Mini Tracked Dumpers Vs Wheelbarrows
One of the most popular pieces of earthmoving equipment requested by our customers are tracked dumpers. In particular, mini tracked dumpers which actually begs to question, has the trusty old wheelbarrow officially been replaced? Or does it still have a place for use throughout most construction, earthmoving or building projects? In this resource, we are going to take a look at the differences between mini tracked dumpers and wheelbarrows, their uses in the commercial sector, and finally their cost.
To start with let’s look at the item’s differences.
The difference between mini tracked dumpers and wheelbarrows
The biggest difference between these items is at their cores, is on is motorised, and one relies on physical labour to operate. The wheelbarrow has always been the original and most common way to transport materials, earth and waste for all types of construction activities. This, in fact, dates back to as early as “In 231 A. D, Zhuge Liang of Shu Han in China created a single wheel cart for an efficient way of transporting food and supplies to the front lines of battle.”
We can’t disagree that the trustworthy wheelbarrow has had a long time in the limelight, and no doubt will continue to do so. Nevertheless, newer technology is released to help us to become better, faster and overall, more economical in what we do. This is where the introduction of mini tracked dumpers comes in.
Mini tracked dumpers, also known as tracked barrows, walk behind tracked dumpers, mini tracked barrows etc, have been manufactured to do everything a wheelbarrow can do, but better. These machines use the benefits of a motorised engine and hydraulics to do all the task you would expect an operator to do. Such as unloading, transporting, and in some designs, loading the barrow all without the user having to break a sweat. These machines redefined the way most construction, utilities, demolition, trade, etc. work. Overall, this makes the whole process of transporting loads far safer.
Let’s have a closer look at the benefits of a mini tracked dumper.
Benefits of a mini tracked dumper
Mini tracked dumpers come with a huge number of benefits to using them on either a commercial or DIY project:
- Less training required to operate them
- Compact size
- Less noise than bigger machinery
- Reduced ground pressure
- Lightweight
- Able to navigate over rough terrain
- Easy to use
- Reduces labour hours
- Highly efficient
Less training
Mini tracked dumpers are classed as pedestrian-operated machines which requires less training to use commercially. This is due to their weight limit being under 1 tonne totalling to less than 1 tonne. The use of wheelbarrows on a commercial site does not require an NPORS or CPCS certificate, however it is the responsibility of the employer’s management to insure they are used safely, avoiding injury.
Compact size
Mini tracked dumpers are designed to be a similar size of a wheelbarrow. Most models will not exceed 750mm wide, so that they can fit through standard doorframes or gates. Their compact size is a huge advantage to being able to access some for the tightest of accessed projects.
Less noise
Unlike their larger counterparts, mini tracked dumpers offer a quieter solution to larger fuel powered dumpers available on the market. Wheelbarrows, however, will always offer a near silent operation, as they do not use a combustible engine to operate them. Newer technology introduces electric tracked dumpers, which offer an alternative option for projects in noise sensitive locations.
Reduced ground pressure
One of the biggest benefits of the use of tracked dumpers is the reduction of ground pressure. These barrows are designed to reduce the amount of pressure they admit on the ground they cover. This makes them ideal for the most sensitive of ground types. They achieve this due to the machine’s two rubber tracks that distribute the weight evenly. Resulting in larger loads being transported with minimal ground interruption.
Lightweight
Tracked dumpers are small enough to be transported on a trailer under the UK legal towing limit. The machines can range in weight between 500kg and 1 Tonne. Dissimilar to the wheelbarrow, that can fit into the rear of a standard hatchback car, the tracked dumper offers a lightweight option compared to larger operating dumpers.
Navigate over rough terrains
Mini tracked dumpers are ideal for navigating over rough terrains. Assisted by their motorised engine, they require no human effort to navigate rough terrains. Wheelbarrows, in comparison, require far more effort and rely on only one wheel that bares the equipment’s load. This means it is more susceptible to getting stuck during transport.
