Safety guide
Hydraulic tipper operating & safety guide
How to safely operate your TrailerMates hydraulic tipper. Always put safety first, follow Australian road rules, and call us if anything's unclear.
Pre-operation checks
Before using the tipper, run through these checks:
- Inspect the hydraulic system for leaks or damage.
- Check the tyres for correct inflation and wear.
- Make sure the trailer bed is clear of debris or anything that could block tipping.
- Confirm the locking pins and safety locks are securely engaged.
- Check the tipping area is clear of people and obstructions.
- Don't operate on uneven or unstable ground.
- Check the hydraulic fluid level with the dipstick and top up with ISO 46 if needed (don't overfill).
- Check the battery charge. A full charge gives roughly 10 lifts.
Loading the tipper
Loading it right keeps it balanced and safe to tip:
- Spread it evenly across the bed to avoid side-to-side or front-to-back imbalances.
- Stay within limits, don't exceed the trailer's maximum load or your vehicle's towing capacity.
- Contain loose material so nothing shifts during transport.
- Do a final walk-around to confirm even distribution and that gates and latches are secure.
Tipping (step by step)
Tipping needs care to avoid tipping the trailer over. Keep it connected to the tow vehicle the whole time.
- Prepare the site, park on firm, level ground, engage the park brake and chock the wheels.
- Disengage the tilt safety locks before you start.
- Remove the tailgate and secure the rear cage to the side of the trailer.
- Secure the rear gate correctly with the spring latch.
- Raise the bed slowly with steady hydraulic movements. The ram lifts in 5 stages to full tilt; speed depends on the load weight.
- Keep your distance while it's tipping, and watch for hazards from the raised body.
- Never jerk the ram to shake a load loose.
- Don't tip on soft or uneven ground , it can cause the trailer to overturn.
Unloading and lowering
Once you've tipped, lower the bed carefully:
- Lower slowly to avoid sudden jolting or damage.
- Engage the locks, once fully down, re-engage all locking mechanisms and safety pins.
- Reinstall the tailgate and put any cages back in place.
- Check the area, clear any leftover debris and look for damage before moving off.
Safety warnings
- Don't operate near live electrical wires or overhead hazards.
- Don't use damaged or faulty equipment, report any issues to us straight away.
- Never stand underneath the raised bed without first securing the safety bar.
- Never bypass safety mechanisms or modify the hydraulic components.
- Always tip on a solid, level surface.
- Don't overload or load unevenly.
- Keep bystanders clear of the tipping area.
Maintenance
- Charge the battery fortnightly, or more often with regular use, and avoid fully draining it to prolong its life.
- A 12V solar trickle charger fitted to the toolbox keeps it topped up between hires.
- Check the hydraulic hoses and cylinders for leaks or cracks.
- Confirm the control valves and safety locks work properly.
- Lubricate all moving parts to reduce wear.
- Inspect the frame, hinges and structural parts for corrosion or fatigue.
- For long-term storage, keep it dry and secure and depressurise the hydraulic system.
Need a hand?
TrailerMates support.
If anything feels wrong, stop and check before you continue. Phone or SMS 0420 399 277.
Chat with us
Safety first, always double-check your setup and never rush it. Thanks for hiring with TrailerMates.
