Perhaps you just started working at a manufacturing plant, and your supervisor asked you to move some materials using one of those big metal bin things: a hopper! According to Polaris Market Research, the worldwide dumping hopper market was valued at $2.15 billion in 2022 and is expected to increase. In other words, hoppers are growing in popularity. Keep reading to learn our advice about how to operate hoppers.
Loading the Hopper
The first step to operating a hopper is loading it up. They come in different sizes depending on their use, so make sure you pick one that can handle the weight and volume of the stuff you need to move. Position the forks into slots on the bottom of the unit and then carefully lift it once it's loaded with materials. As you transport the full one to its destination, drive slowly and keep the load lowered for stability. Our experts indicate that you shouldn't try to overload the hopper past its weight capacity. If you face an issue when doing this step, we are happy to talk with you about trying a different hopper option!
Dumping Out the Hopper
Once you've hauled the loaded hopper to where it needs to go, it's time to dump out the contents. There are a few different types of hoppers, and each of them empties its contents in various ways. Self-dumping hoppers are very convenient. They have a latch that releases the front panel so that it rolls forward and dumps out the contents automatically. Then, the panel returns upright so the device can be loaded again. Our local hopper shop can help you select the right style of hopper for any project.
Learning Some Safety Tips
While hoppers make material transport easy, remember these safety tips. Make sure to secure it to the forklift with chains before lifting. Only stand clear of the dump area when releasing latches to avoid falling debris. Lastly, never exceed the hopper's load capacity. Otherwise, it could break and spill everywhere. Again, our local hopper shop has plenty of safety pointers if you ever feel unsure of best practices.
Using hoppers takes some getting used to, but follow this guide and you'll master it in no time. In our experience, the key things to remember are: use forklifts to lift and move loaded hoppers, dump contents carefully once in position, and prioritize safety through every step. If you want to obtain hoppers or need advice on which one to purchase, reach out to USA Hopper Shop, your local hopper shop.