There are many ways to get a construction job done, but some methods are easier than others. Tools and machinery have evolved over the years to help cut costs on labor, minimize project time, and get work accomplished more precisely.
One machine that helps with all three is the slinger truck.
Slinger trucks are specialized dump trucks that can place material in very particular locations. They are designed to “sling” gravel, sand, and other material at a certain trajectory into a specific part of your work site, as opposed to traditional dump trucks that deposit material in a pile further away. By accessing hard-to-reach areas, they eliminate the extra steps of hauling and spreading. Their high-speed, pivoting, remote-controlled conveyor belt system is a game changer for backwall installation.
If you’re planning a backwall construction project or another project that requires material movement, the slinger truck could change your project timeline for the better.
Slinger Trucks for Backwall Construction
A backwall is a retaining structure designed to hold back earth, stone, or embankments. Backwall designs differ slightly depending on their purpose, but no matter the project, every backwall requires a thick layer of aggregate (usually gravel or crushed drainage stone) backfilled directly behind it. This allows water to drain properly and prevents hydrostatic pressure from cracking or collapsing the wall.
The perfect machine for delivering this aggregate is a slinger truck.
Why Use a Slinger Truck?
Traditional dump trucks are great at hauling material, but they can only do one thing: dump aggregate into a single, massive pile. For backwalls, this creates a major logistical headache.
Using a slinger truck solves this issue and more.
1. Overcoming Access Constraints
Filling in stone at a backwall with a dump truck requires a larger crew to transport the stone that’s lying yards away. Stone must be moved with wheelbarrows or hand shovels and this can take hours, or even days.
A slinger truck requires just one operator using a wireless remote control. The truck can place an entire load of stone exactly where it needs to go in under an hour, cutting labor time down dramatically.
3. Protecting the Site
Heavy machinery, like dump trucks, driving back and forth over a construction site can cause the ground to compact and can aesthetically disrupt the area. This can also compromise the soil, damage underground piping or infrastructure, and destroy plants.
Because a slinger truck places material from a distance, heavy equipment never has to tread near the backwall, keeping the surrounding site clean and intact.
4. Perfect Leveling and Minimal Waste
Slinger operators can adjust the speed and angle of the conveyor stream as needed. This allows them to distribute the aggregate in perfectly uniform layers. It also eliminates the human error of over-shoveling, saves on material waste, and drastically reduces the time the crew spends on raking.
Bray’s Topsoil Calculator
If you’re looking for aggregate or slinger truck services for your next project, check out Bray’s material calculator or contact the team for more information.
Explore the Material Calculator.