Hyraulic system for dump trailer

[John Chappelear]

I'm currently building a dump trailer (5'x12') to use for multiple jobs around the ranch and would like some imput from anyone that would be willing to help.

I took two 3"x36" cylinders off a tractor I had in the yard for the lift system.

I plan on using a 12 volt pump off an old lift gate for the oil supply.

I would like a dual system, 1. Self contained unit (12volts)while pulling the trailer with a pickup 2. Hoses that could be hooked to a tractor when using it around the ranch.

Has anyone done something like this?

Also, I'm considering building a portable hydraulic system that would be light enough to put in the back of my pickup to be used when working with hyraulic units.

Has anyone built something like this?

Thanks,

Chappy

 

[kennyd]

I guess you could "T" into the lines that go to the cylinders and add long lines that will reach the tractor...you probably should also put valves on the lines near the pump so when it's tractor powered there is now flow back towards the power unit.

Also, be sure of the specs on the lift gate pump, and make sure you have a large enough reservoir to fill the two large cylinders, as it's probably sized for one smaller cylinder.

Would the portable unit you are considering building be electric or gas powered? If electric, you could make the one for the dump trailer removable...And what do you think you'd power with it? It seems you already have a portable unit with your tractor.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I haven't done this, but I've considered it.

Put Quick Connects on the 12V power unit that match the QC's on your tractor. You can either have long hoses on the trailer that coil up when attached to the on board power pack or make a set of extension hoses with QC's that would go between the tractor and shorter trailer hoses.

Then you can have your 12V power unit removable to use as a hydraulic power supply for other hydraulic units. Keep in mind that you'd probably only want to use one of these 12V units to power an occasional use ram. I don't think they'd be rated for continuous duty like a hydraulic motor or towable backhoe would require.

 

[Soundguy]

I 2nd the rec for qds to swap the power source betweent he portable unit or the tractor.. etc..

Soundguy

 

[jmc]

John,

My dump trailer hydraulic pac is very specific about the grade of automatic transmission fluid to use in it. You would want to make sure yours is compatible with your tractor fluid.

My pac doesn't have much flow compared to a tractor's hydraulics and that may be good when starting to lift a full load. The cylinders have to push exceptionally hard at the beginning and hitting them with high flow might damage the cylinder mounts. I've never seen a trailer that was over-designed by much.

John

 

[lhfarm]

I had an old pump that I wanted to use in my old jeep when I pull my dump trailer. It turned out that the reservior was too small for the cylinder (24x4) I was using. I purchased a samll reservior from Northern Tool and built the frame you see in the picture. It works great, but is heavy to lift in and out. Think I'm going to rig a stand for it so I don't have to lift as much.

I am using NH fluid - the same as in the tractor. I switch back and forth with the quick disconnects and it works great.

 

[John Chappelear]

Barry,

Thanks for the pictures of your portable pump. That is exactly what I was planning on building. My neighbor offered me a pump unit that he took off his lift gate when he removed the unit from his Frieghtliner. I need to calculate what volume of oil my system needs so I can find a tank. I'm using 2 3"x36"
cylinders that I took off an old manure loader for my lify cylinders. I got lost awhile after you mentioned putting the unit in an old jeep. I currently have 4 Jeeps on the ranch that I use for fun and work. I checked out the Jeep website and enjoyed it very much. I've never seen and of the lift systems or PTO's on any Jeeps here in Southern California. My dad was a Marine from 41 to 45 and got his Jeep experience the hard way. He got me started with a Jeep when I was about 8 years old.
Thanks,
Chappy

 

[lhfarm]

Check out http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/hydraulics/103434-reservoir-questions-how-big-adding.html for how to calculate the reservoir size.

The jeep works great for towing my trailer. I can reach back from the driver seat, flip the switch on the pump and dump the trailer without getting out of the jeep. Makes for fast trips.

We are about ready to test fire the engine on the 3a. Hope to add some more information to the Web site soon.

Good luck!