Hydraulic Dump Tarp Covers: Where They're Used
A hydraulic dump tarp cover with pivoting arm is the automatic tarp system that covers the bed of a dump truck or dump trailer, while you're driving down the road. It's a big improvement over the old manual tarps, which you had to climb up on the truck and cover by hand. Let's look at where hydraulic dump tarp covers are used, and why they're important.
Where Are Hydraulic Dump Tarp Covers Used?
Hydraulic dump tarp covers are used on all kinds of dump trucks and dump trailers:
- Construction dump trucks: Every dump truck that hauls gravel, dirt, sand, or other loose material on public roads is required by law to have a tarp cover. That's because loose material can blow out of the truck and onto the road, which is a safety hazard. Construction dump trucks are the biggest users of tarp covers.
- Garbage trucks: Garbage trucks also need tarp covers, to keep trash from blowing out onto the road.
- Agricultural dump trucks: Farms that haul grain, hay, or other agricultural products on public roads also need tarp covers.
- Dump trailers: Dump trailers — pulled by pickup trucks or SUVs — also need tarp covers, for the same reason. If you're hauling gravel or dirt on the highway, you need to cover it.
Why Are Tarp Covers Required?
Tarp covers are required by law, in almost every state and country. Why? Because:
- Safety: If loose material blows out of a dump truck, it can hit cars behind it, causing accidents. Rocks flying out of a dump truck can crack windshields, or even cause serious accidents. Tarp covers prevent that.
- Cleanliness: Loose material blowing out onto the road makes a mess. It's a hazard, and it's a littering violation.
- Efficiency: If you don't cover your load, you lose some of it on the way. That's money lost, and it's a hazard for other drivers.
If you get caught driving a dump truck without a tarp cover, you can get a big ticket — usually $100 to $500, depending on the state. And if you cause an accident because material blew out of your truck, you're liable.
What Are the Advantages of a Hydraulic Tarp Cover?
Hydraulic tarp covers — with a pivoting arm — are a big improvement over manual tarps. Here's why:
- Safety: You don't have to climb up on the truck to put the tarp on or take it off. That's a big safety improvement — falling off a dump truck is a common injury.
- Convenience: You can cover and uncover the load from the driver's seat, with the push of a button. That saves time, especially if you're making lots of stops.
- Consistency: A hydraulic tarp cover covers the load properly every time. Manual tarps are often put on poorly, with gaps where material can blow out.
- Durability: Hydraulic tarp systems are built to last, and they're designed for heavy use. They're more durable than manual tarps, which wear out quickly.
FAQ
Q: How much does a hydraulic dump tarp cover cost?
A: A hydraulic tarp cover for a dump truck costs $1,500 to $4,000, depending on the size and features. A tarp cover for a dump trailer costs $500 to $1,500. It's a lot cheaper than a ticket, or an accident. Most people think it's worth every penny.