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Whats the best way to break down a semi trailer?

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  1. #1
    injunbin started this thread.
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    Whats the best way to break down a semi trailer?

    It would be great if i had a cutting device for this task, but i do not. is it possible to do this using conventional hand tools?



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    yea you can...but it would take a long time...
    My company name was Easy Recycle but has since been closed
    My Name Stephan Harz
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    Bare minimum I would use a sawzall. Torches would be a far better way of cutting it apart. You can also get a hold of a local junk and see if they will haul it in as is. You wont get as much as taking it in yourself, but if you lack access to the proper tools it may be the best and safest way to do the job. Not all will, but Im sure there is one in your area that will.

    Back when scrap was going for $6 a hundred I got $3 a hundred by having my yard come and get a couple buses. I didn't have to do any work, they came with a flat bed and a large loader, loaded the bus on the flatbed and hauled it away. My time was better spent on other tasks at the time so this was just an added bonus.
    CMHN Recycling

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    Mechanic688's Avatar
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    http://www.scrapmetalforum.com/showt...-Semi-Trailers
    See the above post to see the most efficient way of doing it.

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    If possible, rent a plasma cutter for the day.... cuts like butter.

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    Don't you have to have some training to use those things Billiard ??

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    I hope not. A plasma cutter is next on my list.

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    Plasma cutter is easy to use. Just hook it up to air. Turn on pull the trigger and cut away.

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    You need to make sure you have a good ground also.

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    A plasma cutter works great on steel, you will use up more tips on aluminum, but its still worth the time saved. I use a circular saw on the aluminum with a 60 tooth carbide tip blade. You need a face shield, but it slices through real nice. A saw zall works great on the thin sheet and on some heavy steel if you get the right blades, but it can bind up and shake the daylights out of you.
    I like to remove the roof first, then cut the sides front and back. then poke a hole in the middle at the top, rig a tow strap and hook it to the pick up and pull it down. Then you can work on it on the ground. Once you get the sides cut up you can start on the frame.
    All trailers are different but some things are constant...like the copper wire harness under neath and the wire running in a groove in the top extrusion. 45 feet of copper #16 in a 7 or 8 wire bundle underneath. Also copper and brass at the air line couplings. Some have wire inside the are above the bumper where the lights are.
    Some trailers (older) have embossed aluminum logo plate that sell to collectors. And the tires can be sold if they still hold air, especially the old tube type. We also keep the dollies and spare tire racks and offer them for sale. There is also heavy steel I beams in the floor joists that can be used to make traliers. Dont forget the axles...
    There is more to these things than initially meets the eye.

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    i just got 1 tariler its a 45 ft tall .... how do i start destroying it for scarp step by step ... and how much you think ill get off it $$$$ thanx....

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    Some call me old fashion, but I like to use a hack saw and cut it into pieces small enough to fit in my little red wagon. As far as $$$, the sky's the limit.
    Recyclable Material Merchant Wholesaler
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    "Give them enough so they can do something with it, but not too much that they won't do nothing."

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    Mick's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by brayan99 View Post
    i just got 1 tariler its a 45 ft tall .... how do i start destroying it for scarp step by step ... and how much you think ill get off it $$$$ thanx....
    45 ft TALL? How long is it?
    People may laugh at me, but that's ok. I laugh all the way to the bank.

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    Me like scarp...

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    Tube type tires, probably split rims, are almost worthless. Too old and also Dayton rims, aka wobble rims , are obsolete as well
    Last edited by taterjuice; 07-26-2012 at 09:28 PM.
    Alvord iron and salvage
    3rd generation scrapper and dam proud of it

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    i hope to get your opinion on this cmarkle. what do you think i could get if i cut it up and scrapped. I assume all steel since so much rust etc. cant find anyone in the area to take without charging me. you seem to know more than most about the trailer. You say you save axles and sell as is? and what about ibeams please be more specific. I am a newbie


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