Archives for June 2019

Tips for Buying the Right Dump Trailer

June 28, 2019 by
If you own a construction or landscape company, a dump trailer is useful and versatile and can change the way you do business, making it much easier and more efficient to haul dirt, sand or mulch.At first glance all dump trailers look and operate the same; you fill them up, you dump them out, the job is done. What more do you need to know? Actually, there is quite a lot more to dump trailers than you may think. You have to be careful when considering utility trailers that are for sale because not all are created equal. When you start doing your research and take a closer look at what is on the market, you will see that there are several key differences and a number of features that will make one dump trailer superior to another.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A DUMP TRAILER

Sizes mattersYou can get dump trailers that vary in length from 8-ft. to 30-ft and when choosing a trailer, you need to decide what you will predominately be using it for as this will determine the size. The most common size is 14-ft because it has good capacity but is still reasonably maneuverable. You want a trailer that can do the job, but you don’t want to spend a lot of extra money on something that is far bigger than you will ever need. Before you buy a trailer, check the towing capacity of your tow vehicle.Axle OptionsMost dump trailers will have either torsion axles or leaf spring axles. Torsion axles are quieter and require less maintenance as there are fewer moving parts, but leaf spring axles are typically a better choice as they are more robust and perform better on uneven ground or rough terrain. Dump trailers are frequently overloaded and if the torsion axle bends, the entire axle will need to be replaced. But if you damage a leaf spring axle you usually only need to replace the broken leaf springs, a far cheaper option than buying a whole new axle.Lifting MechanismThere are several different lifting mechanisms that you can choose from.Telescopic-style hydraulic lift – This type of lift is typically mounted on the center front of the box and will lift the box all the way to its dumping angle with just one cylinder.Dual-piston hydraulic lift – Two pistons placed under the trailer are used to push the trailer up to its dumping angle.Scissor lift – This is currently the option most favoured by manufacturers. The scissor lift is stronger than a single ram and uses one cylinder to push the trailer up to its dumping angle, working like a scissor to get maximum leverage when dumping.Some dump trailers have a power down system that uses the battery when lowering the dump box, but this will reduce your battery life, so it is better to choose a trailer with a gravity down system, saving your battery for the heavy lifting.Sidewall and floor optionsMost trailers have a standard 24-in. wall height, but you can add removal solid metal or expanded metal lath extensions if you need greater sidewall height. The floor of your trailer obviously needs to be thick and sturdy but the spacing and size of the cross-members under the trailer will also have a big impact on durability and strength. If the floor metal and the cross-members are not strong enough, your trailer floor will bend and warp.Don’t compromise on tiresThe tires on your dump trailer are extremely important. Tires need to be the correct size as undersized tires are a safety hazard. Bias ply tires are cheaper but radial tires are far superior and you need to look at the load rating of the tires to make sure that they are designed to carry the loads that you will be hauling, you do not want your tires to wear out quickly or have a blow-out.There are many utility trailers for sale and if you are buying one for the first time, all the options can be confusing, but McFarlane’s can help you find the best dump trailer for your business.

Utility Trailer – Towing with a Small Car

June 24, 2019 by
Utility Trailer – Towing with a Small CarOne of the first things you are told to do when buying a utility trailer is to check the towing capacity of your vehicle and make sure that it is up to the job. So that begs the question, “can you tow with a small car?” The answer, quite surprisingly, is yes you can tow with a small car. Remember towing relies one-third on the vehicle, one-third on the trailer and one-third on the tow hitch. This means that your car is only one-third of the equation. Before you buy the first cargo trailer that you see, we have some helpful advice to make sure it is right for you.

WHY DON’T PEOPLE TYPICALLY TOW WITH SMALL CARS

It is commonplace to see large pick-up trucks and SUV towing trailers down the highway but when you see a small car towing a cargo or utility trailer you generally do a double take to make sure that your eyes are not deceiving you. When Canadians want to tow, they buy a pick-up or SUV but on European roads, you will see more people towing with small vehicles because most of them drive smaller cars and they expect them to be able to do more than the Canadian or American market does. This is because we have all been convinced, by car manufactures, that you can’t tow with a small, compact car.Car manufacturers do publish the tow ratings of their small cars in their manuals, but they also caution that the cars are not recommended for towing and many manufacturers state that they do not recommend installing a trailer hitch. They usually go on to explain that if you do plan to tow a trailer you need to be aware that your vehicle will perform differently and it will affect your handling, fuel economy, service intervals, and overall performance. And while all this is true, it does not mean you can’t tow with your car, even if it is small.

