MECO Extra Heavy Duty Self-Dumping Hoppers | SDHX Series

MECO extra heavy-duty self-dumping hoppers are forklift-compatible dump hoppers built by Modern Equipment Company for dense scrap, abrasive debris, and high-volume industrial waste. Reinforced steel construction supports repeated forklift handling and dumping cycles in demanding environments. The self-dumping mechanism allows a single forklift operator to collect, transport, and dump material without manual unloading.

Eleven models cover 1/4 yard to 5 cubic yards. Capacity varies by model and decreases at larger volumes: 1/4 yard through 2.5 yards carry 6,000 pounds each; the 3-yard model carries 5,000 pounds; and the 4-yard and 5-yard models carry 4,000 pounds each. Verify the capacity of the specific model against the actual material weight before ordering.

Selecting the Right Hopper:

♦ Volume, select based on the volume generated at the collection position between forklift pickups. The 1/4-yard (SDHX025) through 3/4-yard (SDHX075) models suit compact positions with tight clearance or lower generation rates. The 1-yard (SDHX100) and 2.5-yard (SDHX250) models suit moderate-to-high-volume scrap collection. The 3-yard (SDHX300), 4-yard (SDHX400), and 5-yard (SDHX500) models are well-suited to high-volume applications and central staging locations.

♦ Capacity decreases at larger volumes, unlike many Jesco hopper series, where capacity is uniform; the MECO extra heavy-duty series reduces capacity at the three largest sizes. The 3-yard (SDHX300) is rated at 5,000 pounds, and the 4-yard (SDHX400) and 5-yard (SDHX500) are each rated at 4,000 pounds. Do not select a model based on volume alone without confirming the capacity rating matches the material weight.

♦ At matching volumes, MECO and Jesco both offer self-dumping hoppers in overlapping volume ranges. The MECO series uses model numbers that directly encode cubic-yard capacity (SDHX025 = 1/4 yard, SDHX100 = 1 yard, etc.), making volume identification straightforward. Compare capacity ratings and dimensions at each volume when evaluating between the two brands.

♦ Physical dimensions scale with volume. The smallest models (1/4 and 1/3 yard) are 26" to 30-1/2" high; the mid-range 1 to 2.5-yard models are 38-1/2" to 44" high; the three largest models (3, 4, and 5 yards) are all 59-1/2" high. Verify the height and footprint of the specific model against available space and overhead clearance at the collection position.

Where Commonly Used:

♦ Metal Fabrication and Machining Scrap Collection, fabrication, and machining operations collect metal chips, cutoffs, and scrap. Use the MECO extra-heavy-duty series for high-density metal waste that can reach 6,000 pounds in a relatively small volume.

♦ Manufacturing Production Cell Waste, production cells that generate packaging debris, plastic, and process waste use the lower-volume models for point-of-use collection, while central staging areas use the larger models to minimize forklift pickups per shift.

♦ Foundry and Heavy Metal Processing, foundries and steel processing facilities handling dense casting scrap and process waste use the 6,000-pound models at smaller volumes where the material weight is reached before the hopper is full.

♦ Recycling Collection and Transfer, recycling operations that sort and stage materials for transfer to compactors or trailers use the larger 3 to 5-yard models to accumulate high volumes between forklift cycles, reducing operational overhead per ton processed.

♦ Demolition and Industrial Cleanup, cleanup crews handling concrete, steel, and mixed demolition debris at industrial sites use the MECO hoppers for controlled bulk collection and dump-to-dumpster cycles without manual shoveling or bucket-and-crane handling.

CustomMHS is an authorized MECO distributor. All purchases include the manufacturer's factory warranty.