How to Safely Operate a Dump Trailer
If you are a landscaping professional or a farmer, you know how important dump trailers are for your operation. These versatile and durable rigs can be used for accomplishing a wide variety of tasks, from transporting loose materials from one place to another, to hauling equipment and supplies to your work site. Dump trailers are also quite easy to handle, which makes using them a breeze. However, there are some precautions you’ll need to take when you operating a dump trailer.
To help you follow the safety best practices, we’ve compiled this list of ways to operate your dump trailer. If you have any questions or if you’d like to see some dump trailers for sale, visit True Value Trailers & Power Equipment in Penrose and Florence, Colorado.
Load and Unload Your Trailer Safely
Before you hitch your dump trailer and hit the road, make sure that the tow vehicle can handle the load. You'll need to know the Gross Combined Vehicle Weight of the tow vehicle, which tells you how much weight it can safely transport. This includes the weight of the dump trailer and the payload. While loading the trailer, spread the cargo evenly throughout the bed. Before unloading, ensure that the dumping area doesn’t have any objects or people standing in the way.
Maintain the Trailer’s Balance
If you are not careful while unloading your dump trailer, there’s the risk that it may tip over. To avoid such accidents, park your trailer on as flat a surface as possible. When the dump trailer bed is lifted, the center of gravity of the load must stay between the frame rails. A raised dump trailer is more prone to lateral pressure, so be extra cautious when there are high winds or else wait till the weather calms down.
Be Careful When Lowering the Dump Trailer Bed
When workers move between a raised dump bed and the frame of the truck or trailer to complete maintenance or repairs, they put themselves in potentially fatal situations. If the dump trailer bed lowers unexpectedly, a worker could get crushed under it. This can occur either due to human carelessness or because the lift mechanism could become weak due to overloading. You can get a lift arm installed to keep the bed in place. Also, remember to always engage the lift arm before stepping under the bed.
Contacting Overhead Wires
When there is contact between a raised dump bed and power lines, there’s the risk of an electrocution mishap. If the driver stays in the cab, there’s no fear of electrocution because the tires provide insulation. However, anyone in actual contact with the trailer is in danger. To avoid such accidents, know the height of your trailer when raised. If the trailer does come into contact with exposed wires, the driver should remain inside the cab.
We hope that this guide has been useful. If you’ve any questions or want to check out some quality dump trailers in Penrose and Florence, CO, be sure to visit True Value Trailers & Power Equipment. We welcome all those in Pueblo and Colorado Springs.