Easy to use
Most mini tracked dumpers are extremely easy to use. If you haven’t used one before and you choose to hire one, you are sure to pick the machines controls up very quickly.
Reduce labour hours
The biggest benefit of using a mini tracked dumper is the reduction of labour hours required. Using one of these machines removes almost all of the manual handling that is required to load, unload and transport materials/earth across a construction site. For this reason alone, these machines prevent many lifting accidents from happening every year. Reducing labour hours allows you to complete the project faster and more efficiently.
Highly efficient
These machines are highly efficient, as they allow you to carry more weight per load, faster compared to a wheelbarrow. What does this mean for users? Complete projects faster, get paid quicker, avoid staff getting hurt in the process. Tracked barrows can carry loads up to 1 Tonne per cycle, which is around 8 times the amount a single wheelbarrow.
Examples of a mini tracked barrow
Now you have heard all about mini tracked dumpers, its time to have a look at some examples of the machines.
Hi-tip 500kg tracked barrow
A hi-tip tracked barrow is designed to carry weight weights up to 500kg, safely across construction sites. They can transport all types of materials in their front dumper, which can be lifted height enough to unload into a skip if required. These machines are idea to be used alongside a micro digger.
1000kg Hi-tip tracked dumper
As a slightly larger alternative, the 1000kg hi-tip mini tracked dumper offers the exact same benefits that a 500kg design does. However, it can lift and carry larger loads overall. This machine is regularly more favourable as its dimensions are larger, but still small enough to still access small spaces. For larger projects that operators which to use a mini tracked dumper on, this size machine would be ideal.
Where mini tracked barrows may not be suitable
It may seem that there shouldn’t be a time not to use a mini tracked dumper, and in most cases you would be right. However, there are some instances that may require a wheelbarrow instead. Examples of these are:
In noise-sensitive areas
If you are required to work through the night in noise sensitive areas, a wheelbarrow or electric tracked barrow would be more suitable. Failure to do so could lead to financial penalties.
When working in poorly circulated areas
If you are working underground, or indoors, you need to make sure that if you are using computable engine machinery; you have the adequate circulation present. Most mini tracked dumpers rely on either petrol or diesel to power them. Sometimes it is safer to use a wheelbarrow instead.
When a more efficient piece of equipment is suitable
Not all material moving job requires a mini tracked dumper. Sometimes, for very small landscaping jobs, using a wheelbarrow can be more cost effective across the entire project. If you have more than 1-2 tonne of material to move, then consider using one. If not, it’s best to stick with a wheelbarrow.
Mini tracked barrow hire cost
Before you run off to grab one of these machines to boost your efficiency, you are going to want to know what it is going to cost you. Because a brand-new wheelbarrow is only going to set you back no more than £200.00. The cost of hiring a mini tracked barrow depends on a few determining factors. Who you hire equipment from, the quality of the equipment you hire and the size of the machine you hire.
Who you hire the equipment from is important, as you will find there is a vast difference in cost between suppliers. It is best to find a supplier that shares a competitive price for their machinery along with assessing the next factor, which is the quality of their equipment.
One big factor that determines the cost of a supplier’s equipment is the age of their machinery. The older their machinery, the more likely it is going to breakdown on you during hire. If you are paying top money for a machine that looks like it is going to fall apart, red flags should be waving. The same goes for paying too cheap.
Finally, is the size of the machinery you need. The bigger the machinery generally the more expensive it is to hire. The same goes for features. Not all mini dumpers come with hi-tip features. Be sure you choose the machinery is right for your project, then assess its cost.
Where can you hire a mini tracked barrow?
WHC Hire Services has been supplying plant hire equipment to businesses and the public for over 25 years. With a wealth of experience and a range of tracked mini dumpers available ranging from £75.00 +VAT per day or £145.00 +VAT per week, we have the machinery to help you get the job done. With millions invested, we are committed to keeping all our equipment young and low hours. Allowing you to focus solely on maximising your productivity! Click here to see our range of min and tracked dumpers. Or call us on 01684377977 to arrange delivery of your machinery.