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Title: How bottom-dumps come out on top

Journal Article · · Coal Min. Process.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5236499

Whether on-highway or off, bottom-dump semi-trailers may offer significant operating and maintenance advantages over end-dump straight trucks or semi-trailer configurations. In fact, many semi-trailer and body manufacturers expect that bottom-dumps will gain a significant share of the total market as transportation costs become more critical. The most obvious difference between bottom-and end-dump configurations is that much of the bottom-dump load is carried in the hoppers below fifth wheel level. This results in a low center of gravity which contributes to a very stable ride. The relatively low position of the load also permits low body walls. One 33-yard, 30-ton capacity model, for example, has a wall height of 9 ft 2 in. which makes loading possible with virtually any front loader.

OSTI ID:
5236499
Journal Information:
Coal Min. Process.; (United States), Vol. 20:8
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English