Live bottom trailer

A live bottom trailer is a semi-trailer used for hauling loose material such as asphalt, grain, potatoes, sand and gravel. A live bottom trailer is the alternative to a dump truckor an end dumptrailer. The typical live bottom trailer has a conveyor belt on the bottom of the trailer tub that pushes the material out of the back of the trailer at a controlled pace. Unlike the conventional dump truck, the tub does not have to be raised to deposit the materials.

Operation

The live bottom trailer is powered by a hydraulic system. When the operator engages the truck hydraulic system, it activates the conveyor belt, moving the load horizontally out of the back trailer.

Uses

Live bottom trailers can haul a variety of products including gravel, potatoes, top soil, grain, carrots, sand, lime, peat moss, asphalt, compost, etc.Those who work in industries such as the agriculture and construction benefit from the versatility of the trailer.

Safety

The live bottom trailer eliminates trailer roll over because the tub does not have to be raised in the air to unload the materials. The trailer has a lower centre of gravity which makes it easy for the trailer to unload in an uneven area, compared to dump trailers that have to be on level ground to unload.Over head wires are a danger for the conventional dump trailer during unloading, but with a live bottom, wires are not a problem. The trailer can work anywhere that it can drive into because the tub does not have to be raised for unloading.

Advantages

The tub empties clean, making it easier for different materials to be transported without having to get inside the tub to clean it out.The conveyor belt allows the material to be dumped at a controlled pace so that the material can be partially unloaded where it is needed.The rounded tub results in a lower centre of gravity which means a smoother ride and better handling than other trailers.Working under bridges and in confined areas is easier with a live bottom as opposed to a dump trailer because it can fit anywhere it can drive into.Wet or dry materials can be hauled in a live bottom trailer. In a dump truck, wet materials stick in the top of the tub during unloading and causes trailer roll over.Insurance costs are lower for a live bottom trailer because it does not have to be raised in the air and there are few cases of trailer roll over.

Disadvantages

The live bottom trailer is not well suited for heavy rock and demolition. The larger materials can damage the belt and conveyor. The trailer is also not well suited for large volume materials such as bark or garbage because the material does not flow well on the conveyor. Materials with a high volume are a problem, but weight is not.

External links

Trout River Industries, Manufacturer of live bottom trailers [http://www.troutriverindustries.ca/] Flow Boy by HI-Way, Manufacturer of Live Bottom Trailers [http://www.highwayequipment.com/]