Originally Posted by Jungerfrosch
Some of the early dump beds had a vertical hydraulic ram with cables over it that would lift the front of the bed up. Somewhat like a forklift is set up.

The only other time I have seen hydraulic rams pulling cables in on an old 4-post vehicle lift. It had rams under the deck that pulled cables to raise/lower the rails.

Seems like it would be a fine system, but limited in use in that you only have about 24' of pull at a time, fine for pulling something onto the bed if it is backed right up to it. It would be a pain having to hook and re-hook multiple times to get something from a distance.

It definitely is a simple system, so it has that going for it as well. No need to worry about the cable unspooling on a winch, or spooling on evenly, but then i guess you do have 3 rams to worry about.

Tad
My truck has a vertical ram that was used for the dump body that was once on it. I dont know if it works, it was all disconnected when I got it. I recently removed it so I could restore the truck. Boy is that thing heavy!