Choosing Dumpers Based On Container Type

Container dumpers are essential ergonomic equipment, and when implemented correctly, they’re a boon for any type of facility. When you’re able to automate material handling, productivity improves, period — particularly when the task in question is one of the physically demanding tasks imaginable.

Bin dumpers lift refuse bins, totes, and even larger containers like Gaylords to a set height, then tip the contents into another receptacle. Solus Group carries a wide range of container dumpers designed for heavy-duty environments — but to choose the right option for your facility, you’ll need to think about what type of containers you’ll be handling. 

Common Types of Industrial Containers & Bins

Standard Rollcarts and Garbage Bins

Wheeled garbage bins are maneuverable, but they’re also heavy: A fully-loaded 96-Gallon Cascade ICON Series Roll-Out Cart can weigh up to 300 pounds. If your loads are getting anywhere close to that number, you need appropriate MHE to transfer the waste to dumpsters.

Fortunately, Bin Dumpers were invented for this exact purpose — almost all of Simpro’s Bin Dumper lineup are capable of handling garbage bins. However, if you’re only handling waste bins, there are a few clear options.

Recommended Container Dumper: Multi-Tip® Hydraulic Bin Dumper

The Multi-Tip® Hydraulic Bin Dumper supports standard roll-out bins between 24 and 96 gallons (90 to 360 liters), and its clean hydraulic action makes it the ideal choice for schools, offices, factories, and recycling centers. Standard tip heights of 47”, 63”, or 71” (1200 mm, 1600 mm, or 1800 mm) accommodate most jobs.

For smaller garbage bins, the Ezi-MT® Manual Bin Dumper is also worth consideration. It’s powered by a hand winch, so it’s less efficient than the Multi-Tip, but it’s a useful tool for improving ergonomics — particularly for basic custodial work and other light-duty use cases.

On the other hand, heavy-duty applications call for more substantial material handling equipment. The Dumpmaster® Hydraulic Bin Dumper features a duty cycle of 22,000 lb (1000 kg) of material per charge or 11,000 lb (5000 kg) per hour on continuous charge, with a weather-tight control panel for indoor/outdoor use and tipping heights of up to 106 inches (2700 mm).

Tilt Trucks / Tilt Carts

Tilt trucks are the standard for commercial waste handling. They’re substantial units, and they require specialized handling. Fully loaded, they can weigh upwards of 700 pounds — and while they’re fairly low to the ground, manual dumping creates significant hazards (especially fall risks, if you’re dumping off of a dock or other platform).

Recommended Container Dumper: Tilt Cart Dumper

The Tilt Cart Dumper keeps trucks within its footprint during the entire tilting action for greater stability. Expanded steel, powder-coated barriers enclose the travel path on two sides, while double rear-loading doors swing shut for full enclosure. 

With a maximum capacity of 750 pounds, the Tilt Cart Dumper is ideal for industrial waste handling applications and other high-volume material dumping tasks. It’s powered by a self-contained, rechargeable battery, with an integrated 120V charger that can plug into common wall outlets.

Cubic Bins, Pallet Bins, and Mega Bins

If you’re dumping pallet bins or megabins, you’ll generally want to use the equipment that you have on hand. You’re likely moving those containers with a forklift — so look for a solution that can convert your existing lift trucks into bin dumpers.

Recommended Container Dumper: Forward Bin Tipper

The Forward Bin Tipper (FBT1000-760) provides fast-controlled, hydraulic dumping action and is designed for quick and easy fitting onto or removal from a forklift while the operator remains in the forklift seat.

It’s gentle on bins and suitable for a wide range of solid or vented cubic bin sizes and types. With a minimal loss of forklift load capacity (11.8" on 42.125" tines) and a safe working capacity of up to 2,205 lb (1000 kg), it’s the standard for dumping agricultural containers, megabins, and more.

Gaylords and Bulk Bins

A triple-wall Gaylord box can hold thousands of pounds of material, and handling that type of weight requires specialized engineering to prevent the unit from tipping or walking during the discharge cycle. 

When thousands of pounds of material shift toward the discharge point, the dumper must maintain a steady center of gravity to ensure operator safety. Fortunately, there are Gaylord dumpers built specifically for this specialized use case.

Recommended Container Dumper: Lifting Gaylord Dumper

The Lifting Gaylord Dumper (GLDL) is a stationary dumping solution that empties containers into dumpsters, hoppers, elevated conveyors, and more. 

With a 2,500 lifting capacity, Lifting Gaylord Dumpers can handle virtually any bulk material. Two exchangeable cradle restraints allow for use with all common bin types. Side guarding, safety gates, and a free-standing user control pedestal ensure safe dumping every time.

Find Material Handling Solutions for Your Operation

Some material handling challenges require novel customizations. Recently, Solus Group worked with Goodwill of Arkansas to select Tilt Cart Dumpers and Gaylord Dumpers, improving the non-profit’s ability to sort donation materials and handle waste onsite. 

If you need help determining which container dumper is right for your unique workflow, the experts at Solus Group can help you find solutions to keep your materials moving safely. Describe your project for a free quote or call (314) 696-0200 to speak with a member of our team.