EQUIPMENT SPOTLIGHT | JUN 2015 TARPING SYSTEMS

by MARY M. COX

Tarping options for trucks used in the waste industry are intended to help ensure the safety of the operator and others by containing the load, whether on the road or otherwise. In fact, laws are in place in many areas that mandate this. As a result, the market offers plenty of options that comply with these laws.

Shur-Co manufactures a number of tarping systems for the waste industry under the Donovan and Shur-Co brands. Scot Fuhrman is vice president, construction and international markets. He said, “Our product line includes systems like Sidewinder, Double Flip and 4500HD for transfer trailers and Hy-Tower, Quick Flip and OX for roll offs. As with each of these products, we’ve created a piece of equipment that allows drivers to effectively and efficiently secure the loads from the safety of the ground. Also, we understand the rugged environment in which trucks and trailers operate, so we design with durability, flexibility and ease of maintenance in mind.

“The Donovan Sidewinder transfer trailer tarping system is just one example of that. Transfer trailers are over 13’ tall. Manual covering is time consuming and extremely dangerous. With the Sidewinder, a driver can completely cover a 53’ long trailer in 17 seconds by standing safely on the ground and flipping a switch. Transfer trailers flex as they are loaded and unloaded. The Sidewinder design allows the tarp system to flex along with the trailer, avoiding damage and ensuring consistent, reliable operation. This is why Sidewinder is the most popular flip lid covering system for transfer trailers and has been for over 15 years.”

Fuhrman noted how haulers typically cover their trailers by hand or by using a ground operated manual crank side roll tarp. Besides being physically demanding and dangerous, either method is very time consuming. “Using Sidewinder allows an operator to both uncover and cover in 34 seconds. Hand tarping or side roll tarping can take up to 15 minutes or more. If a trailer is hauling 5 or 6 loads a day, the time saved with a Sidewinder will translate to extra loads. It isn’t hard to see that a quick ROI is attainable.

As a result, we’ve sold thousands of Sidewinders throughout North and South America, Europe and elsewhere since they entered the market,” Fuhrman stated.

Pulltarps offers a full line of tarping solutions for the waste, recycling, construction and landscape industries. The product line includes manual, automatic arm and front to back systems, as well hydraulic towers. Pulltarps is a family business, founded in 1989 by Lynn Chenowth, who also founded Chenowth Racing Products. “We invest in state of the art technologies and all of our products are manufactured in-house so we can offer superior products and customize easily,” said Lili McFarland, director of marketing and business development.

The firm’s automatic tower includes super heavy duty mesh and the product is a fast growing favorite. It adjusts from 72” lowered to 120” when fully extended and includes everything necessary for installation along with a self-contained hydraulic power pack and 102” wide housing. Made with a durable 2” x 4 3/16” wall, rectangular steel tube frame that is powder coated, the fixed cylinder eliminates hose movement and wear. It is combined with Pulltarps’ single spring arm system – also popular with large volume waste and scrap trailers.

The manual tower system is available in an electric arm style or in spring-loaded, pull-style housing. The heavy duty 12 gauge steel wind guard housing comes complete with an external ratchet assembly. With the tower fully raised, the tarp is pulled out to cover the load and secured to the back of the bin. The tower is then lowered pulling the tarp down over the front of the bin. All system tarps can be easily reordered by referencing the identification data permanently marked on each tarp.

McFarland explained, “Whether related to containment laws, safety regulations or other aspects, our designs are continually improved, based on customer feedback. Our relationships with customers don’t end after the sale – they’ve just begun. When choosing a tarping system, consider: Is it a quality product and how long will it last? Is it simple to install? How is the service after the sale? How long will it take to order replacement parts? Is this the best solution for my application? After all, safety, ease of use and faster tarping means more productivity and a better bottom line.”

Kaplan Tarps manufactures replacement tarps for all the major systems – side rolls tarps, drag rags, diaper tarps, hand tarps, custom tarps and they also stock an extensive inventory of replacement tarps in common sizes. The firm offers products for the waste, transportation and aerospace industries. “We also offer upgraded quality on tarps, along with installation and parts for systems. Some of our most popular products are heavy duty expandable tarps, 22 oz. side roll and roll off tarps. We also custom manufacture products to client specs,” said owner, Nick Kaplan.

Kaplan added, “We’re always working hard to develop even lighter, yet wear-resistant material for our tarps, so that our customers can get the most life out of a product that takes intense punishment. We also push to improve the ease of use and safety of our products and manufacture items that customers will return to for quality and durability. Our customer service is the best in the business and I believe that is part of the reason we’re now celebrating our 100th year in business. Looking ahead, we notice that more and more companies are making operator safety their number one priority. With the rising cost of insurance, owners are seeing the value in a well-built tarp system – one that can be operated safely by a driver, keeping them out of harm’s way.”

Published in the June 2015 Edition of American Recycler News