Self-Dumping Lift Truck Hopper Considerations

Self-Dumping Forklift Hoppers: Key Considerations Before You Order

When selecting the right self-dumping hopper for your facility, there are several important factors to consider to ensure you choose the best unit for your operation.

1. Choose the Right Hopper Size

Start by asking:

• Am I ordering the correct size?

• Is the hopper large enough for my material volume?

• Can it fit through my facility’s doorways or aisles?

Selecting the right hopper capacity ensures efficient workflow and prevents unnecessary strain on your material handling equipment.

2. Consider Weight Capacity

See our list of hoppers. Consider both the weight of the unit itself and your forklift weight capacity.

3. Consider Mobility and Accessibility

Will smaller forklifts be able to move the hopper efficiently? If your operation requires frequent relocation, consider adding caster wheels or a portable hopper design for better mobility.

4. Evaluate Hopper Placement

Think about where the hopper will be located:

• Is it positioned near conveyors or production lines?

• If placed at the end of a conveyor, will the hopper height match for smooth material transfer?

Proper alignment improves efficiency and reduces downtime during loading or dumping.

5. Match the Hopper to Your Material Type

All of our standard self-dumping hoppers are built tough to handle heavy loads. However, your material type matters. For example, if you’re working in a quarry or heavy industrial environment where stones or scrap metal are loaded, reinforced hoppers with added angle iron or gussets may be necessary for long-term durability.

6. Consider Operator Use and Durability

If your team works in a fast-paced manufacturing facility or tends to be rough on equipment, investing in a heavy-duty hopper is essential. Our customers often say, “Our guys are tough on the hoppers,” — and that’s why Marathon builds custom self-dumping hoppers for demanding environments.

Marathon custom hoppers are engineered for strength, safety, and longevity. Whether you need a standard model or a heavy-duty design built for rugged industrial use, we’ll help you find the right solution for your material handling needs.

7. Shipping Considerations: What are the dimensions? What kind of truck is right for the shipping?

Save yourself time and headaches by carefully getting details about which shipping method is best. With shipping costs continuing to rise, this has become an increasingly common and important question. To help you plan accurately and avoid unexpected freight charges, we recommend reviewing the dimensions of each product carefully. All product measurements are clearly highlighted for your review.

• Some units are stackable. Consider the height of stacking units.

• 2 1/2 yard to 5 Yard hoppers can be set inside each other for shipping, but not stacked hopper-to-base like our smaller units. The height is approximately 7 feet when set inside each other for shipping.

• 4-yard and 5-yard hoppers consume a great deal of floor space. Consider surface area.

• Consider the width of each unit - will it fit in a tractor-trailer when loading via the hopper fork pockets?

Please use the link below to view detailed specifications and ensure the item you select meets your shipping and handling needs.

See individual products.

Custom Hoppers and Options