Tipping Trailer FAQ

• What is the maximum tilt angle?

  Approx. 75 degrees. Not much will stay in at that angle.

• What are the best practices when operating the hydraulics?

  The hydraulic trailer must be attached to the tow vehicle when in operation.

  Hydraulics have become increasingly reliable, just be mindful of:

  • Overloading the recommended weight rating
  • Make sure tailgate is out of the way before tilting
  • Correct maintenance of the hydraulic mechanism (i.e. keep an eye on the hydraulic fluid levels).
  • Make sure no water gets into the oil reservoir by submersion in creek crossing etc.

  Please be mindful FELK Engineering do not manufacturer hydraulic mechanisms and all warranty or support matters must be raised with the respective manufacturer.

• Can heavy-duty use damage the floor or sides of a FELK tipping trailer over time?

  Generally not, especially when used within specification. Our trailers are built for heavy-duty use however, our tipping trailers are not everlasting if abused.

  If the tipping trailer is regularly overloaded or misused, it will cause stress fractures on the crossmembers which support the hydraulic ram, or, the floor may sag. The running gear in this scenario will also take a hiding. Therefore, look after your trailer and it will look after you!

  We have many of these trailers in the field and they only come back for general service and registration.

• Can I re-fit a different hydraulic mechanism?

  The hydraulic rams are unique and tight so no for the ram, yet the hydraulic pump and reservoir can be changed usually with no problems.

• Do Felk provide hydraulic tipping trailers for industrial and mining clients?

  Yes, we provide tipping trailers for a variety of purposes across a range of industries.

  Clients will come to us with specific requirements. Often, they need to move large volumes regularly and are looking for heavy-duty, reliable equipment to make the job straightforward and efficient.

  For example, a New South Wales mining company came to us for a heavyweight tipping trailer suitable for moving large volumes of coal out of their coal wash plant. They needed to ensure that they were selecting something that was going to do the job day in day out for years, without any issues, so a Felk heavy-duty tipping trailer met their needs.

• What hydraulic systems do you use for your tipping trailers?

  Our Felk trailers are fitted with high-quality hydraulic systems. We pride ourselves on our reputation for strong, durable trailers that are designed and built to last, so it’s important for us to have equally strong, reliable hydraulic systems too.

  We work with a supplier who guarantees their work. They hold themselves to the high standards that we require here at Felk, and are prepared to back up their work with a warranty. This shows they have a strong, reliable product.

• What types of suspension do you use for Felk tipping trailers?

  There are two key types of suspension that we use for our tipping trailers. The first is known as rocker roller suspension and the second is known as independent suspension.

  Rocker roller suspension is suitable for heavy duty trailers like tandem box trailers that are going to be doing a lot of work. We generally use rocker roller suspension for trailers that are two and a half tonne or more.

  Independent suspension is used for cases that involve a weight shifting product inside the trailer. (For example, in work where you may have 300kg up the front one day, and then 200kg or more in the back on the next day.) Independent suspension is designed to limit swaying movements and to keep the trailer level.

• What custom trailers have you made for the mining industry?

  We make a trailer called a blast hole saver trailer. It is an example of a heavy-duty trailer that serves a very specific purpose. This trailer is used to assist with blast hole savers in the mine. (Blast hole savers are like witches hats which are placed upside down in the openings of newly drilled mining holes to stop them from collapsing. Each 400mm diameter cap weighs about 12kg).

  Essentially, the blast hole saver trailer is designed to hold up to 400 x 400mm diameter blast hole savers which are then moved on and off the trailer as needed. This trailer has been specially designed and engineered by Felk in liaison with mine engineers with the result being a trailer very successfully used by multiple mining companies.

  Careful engineering is required to manage the changing weight of the trailer as the hole savers are randomly removed and the weight distribution changes.
  The Felk blast hole saver trailer uses an independent suspension to ensure it remains stable and isn’t at risk of pitching in the air as the back becomes heavier than the front.

  Although the client originally asked for share loading suspension, we advised them of the benefits of going independent in order to ensure the trailer remains highly stable and rigid. This has been a great success.

  Felk Engineering manufactures a 150mm diameter version of blast hole savers and these are also widely used by various mining companies.

• Do tipping trailers put extra pressure on the tow ball and coupling as they lift?

  No. The weight and pressure do not increase. You will still have the same weight across the whole load, and the weight will marginally shift towards the back as it gets higher, because the hinge point is at the back of the trailer and the load is being dispelled at the same time.