Self Dumping Hoppers
Overall structural integrity for our self dumping hoppers are determined by a couple of factors. The first is the steel thickness. The thicker or heavier the steel, the greater the hopper strength. Thicker steel also has greater resistance to “dings and dents” and punctures from heavy material or careless forktruck operation.
Just as important as the steel thickness however, is the hopper design and the way it is put together. Here at Iron Bull, we have done extensive research on other brands. We have taken the strong points of other self dumping hoppers and put them into a single package.
- Wrap around lip on back corners
- Welded reinforcing angle around top edge
- Side of hopper extending down past the bottom and welded solid
- Welded gussets on inside front corners
These features, put together in one single hopper, add up to a well built unit with great structural integrity

Choosing the Hopper Steel Thickness
Each self dumping hopper size has different steel thicknesses to choose from. The steel thickness of the hopper and the hopper base design determine the duty rating and rate capacity rating. The duty ratings are an important selection factor. For instance, if the material being put into the hopper are heavy chunks of hardwood or metal that will fall with some force, then, even if the weight of a full hopper is less than the weight capacity, a heavier duty hopper will be a better choice. The thicker steel in the heavier duty hopper will have greater “ding and dent”resistance which of course means less repairs and longer hopper life.

Capacity chart for our Self Dumping Hoppers
Note: each self dumping hopper within a particular series has the same height and length. Only the width varies to handle the different capacities. For instance, the Brahma Bull 4yd and the Brahma Bull 6yd are both 60”high and 90”long. Only the width is different. Use the following chart to help you choose the cubic size you need.

Mini Bull Series (H 26”x L 38”) / Economy Series (H 23.75”x L 38”) |
The Mini Bull series has an ultra low profile and is short. The overall height is 26”and the length is 38”. Designed for narrow or tight areas. Available in 1/8 yd. increments. Capacity: 1/8 (17”W), 1/4 (30”W), 3/8 (42”W) “Stretch”Series Capacity: 1/2 (57”W), 5/8 (70”W), 3/4, (84”W), 7/8 (98”W), 1yd. (111”W) |
Baby Bull Series (H 29”x L 50”) / Economy Series (H 27”x L 48”) |
The Baby Bull Series is also a low profile hopper. The overall height is 30” and the length is 50”. This series is very popular in the wood working industry. It is ideal for placing beside your table saw, or, with the Bat-Wing™ Base, underneath your chop saw bench. Capacity: 1/3 (25”W), 1/2 (37”W), 3/4 (55”W) “Stretch”Series Capacity: 1 (73”W), 1 1/4 (90”W), 1 1/2yd. (102”W) |
Junior Bull Series (H 36”x L 66”) / Economy Series (H 34”x L 66”) |
The Junior Bull series is a medium height hopper. The overall height is 36”and the length is 66”. Capacity: 3/4 (33”W), 1 (43”W), 1 1/4 (53”W), 1 1/2 (63”W) “Stretch”Series Capacity: 1 3/4 (73”W), 2yd. (83”W) |
Big Bull Series (H 43”x L 72”) / Economy Series (H 41.5”x L 72”) |
The Big Bull series is our most popular. Overall height is 43”and the length is 72”. Be sure your forklift has the correct capacity to handle these when full. Capacity: 1 1/2 (46”W), 2 (58”W), 2 1/2 (72”W), 3 (86”W) “Stretch”Series Capacity: 3 1/2 (100”W), 4 yd. (114”W) |
Brahma Bull Series (H 63”x L 90”) / Economy Series (H 57”x L 90”) |
The Brahma Bull series’overall height is 60”and the length is 90”. These hoppers hold lots of material! Be sure your forklift has the correct capacity to handle these when full. Capacity: 4 (62”W), 5 (76”W), 6 (90”W), 7 (104”W), 8 yd. (118”W) |
Determining the right size for your operation |
|
Iron Bull makes 5 different series of self dumping hoppers. On the left is a description of each series. Within these 5 series, you can choose from a total of 30 different sizes from the Mini Bull to the Brahma Bull.
Usage |
Hopper Model |
Hopper Gauge |
Top Edge |
Base |
Capacity |
Tapered Slide Box |
For intermittent use and very light material such as cardboard, dry sawdust or shavings. |
Light Duty Economy Available only in Mini Bull and Baby Bull Series |
14 gauge |
formed |
7 gauge open style base |
1,500 lb. |
optional |
For general plant maintenance, lightweight recycling, cardboard, light wood scraps, light metal, etc. Intermittent use. |
Heavy Duty Economy Available in all Series except the Baby Bull |
12 gauge |
formed |
7 gauge open style base |
2,000 lb. |
optional |
For general plant maintenance, lightweight recycling, cardboard, light wood scraps, light metal, etc. Continuous use. |
Heavy Duty Standard Available in all 5 Series |
12 gauge |
welded angle |
7 gauge full length channel base Mini Bull has open style |
2,800 lb. |
standard |
For heavy wood chunks, scrap metal, dense trash and just heavier all around use. |
Extra Heavy Duty Available in all 5 Series |
10 gauge |
welded angle |
7 gauge full length channel base Mini Bull has open style |
5,000 lb. |
standard |
For heavy scrap and heavy shock loads of all sorts. Stone, metal, glass, brick, hardwood, etc. This model will give years of heavy duty usage day-in and day-out. A good choice for sawmills and pallet shops. Used extensively in all types of heavy industry. |
Super Heavy Duty Available in all 5 Series |
7 gauge |
welded angle |
1/4” full length channel base Mini Bull has open style |
7,000 lb. |
standard |
After requests from the scrap yard industry for a less expensive yet heavy duty hopper, we are now offering the Super Heavy Duty Model in an economy version. It is identical to the Super Heavy Duty except it has a formed top edge and an open style base. |
Super Heavy Duty Economy Available in all Series except the Brahma Bull |
7 gauge |
formed |
1/4” open style base |
6,000 lb. |
standard |
Options:
- Tapered Slide Box™
(for Economy Models) - Stacking feature
(not on all models) - 1” drainage Hole
- Crane pick up eyes
- 3 way fork entry
(1/4 to 2 cu yd. only) - Hopper floor lock
(for use with casters) - 3” fork pocket
(our standard is 21/2”) - Push handle
(for use with casters) - Bat-Wing™ base
- Automatic Push-and-Dump™
- Dump-From-Seat™ latch rope
- Open-One-End with Back-Stop
- Open both ends
- Casters
Popular Options:
Casters
simple addition with a huge effect. Add ease of movement within your shop without using a forktruck, saving on propane and forklift wear and tear.
Automatic Dump-From-Seat™
A nylon leash extends or retracts as needed. The latch rope reel has a magnetic mounting clip, keeping the reel on the hopper when not in use. For in use, simply remove from hopper and magnetically stick it to the forktruck frame. To dump, just lock the thumb button and pull. After dumping, tilt the forktruck mast back and the hopper will automatically roll back into its locked position again.
Automatic Push-and-Dump™
The Automatic Push and Dump™ is designed for dumping into roll-offs or other large waste containers. By pushing the latch push tube gently against the edge of the large waste container, the hopper latch is released, dumping its material quickly and safely.
Paint Color Options:
Iron Bull self dumping hoppers come standard with a Gray oxide primer. The following colors are available as an option.