Pros and Cons of the ANTS Trailer

On the latest episode of the Kid Contractor Podcast, I talked with Ryan Finnell from Earth N' Stone to discuss his company's use of the unique ANTS trailer. As an ambassador for this specialized piece of equipment, I was excited to get Ryan's take on the pros and cons of incorporating it into his business. Ryan described the ANTS trailer as a "miniature hydraulic live bottom trailer" - essentially a dump trailer with a conveyor belt system that allows for efficient material unloading and delivery. After initially being skeptical of the trailer's usefulness, Ryan decided to take the plunge and add one to his fleet. It didn't take long for him to recognize the benefits. The biggest pro Ryan highlighted was the ability to easily deliver palletized materials like stone, soil, and sod without needing a forklift or additional manpower. The conveyor belt allows him to simply back up to the job site, activate the hydraulics, and deposit the materials right where they need to go. This has saved his crews significant time and effort compared to their previous methods. Ryan also shared some creative ways he's utilized the trailer, like using it to transport a broken piece of equipment back to the shop and even moving furniture. While these unconventional uses may push the limits of what the trailer is designed for, it speaks to the overall versatility of the ANTS system. Of course, no piece of equipment is perfect, and Ryan noted a few cons as well. Maintaining cleanliness of the conveyor belt is an ongoing challenge, as small aggregates can work their way underneath and cause issues. The trailer's electronic components and hydraulics also introduce additional points of potential failure that require vigilant monitoring and maintenance. As someone who has also invested in an ANTS trailer, I can certainly relate to both the pros and cons Ryan described. The convenience and productivity gains have been game-changing for our business, but it does require a hands-on approach to ensure it continues running smoothly. Overall, Ryan's insights reinforced my belief that the ANTS trailer is a valuable tool for landscape and construction companies like ours. While it may not be the right fit for every operation, the ability to efficiently handle and deliver materials is a major advantage. If you're on the fence about adding one to your fleet, I'd encourage you to reach out to Ryan or myself to learn more about our experiences.