Way to quickly unload gravel from trailer

stryped snipped-for-privacy@yahoo.com on Mon, 5 Aug 2019 04:13:34 -0700 (PDT) typed in rec.crafts.metalworking the following:

I'm going to assume that you have done a cost benefit comparison on having them deliver. Yeah, costs a lot, but you're done. Same with renting a dumper type trailer, what you spend on rentals you make up in time. After that, I keep thinking some kind of section floor liner thingy. Assuming you have a tractor / winch to pull it out, that way you only have to move a 5 foot wide by 4 long section of the load at a time. Still going to have gravel falling everywhere in the trailer as you unload. Have brooms.

And worth the cost you paid for it, B-) One thing as I consider this: trying to make multiple runs in a limited time, you are going to have to optimize this. As in Saturday morning, you have to be first at the gate when they open, and no rest for the weary. Neatness in unloading does not count. I am recalling an attempt to save money by helping to move my Mom, many years ago. Ufda. 60-70 miles one way, I think what we saved in rental costs we more than made up in travel time and gas. Also there was the afternoon I tried to change the tire on the trailer. It too had boogies (dual wheels) and after spending most of the day getting no where, went and rented a floor jack. Spent more time renting and returning it than the actual job.

Things to consider.

A variation on your blade is to make a fixed blade, drop it down into the front of the trailer, and just pull the trailer forward to push the stuff out the back so no winch needed. You could make something hoe shaped that anchored to the ground behind the trailer and pivoted up and down or use ropes instead of fixed links so you can let out more rope for each load so you don't have to shift each load after unloading, or a guillotine attached to two posts set in the ground (perfect place for the garage door track and rollers and a beefy sheet for the "door"), but now you do have to shift each load before the next one.

A lot simpler to just trade the trailer on a dump trailer

I called a truck. They really did not want to give me the time of day since it was such a small job.

Interesting gullotine idea....

"Carl" snipped-for-privacy@ZYXverizon.net on Mon, 5 Aug 2019 15:58:56

-0400 typed in rec.crafts.metalworking the following:

Good idea.

Option two: one guy does the fetching and hauling, second person runs a bobcat to shove the gravel out of the unloading area.

Is there anything you could tie a heavy duty tarp to while you drive out from under it? Buy a heavy canvas tarp, (not a Harbor freight all purpose tarp) line the bed with it and drop the load on top of the tarp. When you get to your site, tie the canvas to a couple of trees and drive away. You might need to put cement blocks behind the fender wells so the material doesn't bind up behind them. If you need more than two loads, I guess you need more than one tarp. Maybe a sheet of plywood in the bed would make it slide easier. I haven't thought about the hot asphalt.

Just don't let it get cold!!!!!!

If you know a source, used conveyor belting would be much stronger than a tarp. And potentially free:) Back when we had llamas, I made a lifting sling from a scrap of used conveyor belt. Worked great the few times we used it.