How to Choose a Self-Dumping Hopper
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To choose a self-dumping hopper, start with the weight of a full load, then the volume. Pick a duty rating that covers the weight, a size that holds the volume, and check that your forklift fits the fork openings and can lift the hopper plus the load. Then add any options you need: casters, a lid or a second color.
This guide follows that order, using MECO Omaha's published specs. We sell every MECO self-dumping hopper from 1/4 to 5 cubic yards in all three duty ratings, plus caster kits and factory-installed lids. See all self-dumping hoppers.
What is a self-dumping hopper, and how does it work?
A self-dumping hopper is a steel bin you move and empty with a forklift. You collect scrap, chips, castings, trash or sludge in it, lift it with the forks, drive it to a dumpster or bin, and release the latch. The hopper tips forward on its own to empty, then rocks back upright. One person can do it without touching the material.
- Slide the forks into the fork openings and hook the safety chain to the forklift.
- Lift and drive to the dump location.
- Release the positive locking latch. At the correct fork height, the hopper rolls forward on its rocker lugs and dumps.
- Back away and the hopper returns upright, ready to latch and reuse.
How much weight will I put in it?
Size by weight first. Every MECO hopper has a load capacity, and dense materials like steel scrap, castings and metal chips can reach that limit before the hopper is full. Weigh a typical full load, or estimate it from what you collect today, and choose a duty rating that covers it.
| Duty rating | Body / base | Load capacity | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium Duty (SDHM) | 12 ga. / 7 ga. | Up to 2,000 lb | Lighter applications |
| Heavy Duty (SDHH) | 10 ga. / 7 ga. | Up to 4,000 lb | High-volume industrial use |
| Extra Heavy Duty (SDHX) | 7 ga. / 7 ga. | Up to 6,000 lb | The most demanding environments and heaviest loads |
The largest Extra Heavy Duty sizes are rated lower: the 3 cubic yard SDHX300 holds 5,000 lb, and the 4 and 5 cubic yard SDHX400 and SDHX500 hold 4,000 lb. All three duty ratings use a 7 gauge base and are welded watertight, so all of them hold wet material.
What size do I need?
Once the weight is covered, pick the volume. MECO hoppers come in 11 sizes from 1/4 to 5 cubic yards. Choose a size you can fill between trips to the dumpster, as long as a full load stays within the weight rating.
- 1/4 to 1/2 cubic yard: machine-side chip and scrap collection, small shops, tight aisles. Footprints start at 29" wide.
- 3/4 to 2-1/2 cubic yards: mid-range sizes for production lines, fabrication shops and recycling areas.
- 3 to 5 cubic yards: high-volume collection where you want fewer trips to the dumpster. These are 64" to 100" wide and are not stackable.
Will it fit my forklift?
Check two things: the fork openings and the lift capacity. All MECO hoppers have fork openings 2½" high. The width depends on the size:
- 1/4, 1/3 and 1/2 cubic yard: 18½" wide
- 3/4 and 1 cubic yard: 30½" wide
- 1-1/2, 2 and 2-1/2 cubic yards: 48½" wide
- 3, 4 and 5 cubic yards: 39" wide
Your forklift must be rated for the empty hopper plus the load. For example, the SDHX500 weighs about 1,393 lb and holds up to 4,000 lb, so the forklift needs to lift about 5,400 lb at its load center.
Which options should I add?
- Casters: MECO caster kits fit hoppers up to 2-1/2 cubic yards. Sets of 4 (two swivel, two rigid) come in 6" or 8" wheels in mold-on rubber, steel, phenolic or polyurethane. Match the set capacity to the hopper's weight plus the load. Casters can be factory installed or added in the field.
- Hinged lids: available for every MECO hopper but must be factory installed, so order them with the hopper. Hoppers with lids can't be stacked, and a lid may change how the hopper tips.
- Color: high-visibility orange or gray enamel, both standard and the same price. Gray models end in -G, such as SDHX500-G.
