Mini dumper drive systems
A quick over view of different dumper drive systems.
Our mini dumpers have a few different drive systems with differing pros and cons.
The lower priced petrol mini dumpers have a 3+1 gearbox. This gearbox has 3 forward and one reverse gear. Manually selected moving the gear stick left to right. This system is reliable and robust. However, you will find it takes a little more getting used to than other transmissions. It also requires greater strength in your hands to operate. This type of gearbox is used to keep the machine cost down. This type of transmission will require the most maintenance. You can minimise maintenance by using 1st gear when using a loader or in tight site areas when the dumper is loaded. In addition, use 2nd gear when loaded and travelling distance over relatively level areas. Use 3rd when transporting when empty. 3+1 models are MD300R, MD300, MD500, MD500H, GAMULD5H
The next step up for the petrol mini dumper is the 6+2 gearbox. This gearbox offers 3 forward gears and one reverse gear. Additionally, there is a high and low range selection. This means you have 6 forward drive options and 2 reverse. The gears are selected from a “H” pattern similar to the layout in a car. The 6+2 gearbox requires less input forces on the controls and is generally more user friendly. This type of gearbox also gives the dumper greater ground clearance. As a result, off road ability improves. The drive belt and cable will need regular adjustment. This can be minimised by selecting the gear appropriate for the situations, like the strategy suggested for the 3+1 gearbox above. Models with 6+2 gearboxes are MD500HPR0, MD500HPROS, MD500HPROHT, MD500HPROHTS,
Premium dumpers have a hydraulic drive system. This system has no manual gearbox. The travel speed is determined by the level of input from the control lever for the given track. The mini dumper will have a travel lever for each track. Each lever can be controlled independently. This will allow greater control and the ability to spin on the spot. This type of transmission requires no regular adjustments and will only need oil changes when serviced. The controls are easy to use. Therefore, someone with little or no experience can use this with no issues. Our hydraulic drive models are , GAMULVH5PRO,
To summarize
The 3+1 is good and reliable but made for a price, with user-friendliness suffering.
The 6+2 offers benefits over the 3+1 with increased user friendliness and reduced maintenance. Additionally, there is the benefit of improved off road performance.
The hydraulic drive dumpers have the best system. They are easy to use and have low levels of maintenance. However, there is the downside of the additional costs.
What model is right for you?
3+1 Is the budget option. It is harder to use and takes the most looking after. Great for home use and light business use. Not good for smaller or weaker hands!
6+2 Home use and light business. If you are a small business/ owner operator you will need to ensure the machine is used and maintained correctly. In addition, this type of machine also requires less force to operate the controls for people with weaker / smaller hands.
Hydraulic, Business and home use where the machine is used regularly. It is also useful in situations where people are unwilling or unable to perform regular maintenance.
Basically the more you pay the less maintenance and easier to use!
