Ideas to unload my 880 trac vac ??

[Kevin M]

I have a Trac Vac model 880 , Basically its a 17 ft cubic cart, with a steel cover bolted to it. Its loaded by an 8hp Briggs. I pull it with a 755 Jd compact , I have used the power beyond to add an extra 2 spool valve so I have hydraulic power at the back of tractor. Other than using a cylinder to dump it, Has anyone else come up with an easy idea to empty one of these without getting off the seat. Yup I'm lazy !

 

[Kevin M]

The back door slides in and out off angle iron tracks , I was thinking of hinging it on the top, spring loading the door to hold it shut. Then building some kind of pusher inside the cart ( Like a garbage truck)

 

[Treemonkey1000]

I am thinking a electric solenoid but if you had a picture might help to come up with better ideas

 

[Kevin M]

Hydraulics would be the easiest. Looking for design ideas

 

[Kevin M]

More pics

 

[Treemonkey1000]

I think hinge the top of the unit and then have a electric solenoid on the bottom that latches closed when the door swings closed. All that you would need is 12 volts from your tractor and a switch to pull the solenoid when you want to dump out the trailer.
Hydraulics could do it as well which would require a lot of line from your tractor or a separate pump and the ram unit.

 

[Kevin M]

Yup your right 12v would be the cheapest, But I already have 2 wet lines available on the tractor. I can make the lines at no cost to me. I just really need to by the cylinders. I guess what I'm looking for is help designing a pusher inside the box , as the leaves get so packed inside of the trailer. Sometimes it takes a pitch fork to get them out. Its the worst when they are damp.

 

[Treemonkey1000]

Alright now I see the bigger picture. My next little brain storm would be that does that thing tip up to dump? I think you said it did without going back to read your first post. If they are still sticking then A: coat the bottom of the trailer with a lexan plastic to make it more slick. B: build a little conveyor belt inside that you can remove when you need since you have a wet line system that could drive it. How strong is the back of the trailer? I am thinking with a pusher system you would have to reinforce the back that you are pushing against. Also spreading out the strain on the push rod so that it doesn't get jammed sideways inside the trailer. It really does sound like a fun project.

 

[Kevin M]

Yes your correct, it dumps. The lexan is an excellent idea !

 

[Kevin M]

The construction is real light sheet metal , less then 1/16 of an inch. My goal is not to leave the seat on the tractor while unloading the trailer.