Dumping while Not Level

Of course getting stuck is not a big deal just ask a bulldozer driver to push you out,lol.

 

In 11 years, I've never laid one over. While I have dumped on unlevel ground when absolutely necessary, there is one main reason I haven't laid one over. I chose not to dump. At the end of the day I don't care what dispatch says or what the customer says....it is my job, my safety, my responsibility to the safety of those around me, and my company-issued equipment and/or my personal equipment.

If I think it's unsafe to dump. I won't. I have had dispatchers tell me to get it done, and I've had customers yell at me. But....after their refusal and/or talking them down....they usually come around. Explaining the possibility of the financial amount of damage to their facility as well as the possible loss of time usually works.

 

I'm with you. I won't like I've see a lot more side dumps go over than I've EVER seen frameless. Some from unlevel ground...and some from slowing down and not keep tension on the king pin.

 

I pulled a Reliance tub end-dump for about 11 years on the West Coast. It had the single-point steel spring suspension. I carried some small steel blocks (1 and 2 inch thick) and when dumping on un level ground would put a block on the suspension pad on the low side of the trailer. Trailer went up crooked until the suspension hit the bump stops on the bottom of the tub the it straightened up. Never pulled an air ride dump.

 

My 2 cents worth as a seasoned end dump operator is be very careful . Sand and rock not likely to flip as long as you raise slowly and make sure there is no holes in front of axle that tires are going to roll into while raising or you might have a problem . I know , dumped many loads on very uneven ground . If hauling dirt or frozen material that sticks in top of trailer you better be real careful. Just raise real slow and pull forward a bit of needed to let more material out because you want the top to empty before getting up high as that is what gets you. The longer your trailer the worse it is . I've dumped barrels while one tire sitting on top of about 6 inch rock but a end dump is a bit longer than a 28 foot barrel .
Most tips I seen were in wet lumpy clay . idiots trying to pull forward in a hurry dumping rock . never had a problem with sand at concrete plant . the ground just is not that uneven normally .

 

Never push your trailer unless no other option .

 

http://blog.pbk.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Dump-truck.jpg

 

There is no other way with side dump .bull dozer guy gives you a gentle push from the back of your trailer with his bucket untill you're off the material to which you got stuck from.Its really not a big deal it happens all the time in the construction industry.You just have to learn and remember to dump material a few feet from the pile and stay away from the soft areas because you will get stuck.If you're dumping where other drivers are you need to dump beside his pile and a few feet away and at an angle.

 

Never used a side dump . guessing they are steel like a barrel ? End dumps are aluminum so pushing does damage , I know I have had to do it when no chains around . They have a sticker on them warning not to push . I assume it has something to do with damage to king pin or perhaps the frame bushings on a frameless trailer but I do know the bucket does damage no matter where the bucket pushes on the aluminum .
Why can't you pull a side dump ?

 

I've done side and belly dump.the bulldozer drivers have always been gentle when pushing me out.Some places it's near impossible not to get stuck.What you should do is put in the differential before entering the spot where you dump and keep going as you're dumping.