Coal Chute & Spreader Tailgates: When to Upgrade Your Dump Insert
EZ-Dumper® inserts are built to make unloading faster, safer, and more efficient. But sometimes, simply dumping a load in one pile isn’t the best solution. Contractors often need to spread materials evenly gravel across a driveway, salt across a parking lot, or soil along a landscaping project. That’s where the EZ-Dumper® coal chute and spreader tailgate comes in.
This accessory transforms your dump insert into a controlled spreading tool, allowing you to deliver materials precisely where you need them. But when is it worth upgrading to a spreader tailgate, and what benefits does it really bring? Let’s explore.
What Is a Coal Chute & Spreader Tailgate?
The spreader tailgate is a specially designed tailgate option that allows controlled release of materials while dumping. Instead of unloading the entire payload in a single pile, you can meter out gravel, soil, or salt gradually.
- Coal Chute Design: A small adjustable opening in the tailgate, originally designed for coal but perfect for today’s bulk materials.
- Spreader Function: Lets operators control flow, spreading evenly as the insert raises and material exits.
- Removable & Double-Acting: Like the standard EZ-Dumper® tailgate, the spreader tailgate can be opened, closed, or removed when not needed.
In short, it adds versatility without sacrificing the strength and reliability of the original dump insert design.
Why Upgrade to a Spreader Tailgate?
Many contractors and municipalities discover that spreading materials saves time and labor compared to unloading and redistributing by hand. With a coal chute spreader, you gain:
- Material Control
Instead of one heavy pile of stone or salt, you can spread evenly while driving forward, reducing raking and shoveling after the dump. - Improved Efficiency
Spreading materials directly means fewer workers and less time spent on cleanup. Crews can move on to the next job faster. - Versatility
Handles a variety of materials: gravel, sand, salt, mulch, topsoil, and even smaller debris. - Reduced Equipment Costs
Instead of purchasing a separate spreader or trailer, your EZ-Dumper® insert handles both jobs with a single upgrade.
Coal Chute & Spreader Tailgate in Action
Landscaping Applications
For landscapers, spreading soil or mulch evenly saves hours of manual labor. Instead of dumping a large pile that must be raked out, the coal chute tailgate allows for steady distribution along planting beds or garden lines.
Snow & Ice Management
Municipal crews and snow contractors use spreader tailgates to apply salt or sand efficiently. Stainless steel spreader gates are especially valuable in corrosive winter environments.
Construction Jobsites
Contractors hauling gravel, stone, or fill can use the coal chute to spread materials evenly across driveways or foundations, preparing surfaces faster and with less rework.
Comparison: Standard vs. Spreader Tailgate
EZ-Dumper® offers both steel and stainless steel extension kits. Choosing the right one depends on your environment and workload.
| Feature | Standard Tailgatede Extensions | Coal Chute & Spreader Tailgate |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Dumps entire load at once | Allows controlled spreading |
| Operation | Double-acting, removable | Double-acting, removable + spreader opening |
| Best Use | General dumping | Gravel, soil, mulch, salt, controlled placement |
| Upgrade Value | Standard equipment | Adds efficiency, reduces labor |
This table makes it clear: while the standard tailgate is versatile, the spreader upgrade provides precision for specific workloads.
When Should You Add a Spreader Tailgate?
Not every operator needs one, but here are signs it’s a smart investment:
- You regularly haul gravel or stone that needs to be spread evenly.
- You provide snow and ice management services and want an efficient salt spreader.
- You work with lightweight bulk materials (mulch, compost, soil) that are easier to spread than pile-and-rake.
- You want to save labor costs by reducing the need for manual distribution after unloading.
If your work matches any of these, a coal chute spreader tailgate can pay for itself quickly.
Installation and Maintenance
Like other EZ-Dumper® accessories, the spreader tailgate bolts directly onto your insert. Installation typically takes less than an hour.
- Maintenance: Minimal simply inspect hinges, grease fittings, and latch mechanisms.
- Steel vs. Stainless Options: Choose stainless if you handle salt or corrosive materials; steel is durable and powder-coated for general use.
- Warranty: Backed by EZ-Dumper®’s 2-year warranty when installed properly.
FAQs About Dump Insert Spreader Tailgates
Do I need a spreader tailgate for my EZ-Dumper® insert?
If you haul gravel, salt, or mulch and need even distribution, yes. If you only dump large debris piles, the standard tailgate may be enough.
Is the coal chute included with every insert?
No. The coal chute and spreader tailgate is an optional accessory.
Can I add a spreader tailgate to both 6’ and 8’ inserts?
Yes. Accessories are available for both sizes.
Steel or stainless which should I choose?
- Stainless: Best for salt, snow, or corrosive materials.
- Steel: Strong and powder-coated, ideal for landscaping or construction.
Does the spreader reduce payload capacity?
No. The insert still carries up to 6,000 lbs; the tailgate simply changes how material exits.
Final Thoughts
The EZ-Dumper® coal chute and spreader tailgate is one of the most valuable accessories for operators who need precision. Whether you’re a landscaper spreading mulch, a contractor laying gravel, or a snow crew applying salt, this upgrade saves labor, improves safety, and maximizes your dump insert’s versatility.
Built with the same rugged standards as every EZ-Dumper® product, the spreader tailgate is a smart addition that pays for itself through efficiency and reduced manual work.
Ready to upgrade your EZ-Dumper® insert? Find a Dealer today to order a coal chute and spreader tailgate for your truck.
