Everything You Need to Know About Mining Trailers

By Steven Harrisson, June 29, 2021

Trailers are simple, yet effective and often undermined as they help us easily transport large quantities of goods and equipment. Imagine a world without trailers. How would we be able to transfer stuff from one place to another? The fact that something so simple can be so crucial shows us that even the simplest things are extremely important for the operation of many industries, including the most resourceful one – the mining industry.

There are various technologies at play that make mining trailers far more capable than regular ones. The resources extracted from the earth are used in almost everything we see and use today, including trailers themselves. So in a way, trailers have helped create all kinds of everyday devices, because if it weren’t for trailers, the materials needed to make these items wouldn’t arrive where they’re needed to produce these devices.

What Does the Mining Industry Produce?

The mining industry of Australia is known for producing coal, and it is one of the largest reserves of high-quality thermal coal. This type of coal is used for generating electricity and steam, which thanks to rigid mining trailers gets to where it needs to be on time, ensuring everything runs as smoothly as possible.

Different Types of Mining Trailers

Scissor Lift

A scissor lift trailer comes with holding supports that go up and down by opening and closing, making a criss-cross pattern when doing so. Scissor lift trailers rely on hydraulics to lower and raise the trailer at an angle, which is handy when you want to unload easily. A scissor lift allows for a greater dumping capacity and it is a sustainable design that will last a long time.

Enclosed

If you need a mining trailer to keep equipment and gear safe from the elements or from getting stolen, then you should consider making use of enclosed trailers. Enclosed mining trailers add a greater level of security since they also come with hitch locks and additional locks for the side and/or roof doors.

Flatbed

If you’re not worried about the elements and prying eyes as much and want to be able to load and unload a trailer easily, then go with a flatbed mining trailer. You can haul all kinds of heavy materials, as well as loads that have an awkward shape. You don’t need a loading dock to get stuff on a flatbed trailer. Plus, cleaning flatbed trailers is extremely easy and convenient, something that can go a long way when transporting dirty equipment and minerals.

Tandem

A tandem trailer comes with two trailer axles which help distribute the weight of the load better. Unlike a regular mining trailer, tandem trailers are better for carrying heavier loads since they come with quality suspension. Tandem trailers are more stable even at motorway speeds, and you’ll be able to replace a tyre without using a jack.

Tipper

Tipper trailers are similar to scissor lift trailers as they are also made to dump cargo easily, except tipper trailers don’t rely on the same mechanism as scissor lift trailers. They are easier to manage, simply because their mechanism allows them to get out of any cab and they don’t move as fast.

Mining Trailer Maintenance

Tyres

The first thing to check every week, not only when it comes to the truck but the trailer is the tyres. From all that towing around and working with heavy cargo, the pressure inside them can slowly start to decrease. Make sure to fill them up with air and to check for any wear and damage. Don’t forget to check for missing lug nuts too.

Lights

Brake lights are the most important safety feature on any trailer. Make sure to check them every day, as you never know when they can start to malfunction. Not having a brake light operational can make the difference between a life and death situation. Even if one brake light isn’t working, make sure to swap both lights with new ones to ensure peace of mind.

Lubrication

The undercarriage is exposed to all kinds of debris and it is the area where all the gears and fittings are found. To ensure everything works well, make sure to lubricate them to prevent any costly repairs in the future. The components you need to lubricate often are tie-rods, U-joints, as well as the plate of the fifth wheel, including its bushings.

Suspension

The suspension of the trailer is important as it ensures that the trailer doesn’t jump up and down, especially when driving on a bumpy road. To ensure that your cargo stays on the trailer, make sure to inspect the suspension for wear and tear. Also, if you happen to notice any cracked springs and hangers, or any missing bolts, make sure to bring your trailer to the nearest mechanic. It’s better to prevent any major issues before they even happen because if they do, you can end up spending a lot of money and time on fixing them.