DO THE MATH BEFORE YOU TOW WITH A SMALL CAR

When towing with any vehicle, the weight of the trailer isn’t the only factor. You also need to consider the tow vehicle’s axle load limits, and the overall gross combination weight rating of the trailer and tow vehicle combined, including cargo and passengers. Obviously, a small car carrying only the driver will be able to tow far more than a small car that is fully loaded and has three large passengers. Vehicle tow ratings are based on braked or unbraked trailers and it is important to know how your car is rated as this will determine the size and weight of the trailer and how towing will affect the handling and safety of your car. When you tow with a small car it helps to have a trailer that is designed to minimize mass and aerodynamic drag.

LOADING YOUR TRAILER CORRECTLY IS ESSENTIAL WHEN TOWING WITH A SMALL CAR

When you tow with any vehicle, it is important to pack your load properly, but this is especially important when you tow with a small car. An unbalanced load or any movement of your cargo can severely affect the handling of your vehicle and on wet, icy or slippery roads you could skid or lose control. Incorrect load distribution will pull the rear of the vehicle down and affect your steering and an overloaded trailer will put unnecessary strain on your car, damaging your tires, wheel bearings, and axle.

SAFE TRAVELS WITH YOUR TRAILER

Technically towing is one-third vehicle, one-third trailer, and one-third tow hitch; but it is more like one-quarter vehicle, one-quarter trailer, one-quarter tow hitch, and one-quarter the driver. Before you go anywhere do an all-around inspection of your vehicle and trailer, checking the trailer hitch, wheels, tires, lights, load distribution, and load security. Always be responsible when you tow, drive slowly and carefully, maintaining a safe following distance and speed that will allow you to stop smoothly in any situation. If you’re new to driving with a trailer, or if it is the first time towing with a small car, you need to familiarize yourself with the vehicle’s handling before you go on a long trip.McFarlane’s has a wide variety of utility trailers for sale and can help you find the perfect trailer to suit your needs and your small car.

Benefits of a Flatbed from Canada Trailers

June 21, 2019 by
The North American trailer market is highly competitive. To survive and thrive in this market, trailer manufacturers need to be on top of their game at all times and offer a wide selection of trailers for sale. The continued success of Canada Trailers in this competitive industry is a testament to the quality and versatility of their products and the many benefits to owning one of their flatbed trailers.Canada Trailers is a nationally recognized manufacturer with a growing international presence. They dominate the market in Canada and local influences can be seen in their model selections and trademark design. Perfect for working hard in difficult conditions, bad weather and rugged terrain. Their headquarters may be in Ontario, but Canada Trailers maintain a strong presence throughout the country via a network of authorized dealers, meaning that if you are looking for Canada Trailers for sale, you won’t have to look far. There will be a dealer near you with parts readily available.

A WIDE SELECTION OF TRAILER MODELS

Canada Trailers manufactures numerous model types, covering practically every type of trailer, including; flatbeds, utility trailers, dump trailers, car haulers, landscape trailers and a premium series for the more discerning buyer. This wide selection of trailers means that you are bound to find a new or used Canada Trailer to suit both your needs and your budget. Canada Trailers are locally made and designed to operate in the harsh Canadian climate, operating in low temperatures and heavy snowfalls. The trailers are manufactured to be used over rough terrain and are constructed with high quality, durable parts and premium materials that will last a long time. If you look after your trailer properly and ensure that it is in good working order, your Canada flatbed will work hard for you for many years.

HAULING EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY

Hauling large irregularly shaped machines, or equipment with wheels can present a range of challenges, including being difficult to secure and having a tendency to roll around or tip during transport. Flatbed trailers, with their low platforms and open construction, are the only trailers that that are specifically designed to safely transport large machinery and equipment, making them indispensable to countless industries, including mining, construction, and agriculture. Owning several different size flatbeds and utility trailers, with different build specifications and features, is useful for construction companies, factories, and heavy industry, allowing them to transport goods according to their own schedule and meet their client’s needs.

LOVED BY LANDSCAPERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY

Landscaping businesses throughout Canada always need trailers and a good quality flatbed can be an extremely useful addition to your company. They come in various sizes; smaller flatbeds are useful for gardening and lawn services while larger flatbeds are ideal for commercial landscaping projects. The flatbeds can be customized with sidewalls, toolboxes and rear ramps to suit the needs of most landscaping businesses.

WHY BUY A FLATBED FROM MCFARLANE’S

Flatbeds, or low boys in industry slang, with a low main platform designed to be close to the ground to improv e stability when transporting extremely heavy or awkwardly shaped loads, are always popular and sought after by our customers. At McFarlane’s, we stock a wide selection of the most reliable flatbeds that are robust and long-lasting with structural integrity and unrivaled performance. Depending on your exact requirements and budget, we can recommend one of several flatbed models from our extensive lineup. We have a wide selection of trailers for sale, so contact McFarlane’s today to find the ideal flatbed for you.