The Pneumatic Tanker Thread

We use a product called Back-Set. You spray it on the cement, let it soak (do not let it get dry!!!), and wash it off. It may take a few applications to get it all off if there's a thick buildup. The nice thing about it is it's not like acid which will give the tank a dull white look. I've used it on fairly new trailers, and it never hurt the finish.

Back Set by RoMix Chemical & Brush 800-331-2243


Also available on Amazon

 

We used to use a product called Sandstorm made from citric acid from the orange peel. it worked the same spray it on let soak for 30 minutes or so and hit with a pressure washer. It took it off in layers and did not burn the aluminum like muratic or phosphorous acid does. Smelled like orange juice. It did not burn your skin either. good luck

 

I have a question. There is a large air valve on back of trailer that hooks up to air bags etc... There is a red light on top of it that always blinks. Don't know why it is there or why it blinks.
Lost air from bags. Only a small amount of air leaks from leveler valve when pushed down. Maybe not enough air going to it?
Bags air up if trailer not loaded.

 

Leveling valve sticking?

 

Well the bolt had fallen out so I could push it all way down and up.
Last time this happened it was in end dump and it was the large valve that controls everything.

 

A straight grinder with a wire wheel works wonders.

 

I had the best running trailer in the company today. 2 30ft hoses going into the portable silo (holds 2 loads) unloaded 440 sacks of lead cement in 24 minutes. Had the 1st bottle wide open 2nd about 2/3 open and the 3rd bottle about 1/3 open without plugging up. Only trailer in the lot that will do that and not plug up. Someone played with the pop off she doesn't start yelling at me until 18 psi tho.

The one im unloading right now is the newest of the bunch a 2016 heil and it runs like a raped ape but its real touchy. Back the line pressure off just a hair and it will plug. Taught the new kid im training how to clear a plugged line 2x. Unhooked a the second line the 1st time it plugged and 2nd how to suck it back into empty bottle.

He went with one of our drivers who is pretty much a bag of dicks to put it nicely and he was having him use top air like 3rd way open line pressure over half open.

I really couldn't think of a good example so i told him think of a hourglass timer with sand and how it freely flows down like water without pushing air down. The told him put some flour in their instead, think it will work the same way? It will just very slowly all it will do is just cut a channel down in and take ungodly long.

 

All good tips given to remove cement. I try preventative maintenance. Don't piss off the guy loading you. I know alot of places self-load, but I still go to terminals where they load for you. Amazing how much more careful a guy or gal (shout-out to Lori) will load you on a rainy day when you are good to them as well. They can control how much air they use to load (too much will dust the heck out of you) or not worry how well the spout is sealing your hatch for the dust collector to do it's job.

Be respectful. Don't pull on their scale on the high side, chock the binders, and expect them to be happy to see you. If it is a place you have loaded at a few times already, know where you need to be. They shouldn't have to repeatedly tell you to adjust or move the spout (if applicable) several feet. And don't get all bent out of shape if you aren't 80,000#. If a couple of hundred pounds is going to make you or break you, you may have chosen the wrong profession.

I find if you are good to them, they will be good to you, thus a whole lot less cement covering your tank.

 

Need to get some day shots but this is my new powder truck. Picking up a 64,000 pound load of flour from ADM in Spokane Wa and headed for Kent Wa.

 

I'm a newbie. Graduate from CDL school next week. Have been driving Class B, 50K pounds, 13 speed, for last 7 years.
Asking for criticism, advise. I've accepted a job with WW Transport. It's a pneumatic trailer, hauling flour. I talked with the terminal manager in Denver. If I run all the time. Not worrying about home time. He says I'll make in the $70k's range. He also liked that I want to run. Said he would give me a run past where I live, 3 times a month. He'll make sure dispatch arranges it so I can take those 34's at my home.
I have to admit. I'm not real oriented yet driving a trailer. Been told it will come. Don't worry. My new boss says he likes that I've run a heavy truck for years. Not too much for me to take on this semi.
I am doing real good in CDL school. But it's very limited. I can't do a whole lot trying to learn extra and get oriented. It's more of follow the directions and what they want. Get the license. I did get in trouble the other day at school. Getting bored. Tried running the backing course in as short of time as possible. Got it down to 6 minutes. And in trouble. I am getting more comfortable driving a trailer. But still very weary out on the road.
I also have to admit. Although I like the Terminal Manager. He's definitely deceiving me on having APU's. Tells me they do. Nothing matches up. He says I can idle if I want. He can't come up with detailed numbers for me. Only 25% of load. I wonder if I should worry about lack of info?
I also like this job, from what I know. I don't want to go reefer and fooling around with idiot, shippers, and receivers. I've heard all about that. Really would rather pass on that mess of a fight.