- Stacking: interlocking guides let most sizes up to 2-1/2 cubic yards stack 3 high when empty and the same size. The 3, 4 and 5 cubic yard hoppers don't stack. Never stack loaded hoppers.
What about delivery?
MECO hoppers ship fully assembled by freight truck from Omaha, NE, ready to use on arrival. Delivery is curbside, so have a forklift ready to unload, or ask us to add liftgate delivery to your freight quote. We bill freight at cost as a separate line item. See our Shipping Policy.
MECO self-dumping hopper sizes
Dimensions are width × length × height. Load capacity is per MECO Omaha.
| Size | Dimensions | Fork openings | Medium Duty | Heavy Duty | Extra Heavy Duty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 cu. yd. | 29" × 49½" × 26" | 2½" × 18½" | SDHM025: 2,000 lb | SDHH025: 4,000 lb | SDHX025: 6,000 lb |
| 1/3 cu. yd. | 29" × 53" × 30½" | 2½" × 18½" | SDHM033: 2,000 lb | SDHH033: 4,000 lb | SDHX033: 6,000 lb |
| 1/2 cu. yd. | 29" × 53" × 30½" | 2½" × 18½" | SDHM050: 2,000 lb | SDHH050: 4,000 lb | SDHX050: 6,000 lb |
| 3/4 cu. yd. | 41" × 59½" × 34½" | 2½" × 30½" | SDHM075: 2,000 lb | SDHH075: 4,000 lb | SDHX075: 6,000 lb |
| 1 cu. yd. | 41" × 63½" × 38½" | 2½" × 30½" | SDHM100: 2,000 lb | SDHH100: 4,000 lb | SDHX100: 6,000 lb |
| 1-1/2 cu. yd. | 59" × 63½" × 38½" | 2½" × 48½" | SDHM150: 2,000 lb | SDHH150: 4,000 lb | SDHX150: 6,000 lb |
| 2 cu. yd. | 59" × 69½" × 44" | 2½" × 48½" | SDHM200: 2,000 lb | SDHH200: 4,000 lb | SDHX200: 6,000 lb |
| 2-1/2 cu. yd. | 72" × 69½" × 44" | 2½" × 48½" | SDHM250: 2,000 lb | SDHH250: 4,000 lb | SDHX250: 6,000 lb |
| 3 cu. yd. | 64" × 74" × 59½" | 2½" × 39" | Not offered | SDHH300: 4,000 lb | SDHX300: 5,000 lb |
| 4 cu. yd. | 84" × 74" × 59½" | 2½" × 39" | Not offered | Not offered | SDHX400: 4,000 lb |
| 5 cu. yd. | 100" × 74" × 59½" | 2½" × 39" | Not offered | Not offered | SDHX500: 4,000 lb |
Common questions
Can a self-dumping hopper hold liquids or wet material?
Yes. MECO hoppers are welded watertight, so they hold wet or dry material, including chips with coolant and sludge.
Does the hopper come assembled?
Yes. MECO hoppers ship fully assembled.
Can I add casters to a 3, 4 or 5 cubic yard hopper?
No. MECO caster kits fit hoppers up to 2-1/2 cubic yards only.
Can I add a lid later?
No. MECO lids must be factory installed, so order the lid with the hopper.
Is the hopper secured to the forklift?
Yes. Every MECO hopper includes a safety chain that secures it to the forklift during transport.
Are MECO hoppers made in the USA?
Yes. They are manufactured by MECO Omaha (Modern Equipment Company) in Omaha, Nebraska.
Can I order a size or option not listed on your site?
Yes. We sell every self-dumping hopper and accessory in the MECO Omaha catalog. Email us for a quote.
Need help choosing?
Tell us what you collect, about how much a full load weighs, how often you empty it, and your forklift's fork size and capacity. We'll recommend a size and duty rating and quote the hopper and freight to your address.
- Email: support@mywarehouseworld.com
- Phone: (929) 577-4339, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM EST
- Chat: use the chat button on any page
Written by Neel Doshi, founder of My Warehouse World.