Walking Floor Trailers – Why You Should Reconsider Them
Both walking floor trailers (also known as live bottom trailers) and ejector body trucks allow operators to move material safely and efficiently. They offer the ability to deposit their payload without worrying about interfering with overhead power lines or worrying about uneven ground causing the truck to tip over.
Walking floor trailers are designed to unload material horizontally, without requiring the trailer body to be raised. This makes them a practical option for applications where controlled unloading is required while keeping the vehicle stable during discharge.
There are some major advantages to ejector body trucks like our EjectX, and we will discuss them further in this article. But first, let’s discuss how walking floor trailer systems work and what operators should consider when comparing them with an ejector body.
How Do Walking Floor Trailers Work?
Walking floor trailers use a moving-floor system to transport and discharge material from the rear of the trailer. The moving floor is powered by a hydraulic system, allowing the load to be moved horizontally without tipping the trailer body.
The term “walking floor” is also sometimes used interchangeably with “live bottom” when discussing horizontal unloading systems. However, the terminology can vary between manufacturers, operators and industries.
The typical live bottom trailer has a conveyor belt on the bottom of the trailer tub that pushes the material out of the back of the trailer. The live bottom trailer is powered by a hydraulic system. When the operator engages the truck hydraulic system, it activates the conveyor belt, moving the load horizontally out of the back trailer. These systems are commonly suited to free-flowing materials.
How Does Our EjectX BODY Work?
While walking floor and live bottom systems use a moving mechanism to discharge material, EjectX uses a different unloading system.
EjectX is an ejector body that unloads material efficiently, accurately, and safely. Our design implements a hydraulic system that propels a plough through the Bisalloy body and ejects any and all contents. Commonly used for rock, concrete, demolition material, crusher dust, as well as hot and cold asphalt, EjectX revolutionises the way material is moved.
As the plough moves through the truck, the tailgate is lifted automatically, enabling the contents to slide out easily without damaging the tailgate. For safety and protection of the tailgate, the system will not move the plough unless the tailgate is released.
What Are The Benefits Of EjectX Over Walking Floor Trailers?
For operators considering a walking floor trailer, it is worth comparing the unloading systems, maintenance requirements and material-handling capabilities before choosing a solution. EjectX offers a different approach to horizontal unloading, with the following benefits:
● Lower maintenance and repair costs
● Lower sides, enabling easy clean-up after completed jobs
● Capacity to eject any material type, including cold and sticky asphalt as well as large rock and demolition debris
● Less obtrusive design which prevents damage to fundamental parts like hydraulic motors and hoses
● Simpler system and fewer moving parts, reducing risk of problems
● No belts, slats, chains, or bearings, which makes it a safer and lower maintenance design
● Lower centre of gravity
● Clean body after ejecting payload
● Provides controlled and accurate material displacement – this allows control of the exact amount, area, and speed of ejection
● ‘Asphalt EjectX’ is 10% lighter than competitors
Walking Floor Trailers vs EjectX: Which Is Right For Your Operation?
Walking floor trailers can be a suitable solution for operators looking for horizontal material discharge. However, the right system depends on the type of material being transported, the operating environment and the requirements of the application.
EjectX provides an alternative approach, using a hydraulic plough rather than a conveyor-based unloading system. This allows operators to consider another option when comparing ejector bodies with walking floor or live bottom systems.
If you’re currently considering a walking floor trailer, it may be worth comparing both systems before making a decision.
Are You Ready To Reconsider Using Walking Floor Trailers & Take A Look At Our EjectX Ejector Body?
With so many advantages and such an innovative design, EjectX is your best choice for safe, efficient, and accurate transportation and unloading of materials. We have specially designed EjectX to unload bulk materials without the usual stresses, difficulties, and delays that commonly arise with other trailer designs like walking floor trailers.
To learn more, you can find our EjectX brochure here. If you’re ready to add the ShawX EjectX to your fleet and transform how you move materials, get in touch with us today on 07 3286 3794.