Hydraulic Tippers in Hobart

A hydraulic ram sits under the tray and pushes it upward when activated, tipping the load out the back. Most trailers run an electric pump powered by an onboard battery, which charges off the tow vehicle while you drive. A handheld remote or a switch on the drawbar operates it. The battery holds enough charge for repeated tipping between trips, though leaving a trailer unused for months will flatten it like any other battery.

Check the hydraulic fluid level periodically and look for leaks around the ram and hoses, since a slow leak will eventually stop the tray lifting properly. Keep the pivot points greased and make sure the battery holds charge, particularly if the trailer sits idle over winter. Beyond the tipping gear, servicing matches any other trailer, so bearings, tyres, lights and coupling all need regular attention.

It comes down to how often you shift loose material and how much of it. If you are moving soil, gravel, sand or mulch weekly, a tipper pays for itself in saved time. For occasional garden waste or household loads, a box trailer with a cage does the job for considerably less. Tippers also carry a higher tare weight, which reduces payload slightly against an equivalent box trailer.