Dump Trailer: Improved Swinging Tailgate

[Glowplug]

I have been brainstorming and would like to resurrect an old idea. MadReferee had previously taken a Country Mfg. Wagon dump trailer and constructed a swinging tailgate. Please seee this thread: Country Mfg wagon swinging tailgate. It's a beautiful set-up. My idea was to simply do this same modification but to add a switch to latch and unlatch the tailgate from the seat. What I had in my was using a solenoid to move the lower locking latch. Something like an automobile power door locking setup may work. If you had a two door setup you could latch and unlatch both lower pins from the tractor operator's seat. That's as far as my plan has gotten. I have never constructed anything like this before. If anyone has any thoughts, ideas, or suggestions please share. Also, if you have any ideas as to where materials may be purchased please chime in. Thanks.

P.S.: You know, after I already submitted this thread I realized I probably should have put it in the "Customization" category. Oh well.

 

[MadReferee]

Not to discourage you but is there really a need for an automatic latch system? I originally thought about doing something like this but rejected it as being not practical and overly complex considering I was look for something simple.

 

[rswyan]

Not to discourage you but is there really a need for an automatic latch system?

Only if you want to avoid getting out of the seat.

 

[Glowplug]

Mad,
I don't know. I would like to be able to load up a wagon load, haul it to the dumping spot, then dump it using the hydraulic lift from the seat. Perhaps you could comment a little on the function of your modification of the trailer. Do you have to get off the tractor, go to the back and unlatch the trailer, then get back on the tractor to dump it? Then get back off the tractor to re-latch it before getting back on the tractor to load it up again? Or can you just leave it "free swinging" during transport and then dump it without ever leaving your seat?

 

[MadReferee]

Do you have to get off the tractor, go to the back and unlatch the trailer, then get back on the tractor to dump it? Then get back off the tractor to re-latch it before getting back on the tractor to load it up again?

Not really. I only have to walk back, unlatch the tailgate, then walk to the back of the tractor since my spool levers are at the back between the seat and the ROPS, dump/undump, re-latch, then go back to the tractor. It's not all that amount of hassle or time consuming or difficult. Several steps each way, no big deal.

Or can you just leave it "free swinging" during transport and then dump it without ever leaving your seat?

I sometimes do this. Depends on what I am hauling.

As always, your mileage will vary.

 

[Glowplug]

I'm starting to see your point-of-view Mad. I think a remote latch device would be something that would add some convenience. But for that convenience to be "worth it" it would have to be relatively easy to build and work almost flawlessly. If either of those criteria were not satisfied it would probably be "more trouble that it's worth". It would likely not satisfy either! I would think that it would be very difficult to construct and also not work very well. I could see a scenario where if you had a full load with pressure on the tailgate the solenoid switch would not be strong enough to open it. That's when you'd want to use it more than any other. I think I may put it on the back burner as something to maybe consider at a later date.

 

[joes_427_vette]

Glow plug; I think you hit the solution on the head. The solenoid would not work if there was pressure against it. Look at the dump trucks with a automatic trip and the ones I have seen have a hydraulic cylinder working the latch. Whats a coupe more hoses and another cylinder ????? It could be done but I don't believe it would be worth the effort. Besides it is good excercise !!

 

[oliver28472]

No need for any latches or solenoids. I remember when folks were hauling silage in dump trucks around here and had a tailgate with the hinge mounted at the top of the side planks but ahead of the tailgate. The weight of the tailgate holds it shut until dumped, then the load pushes it open. No getting out of the seat.