I've been thinking more on this project. Sorry for the lengthy post. Part of the reason I'm typing it out so thoroughly is so I don't lose the paper with my math and prices. Permanent record. Bed will be approx. 7' x 9'. I want to do it as cheap as possible, but also not "cheap out". Ideally I'd use 2" x 4" x 3/16" rectangle tube for the floor frame and 3/16" plate steel for the floor decking. Those options will be expensive and heavy though. The expensive part is the bigger deal for me. 2" x 4" x 3/16" is 6.87 lbs./foot x 60 feet = 412 lbs. It is $10.33/foot, or $620 before tax 7' x 9' x 3/16" plate steel = 482 lbs. A 7' x 9' piece is $735 before tax Totals: 894 lbs. and $1,355 + $85 tax = $1,440 total cost of materials So.... I'm thinking of replacing the 2" x 4" box tube with 4" c-channel and the 3/16" steel plate with ship lapped 1.5" thick White Oak. Cross members will be approx. 21" o.c. Span of the C channel cross members will only be around 4 feet to where it rests on the main frame rails of the trailer. Can be seen in video. 4" c-channel = 4.5 lbs./foot x 60 feet = 270 lbs. $6.65/foot x 60 feet = $399 before tax 63 sq. ft. of White Oak = 94.5 board feet at 1.5" thickness = 340 lbs. Cost = Free. I have White Oak and a sawmill. Figure maybe $50 for hardware (bolts, washers, nuts) So my way would be: 610 lbs. vs 894 lbs. So 284 lbs. lighter. $474 with tax vs $1,440 with tax. So about a grand cheaper. Am I missing anything or does anyone see an error in my logic?
Just some weld on hinges at the back of the frame to connect the dump body to? What are you going to do for a lifting mechanism? Extra crossmembers needed to mount lifting mech?
Yes, some heavy duty homemade hinges. Probably use 1.5" diameter rod. The lift mechanism will be an old piston I hope to scrounge from a dump truck at the scrapyard. I'll have hydraulic hoses made up. Will use extra crossmembers between members and heavy pins to attach the piston to the frames.
How are you going to power it? With a typical electric motor and hydraulic pump like most dump trailers?
That's what I haven't decided yet. My tractors have hydraulic rear remotes to power it for off road, but then it would no good for on road use. Having the option to use it with either would be nice. What would you do?
Depends on your cash flow. Kinda sounds like you're going to use it offroad with a tractor primarily? Not sure if the size of this would move the cylinder very fast but should move it. I'm sure they make different size ones though. 12 Volt DC 0.48 GPM 3000 PSI Bucher M-3241-0112 DA Power Unit 0.13 Gallon Tank | DC Power Units | Hydraulic Power Units | Hydraulics | www.surpluscenter.com
