Regardless of the industry in which you work in, you may want to consider investing in self-dumping hoppers for your business. These large containers streamline the process of transporting materials to make relocating or disposing significantly easier. Below are a few facts about self-dumping hoppers that help explain their purpose and functionality.
What Are Self-Dumping Hoppers?
Self-dumping hoppers are specialized containers that feature a dumping mechanism. You can place any excess materials inside to move them to another location, or use the hopper to store and transport waste. After moving it to the desired location, you can release the contents. This allows you to essentially “dump” the contents of the self-dumping hopper without having to come in contact with the materials.
How Self-Dumping Hoppers Work
Self-dumping hoppers work in conjunction with lifting equipment, such as forklifts. If you already own a forklift, you can use it with self-dumping hoppers. These hoppers typically feature lugs or pockets to accommodate the lifting forks. After placing the lifting forks in the appropriate position, you can raise the self-dumping hopper.
Here’s a breakdown of how self-dumping hoppers work:
- Materials are loaded into the self-dumping hopper.
- Lifting equipment is positioned over the lugs or pockets, and the self-dumping hopper is raised off the ground.
- After moving the self-dumping hopper to the desired location, the contents are released.
- The self-dumping hopper will tilt at an angle so that the contents spill out the front.
- The self-dumping hopper is returned to its original, upright position, at which point the process can be repeated to move additional materials.
The Parts of a Self-Dumping Hopper
Most self-dumping hoppers contain a few basic parts. As previously mentioned, they feature lugs or pockets, which allow a forklift or other lifting equipment to raise them off the ground.
Self-dumping hoppers also feature a container body. The container body is the part that holds the materials. Because they are so commonly used in the workplace, self-dumping hoppers require a strong container body, such as a stainless steel body.
All self-dumping hoppers feature a release mechanism. It’s a mechanical or hydraulic system that allows the operator to tilt the self-dumping hopper and, thus, release the contents from the container body.
In Conclusion
If you regularly move heavy materials during a typical workday, a self-dumping hopper may prove useful. It will allow you to move and “dump” materials more easily. Some of the benefits of using self-dumping hoppers include increased productivity, lower risk of bodily injuries and improved workplace morale.