A belt trailer or self unloading belt trailer is a

semi-trailer A semi-trailer is a trailer (vehicle), trailer without a front axle. The combination of a semi-trailer and a tractor truck is called a ''semi-trailer truck'' (also known simply as a "semi-trailer", "tractor trailer", or "semi" in the United Sta ...

that uses either a

chain A chain is a serial assembly of connected pieces, called links, typically made of metal, with an overall character similar to that of a rope in that it is flexible and curved in compression but linear, rigid, and load-bearing in tension. A ...

and flap assembly or a continuous belt that runs lengthwise on the bottom of the trailer. The belt is bolted to bars that in turn bolt to a chain that runs the length of the trailer. This belt is usually composed of rubber that allows the belt to grip the product and various widths are available depending on manufacturer generally ranging from 25 inches to 61 inches wide. A planetary, which is powered by a PTO pump, electric, or gas motor, cycles the belt. Products hauled in these trailers include but are not limited to bulk commodities, agricultural commodities,

municipal waste Municipal solid waste (MSW), commonly known as trash or garbage in the United States and rubbish in Britain, is a waste type consisting of everyday items that are discarded by the public. "Garbage" can also refer specifically to food waste, a ...

, and construction debris. The asphalt paving industry also uses this type of trailer or truck chassis mounted unit to haul hot mix asphalt from the batch plant to the job site. Aggregates used in road building are often hauled with these units. Belt trailers generally utilize a sloped side that in most cases is covered in plastic which allows the product to slide down the sidewall onto the belt. The unload times for belt trailers usually is less than five minutes and the driver does not need to climb into the trailer to sweep like a moving floor trailer or more commonly referred to as walking floor. Generally most belt trailers are made out of

aluminum Aluminium (or aluminum in North American English) is a chemical element; it has chemical symbol, symbol Al and atomic number 13. It has a density lower than that of other common metals, about one-third that of steel. Aluminium has ...

, but some manufacturers feature

steel Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon that demonstrates improved mechanical properties compared to the pure form of iron. Due to steel's high Young's modulus, elastic modulus, Yield (engineering), yield strength, Fracture, fracture strength a ...

and

stainless steel Stainless steel, also known as inox, corrosion-resistant steel (CRES), or rustless steel, is an iron-based alloy that contains chromium, making it resistant to rust and corrosion. Stainless steel's resistance to corrosion comes from its chromi ...

construction that can be used in off road conditions and for hauling corrosive materials. In 1974, the first belt trailer was made and patented by Trinity Trailer. Today, the company produces the EagleBridge—a frameless all steel trailer—as well as the AGRI-FLEX, a belt trailer primarily focused on agricultural products such as chopped hay or silage. Other belt trailer manufacturers include Aulick, Hi-Way, Wilson, and Western.

References

{{Reflist Vehicle technology