How Tilt-Back Hoppers Improve Material Flow in CNC and Fabrication Facilities

McCullough Industries • August 11, 2025

Efficient Dumping Starts with Smart Design

In today’s high-speed fabrication and CNC environments, managing metal scrap isn’t just about storage it’s about flow. Tilt back hoppers from McCullough Industries are specifically engineered to streamline material removal in compact, chip heavy operations. These ergonomic hoppers improve safety, reduce handling time, and integrate seamlessly with CNC and machine shop workflows.


At the heart of our tilt-back design is balance. By shifting the center of gravity rearward, Wright® Tilt-Back Hoppers deliver controlled dumps, less spillage, and stable handling under load. They’re the smart solution for facilities that prioritize cycle speed, floor safety, and clean operations.

What Makes a Tilt Back Hopper Unique?

A tilt back hopper is a variation of the self-dumping hopper, designed with a rearward-angled base that encourages a smoother dump and return motion. Unlike flat base models, these hoppers:


  • Feature a backward-leaning frame for natural dump resistance
  • Offer greater load stability during forklift transport
  • Minimize tipping hazards during emptying
  • Require less force to initiate dump cycle


That means your operators can dump scrap or chips with less effort, better control, and fewer cleanups afterward. And since these hoppers reset automatically after use, they help speed up collection cycles across shifts.

Ideal Applications for Tilt Back Dumping

These units are most effective in environments where heavy or dense material accumulates quickly and space is limited. Common applications include:


  • CNC machining stations with direct chip drop
  • Precision metal shops handling brass, aluminum, or steel chips
  • Inline operations with constant scrap removal needs
  • Tight production areas with narrow forklift lanes


Tilt-back hoppers allow operators to place units under or next to machines without interrupting workflow, helping maintain a steady output pace.

Model Overview and Dumping Benefits

We’ve designed our forklift dump boxes for easy integration into daily workflows. Whether your team is operating in a small parts bay or a material-intensive weld cell, these features come standard:

Model Volume Weight Rating Tilt Back Angle Dump Type Application
TBH-33 0.33 yd³ 4,000 lbs 10° Self-dumping CNC chip collection
TBH-50 0.5 yd³ 5,000 lbs 12° Self-dumping Tool & die shops
TBH-75 0.75 yd³ 5,000 lbs 12° Self-dumping Inline press stations
TBH-100 1.0 yd³ 6,000 lbs 15° Self-dumping High output lines

All models include leak-resistant welds, reinforced fork tubes, and positive-stop dump frames. Custom tilt angles and dimensions are available for unique machinery layouts.

Key Advantages of Tilt Back Hoppers

Unlike standard hoppers that may overshoot or spill, our tilt-back design is all about control and containment. Your team gains:


  • Reduced splatter during high-speed dumping
  • Safer operation on sloped or uneven floors
  • Better chip flow with sloped back walls
  • Quieter, smoother dump cycle


These improvements translate into lower cleanup times and fewer work interruptions, keeping your team focused on production.

Designed for Seamless CNC Integration

Many facilities struggle to find chip hoppers that fit beneath machine outfeeds. Wright® Tilt-Back Hoppers are built with lower front heights and angled walls that slide under conveyors, chip shoots, and automated drop points. Optional casters and drip trays make maneuvering and fluid collection easier without sacrificing strength.



Need to move the hopper through narrow aisleways? No problem. Each unit is designed to maintain tight turning clearance, reducing traffic bottlenecks near high-use equipment.

Material Versatility

While tilt-back hoppers are ideal for metal chips, they also handle:


  • Shredded packaging
  • Heavy rubber scrap
  • Small castings and punch slugs
  • Dense plastic remnants


This versatility makes them a go-to choice for operations that process mixed waste streams but still require consistent, clean dumping performance.

Why Choose Wright® Tilt-Back Hoppers?

At McCullough Industries, we build hoppers that outperform and outlast. Our tilt-back models are:

  • Fabricated from 7-gauge steel or thicker
  • Coated with powder or galvanized finish for corrosion resistance
  • Assembled with precision welds and industrial-grade hardware
  • Field-tested in the most demanding shop conditions


Every Wright® product is designed in-house and manufactured in Ohio ensuring that your investment supports American engineering and delivers on industrial durability.

Custom Configurations Available

Do you need something more specialized? We can design tilt-back hoppers to match:


  • Your machine heights and discharge angles
  • Specific dump cycle needs (rotator, overhead, gravity-fed)
  • High-temp or chemical exposure conditions
  • Compact space limitations or door clearances


Our engineering team works directly with your floor manager to ensure each unit fits into your workflow without disruption.

FAQs About Tilt Back Hoppers

  • How is a tilt-back hopper different from a regular self-dumping hopper?

    Tilt-back hoppers lean rearward to improve dump control and reduce overshooting. They’re better for dense or oily scrap and tight spaces.

  • Can I use a tilt-back hopper with any forklift?

    Yes. All models include standard fork pockets and require no special attachments.

  • What size is best for my CNC station?

    Most CNC operators choose the 0.33 or 0.5 yard models depending on chip output. We can help you select the right fit based on machine type and shift volume.

  • Are these hoppers leakproof?

    Yes. Welded seams and optional drain plugs or drip trays ensure safe fluid handling.

  • Can I customize tilt angle or hopper size?

    Absolutely. McCullough Industries specializes in custom-built hoppers for unique material flows, clearances, and handling setups.

Let’s Talk About Your Material Flow

From aerospace machining to auto part production, tilt-back hoppers help eliminate waste handling delays and cleanup burdens. If your team is still using flat-bottom bins or basic tilt trucks, a Wright® Tilt-Back Hopper could be the upgrade your process needs.


Reach out to McCullough Industries to get sizing help, spec sheets, or a quote for your shop. We’re ready to build a hopper that matches your space, volume, and performance goals.

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