How to grease your MTM end-dump trailer

Properly lubricating your dump trailer is essential for smooth operation and long-term durability. 90% of the issues we see are because someone didn’t properly grease their trailer. Okay, that number was exaggerated, but a lot of the problems we see could have been prevented with regular greasing.

We’ll walk you through the key grease points on three of our trailer models: the quarter-frame, the frameless, and the full-frame.

Following this maintenance routine’ll ensure that your trailer is always in top condition and avoid unnecessary wear and tear. Regular greasing is crucial, especially within the first week of receiving your trailer.

1. Quarter-Frame Dump Trailer Greasing Points

We’ll start with our quarter-frame trailer and work through each critical grease point:

1. Fifth Wheel Plate
   • Pivot Points: Each pivot point has at least two grease fittings—one on the inside and one on the outside.
   • Saddle Points: Keep grease between the saddles and the fifth wheel plate to prevent accelerated wear on the wear plates.
2. Hydraulic Cylinder
   • There are two grease points—one at the front and one at the rear of the main hydraulic cylinder.
3. Center Stiff Legs
   • Pivot Point: Three grease points here—one on the outside, one on the short arm’s inside, and another inside the main arm.
4. Rear Tires
   • Lower Pivot Points: Three grease points on each side of the lower pivot arm.
   • Upper Draft Arm: Grease points on the outside, middle, and rear of the upper draft arm.
5. High Lift Option
   • Two grease fittings on the top rail—one at the rear dog leg and another at the hydraulic lift.
6. Underneath the Trailer
   • Three grease points—one on each hinge of the tub and one on the quarter frame hinge.
7. Tailgate Latches
   • Grease fittings are located just under the lip, slightly off-center, and on the opposite side of the latch.

2. Frameless Dump Trailer Greasing Points

Now, let’s look at the grease points on our frameless dump trailer:

1. Barn Door
   • Two grease points on each section—one on the top and one on the bottom of the door hinges.
2. Center Pivot Point
   • Grease points on the outside, middle, and rear of the bolster.
3. Two-Speed Landing Gear
   • Three grease points—one on top, one on the bottom, and another on the backside of the case.
4. Fifth Wheel
   • It has the same setup as the 23-foot trailer, with grease points on the inside and outside of the pivot arms and the front and rear of the cylinder.

3. Full-Frame Dump Trailer Greasing Points

For the full-frame dump trailer, follow these key grease points:

1. Hydraulic Cylinder
   • Two grease points—one on the front and one on the rear of the cylinder.
2. Landing Gear
   • Three grease points—one on the box and two on the legs.
3. High Lift Option
   • Grease points at the dog leg and high lift arm on the swing section of the gate.
4. Rear Hinges
   • Grease points on both sides of the hinges—outside, center, and opposite side.
5. Cable Tarp System
   • For trailers equipped with a cable tarp, activate the high lift gate and open the tailgate to access and grease the rear fitting.

Greasing Frequency and Maintenance Tips

For best results, grease your trailer within the first week of use to ensure all points are properly lubricated. After that, aim to grease the trailer every few days, depending on usage.

Pro Tip: If you’re local to Kewanee, feel free to stop by our facility if you need help greasing your trailer. We’re always happy to assist!

Conclusion

Regular greasing is a small but vital part of maintaining your trailer’s performance and longevity. By following this guide, you can ensure all key components are properly lubricated and protected. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. Proper maintenance today means fewer headaches on the job tomorrow!