturers.
The TOP 7 most popular models of dump trucks and semi-trailers on the Autoline website include:
- Triaxial Benalu C39C14 is equipped with a powerful hydraulic system and stable, spacious design (volume 51 m³), that works effectively in the most difficult conditions.
- Triaxial Schmitz Cargobull SKI 24 SL 10.5. A combo of durability, innovative technologies, and high load capacity (54.01 m³) make it a win-win option for grain traders.
- Biaxial Kaiser 23 Cub in Steel is distinguished by its good capacity of 27.5 m³ and the durability of its construction. It is equipped with air suspension and drum brakes.
- A compact triaxial Langendorf SKS-HS with a capacity of its body of 28 m³ is equipped with a durable chassis and a convenient uploading/downloading system which provides stable and effective operation.
- Meiller MHPS 44/3L with a lifting capacity of 34 tons and a body capacity of 29 m³ is equipped with rear unloading, air spring suspension, and disc brakes.
- Stas S300CX is a triaxial and spaciousн (52 m³) semi-trailer with a lightweight aluminum frame, a powerful hydraulic lifting system, and a comfortable cabin for a driver.
- Triaxial Carnehl CHKS/AH with a useful body volume of 25 m³, air suspension and disc brakes.
Which semi-trailer will be the best one for grain transportation? It depends on the carrier’s fleet and further tasks he sets. You can sell or buy a tipper semi-trailer on the online platform Autoline. Currently, there are 2,244 relevant ads for selling tipper semi-trailers. Here merchants offer various semi-trailers including new, used, crashed, defected, or dismantled to spare parts.