Haulers who are transporting loose materials, such as gravel, wood chips, dirt, asphalt, etc., need to properly secure to ensure it doesn’t fly out or fall off the truck. Hence, tarping solutions play a crucial role in their business.
However, manual tarps come with their limitations even though they still promise safety. Automated tarping systems are much more efficient, easy to use, and provide additional security as well.
An automatic tarp system is a mechanized solution that covers and uncovers truck beds or trailers with minimal manual intervention. These automated systems are operated via electric motors or hydraulic mechanisms.
Also, these systems allow drivers to deploy or retract tarps using in-cab controls or remote devices. This automation streamlines the tarping process, enhancing both safety and efficiency.
In this article, we focus on automatic truck tarp systems, why to choose them against manual tarps and how to choose the right one for your business as well.
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Benefits Of Automatic Tarp Systems As Compared To Other Tarp Systems
Keep Your Load Secure
Transporting requires optimum safety and security throughout the journey. You wouldn’t want things to fall off the truck, which can damage the item or destroy the public property on the streets, or worse, can even hurt pedestrians as well. The tarping solution provides an additional layer of support to prevent such things from happening.
Easy To Use And Install
Automatic tarps are designed in a way that makes life easier for service professionals or transport companies. These support user-friendly operations, making it less hassle for you and your employees as well.
Improve Safety
Climbing onto a truck to secure a tarp can be dangerous. An automatic system reduces the risk of falls, injuries, and accidents by allowing operators to tarp loads from ground level or inside the cab.
Protect The Cargo Against Elements
Tarp systems aid in the protection of your cargo or loads against any other outdoor or external elements that can be unpredictable on the job.
Highly Convenient
Manual tarping requires you to pull over and get out of the vehicle, whereas electric ones can be easily operated and adjusted within the vehicle, making them a much more convenient option during transit.
Manual Tarping Systems vs. Automatic Tarp Systems
While manual tarping systems have been traditionally used due to their lower initial cost and simplicity, they come with several drawbacks compared to automatic systems.
Manual Tarping Systems:
- Labor-Intensive: It requires physical effort to deploy and retract tarps, increasing the risk of injuries and worker fatigue.
- Time-Consuming: Manual operations take longer, leading to decreased operational efficiency.
- Inconsistent Coverage: Rely on human effort, resulting in uneven or inadequate coverage, compromising load protection.
Automatic Tarping Systems:
- Minimal Physical Effort: Mechanized operation reduces the need for manual labor, enhancing safety.
- Rapid Deployment: Quick and efficient tarping process improves turnaround times.
- Consistent and Secure Coverage: Automated systems ensure reliable and uniform load protection.
So overall, while manual tarping systems may offer a lower upfront cost, the long-term benefits of automatic tarp systems include improved safety, efficiency, and compliance. This makes them a superior choice for businesses aiming to optimize their operations and protect their workforce.
How To Choose The Right Automatic Tarp System?
Assess Your Truck Specifications
Understanding your truck’s dimensions and design is the first step in selecting a tarp system that offers complete coverage and seamless integration.
Measure the exact length and width of your truck bed. For automatic systems, it’s recommended to choose a tarp that’s at least 3 feet longer than the truck bed to ensure full coverage.
Also, Determine where the tarp system will be mounted. Common mounting positions include above the cab shield or on the side rails. The mounting location influences the required tarp length and the type of system suitable for your truck.
Check What Type Of Load You Transport
The nature of the materials you transport significantly impacts the choice of a tarp system.
Transporting abrasive materials like gravel or construction debris requires heavy-duty tarps made from durable materials such as Super HD Mesh. For loads that need protection from moisture, waterproof vinyl tarps are ideal.
Load profile matters, too! If you frequently haul peaked or uneven loads, consider an automatic tarp system with arms capable of lifting the tarp over the load to ensure complete coverage.
Consider Operational Efficiency and Safety
Automatic tarp systems are designed to enhance both efficiency and safety.
Automatic systems operated by electric motors allow drivers to deploy or retract the tarp with minimal effort, often from within the cab using in-cab switches or wireless remote controls. This feature reduces manual labor and speeds up operations.
Budget and Return on Investment
While automatic tarp systems require an initial investment, they offer long-term benefits.
You need to consider the cost of the tarping system based on your budget. Due to their mechanized components, automatic systems are generally more expensive than manual or semi-automatic options.
Evaluate System Durability and Maintenance
The longevity and reliability of the tarp system are paramount. You need to choose systems that are constructed from high-quality materials, such as 12-gauge steel housings, which offer enhanced durability and resistance to environmental wear and tear.
Choose a system with components that are easy to maintain and replace. Regular maintenance ensures the system remains operational and extends its lifespan.
Compliance with Regulations
Adhering to local and federal regulations is essential to avoid fines and legal issues.
Many regions mandate the use of tarps to secure loads and prevent debris from escaping during transit. Ensure the selected tarp system meets or exceeds these regulatory standards.
Consult with Experts
Engaging with professionals can provide valuable insights tailored to your specific needs. Always look for manufacturer support.
Reputable manufacturers like Pulltarps offer consultation services to help you choose the most suitable system based on your operational requirements.
Discuss potential customization to ensure the tarp system aligns perfectly with your truck’s specifications and your operational needs.
Explore The Best Automatic Tarp Systems With Us!
It is evident why automatic tarp systems are a preferred choice against other options. It is way more convenient than manual tarps and easy to install and operate.
These also tend to save time and offer more safety and protection against exterior elements as well. To choose the right automatic tarps, you need to evaluate your truck specifications, budget, load type and other such factors.
More importantly, choose a brand that can fulfil the quality standards and exceptional service. We at Pulltarps, a reputed tarping solution brand, promise the same and more.