Mixer Drivers - Use Hydraulic Flip/Fold Chute?

Discussion in 'Tanker, Bulk and Dump Trucking Forum' started by JD MACK, Oct 20, 2014.

  1. JD MACK

    JD MACK Bobtail Member

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    Oct 20, 2014
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    Does anyone drive a front discharge mixer with the hydraulic flip or fold chute? Wondering how this works with the control pendant and safety (can you still lift this chute with the extensions on it? - how does it lock out). Also I've seen these on rear discharge mixers. Again wondering how this functions. Would appreciate pics if possible. Want to make sure my people are trained properly.

    Thanks,
    JD
     
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  3. KW Cajun

    KW Cajun Road Train Member

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    Apr 12, 2013
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    Welcome JD
    I've only driven a front discharge a handful of times, about ~8 yrs ago, but that had a control panel switch (same as pendant switch,, just not a pendant controller). I drive rear discharge Mack Granite with a pendant controller. The chute has two control switches. One to raise/lower the chute (hydraulics) and the other to lock the chute from horizontal travel/swing (via electric solenoid to air activated lock/brake). The chute can raise or lower with all 3 standard 4' extension chutes attached. You want to avoid trying to raise it IF all chutes are heavily filled with stiff low-slump concrete, as that puts extra stress on the hydraulic cylinder.

    I also never allow any contractor to attach an extension chute unless it is supported with brace/cribbing, as the hydraulics are only load-designed for the total truck chutes. As for the safety aspect, maybe be more specific. I only raise/lower my chutes when instructed to by the spotter or I can see or *know* that the chute area is clear of any people or obstacles. Hope this helps, but lemme know if this brings on further questions or clarification.

    I found a small pic of a typical pendant controller. The two yellow buttons on the lower right raise and lower the chute. The black rocker switch just to the left of those... lock the chute from horizontal travel. As you probably know, the chute also has a standard manual pin lock to lock it horizontally, primarily during travel. There is no lock for up/down chute movement whatsoever. That's why care needs to be taken with the chute raise/lower button controls.

    View attachment 73262

    EDIT: Sorry JD,, somehow I missed the keyword in your original post (hydraulic *fold/flip* chute). My info above doesn't address that, but I'll leave it for the basic info on standard chute hydraulics, for others. Please forgive my flaw-prone speed reading. ;)
     
    Last edited: Oct 20, 2014
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