HDPE Hoppers & Plastic Hopper Tanks: Complete Product Guide
Complete product guide for HDPE hoppers and plastic hopper tanks — every Bonar Plastics model with specs, discharge types, capacities, material compatibility, and ordering information.
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Quick answer: HDPE hoppers and plastic hopper tanks are corrosion-resistant bulk containers built in bottom discharge, side discharge, and FlowMaster configurations for resin, food, and industrial material handling. Specific capacities, wall thickness, and pricing vary by model, so match the hopper to your material's flow behavior and required volume.
Part of our Ultimate Guide to Industrial Containers in the USA • See also: Industrial Hoppers for Sale
HDPE Hoppers: The Industrial Standard
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) hoppers have replaced steel and fiberglass in most industrial applications. Manufactured through rotational molding by Bonar Plastics, these plastic hopper tanks deliver superior performance across agriculture, mining, food processing, and chemical industries.
Why Choose HDPE Over Steel?
The shift from steel to HDPE hoppers has accelerated because HDPE eliminates the three biggest problems with metal hoppers:
The total cost difference over 10 years makes the decision obvious for most operations.
Complete HDPE Hopper Product Lineup
Bottom Discharge Hoppers
Bottom discharge hoppers release material vertically downward — the most versatile configuration for gravity-fed processing equipment.
#### Model 8045 — 4.5 Cubic Yard Bottom Discharge Hopper
The compact workhorse for mid-volume operations.
Best for: Feed dispensing, ingredient batching, small-to-medium farms, food processing ingredient stations
#### Model 8090 — 9.0 Cubic Yard Bottom Discharge Hopper
The high-capacity standard for serious industrial operations.
Best for: Grain storage, aggregate handling, large-scale agriculture, mining operations
#### Model 8096 — 9.6 Cubic Yard Bottom Discharge Hopper
Maximum capacity for the highest-volume operations.
Best for: High-volume grain elevators, mining operations, concrete batch plants
Side Discharge Hoppers
#### Model 8089 — 8.9 Cubic Yard Side Discharge Hopper
Designed for horizontal material transfer — perfect for loading trucks and trailers.
Best for: Truck loading, construction sites, material transfer stations, landscaping operations
FlowMaster (Steep-Wall) Hoppers
#### FlowMaster 45 — 4.5 Cubic Yard Steep-Wall Hopper
Engineered specifically for materials that bridge, rathol, or hang up in conventional hoppers.
Best for: Wet grain, compost, food waste, sticky aggregates, recycled materials, any material that clogs standard hoppers
Plastic Hopper Tanks: Material Compatibility
HDPE plastic hopper tanks handle virtually any material without degradation:
| Material Type | HDPE Compatible? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dry grains & seeds | ✓ Excellent | Smooth walls prevent residue buildup |
| Wet/moist materials | ✓ Excellent | Non-absorbent, won't harbor mold |
| Fertilizers | ✓ Excellent | Chemical resistant |
| Salt & de-icing | ✓ Excellent | Zero corrosion |
| Food ingredients | ✓ Excellent | [FDA compliant](/resources/fda-food-grade-container-requirements-2025) |
| Resin pellets | ✓ Excellent | Clean dispensing for plastics processing |
| Aggregate/sand | ✓ Excellent | [Impact resistant](/resources/impact-resistant-container-materials-hdpe-engineering) |
| Chemicals | ✓ Most | Verify specific chemical compatibility |
| Strong oxidizers | ⚠ Check | Some concentrated oxidizers require special grades |
Resin Hoppers
Plastics processors use HDPE resin hoppers for pellet storage and dispensing. HDPE-on-HDPE contact eliminates contamination — unlike steel hoppers that can introduce rust particles or paint flakes into your resin feedstock.
Hopper Sizing & Dimensions
For detailed hopper sizes and dimensions, including footprint comparisons and weight ratings by model, see our specification guide.
Quick capacity reference:
| Model | Cu. Yards | Gallons (approx.) | Lbs at 50 lb/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8045 | 4.5 | ~900 | ~6,075 |
| FlowMaster 45 | 4.5 | ~900 | ~6,075 |
| 8089 | 8.9 | ~1,800 | ~12,015 |
| 8090 | 9.0 | ~1,800 | ~12,150 |
| 8096 | 9.6 | ~1,920 | ~12,960 |
Customization Options
All HDPE hoppers are available with custom configurations:
How to Order HDPE Hoppers
LT Plastics is the authorized US distributor for all Bonar Plastics HDPE hoppers.
All hoppers are manufactured in the USA with competitive factory-direct pricing.
FAQ
What's the difference between a hopper and a hopper tank?
The terms are often used interchangeably, though 'hopper tank' may emphasize larger-volume storage with a hopper-style discharge base, while 'hopper' can refer to smaller feed containers. Check specific product specifications rather than relying on naming alone.
Are HDPE hoppers resistant to chemicals?
HDPE resists many common chemicals, but resistance varies by specific substance and concentration. Confirm chemical compatibility with the manufacturer before storing a specific material.
Can HDPE hoppers be used outdoors?
Yes, when manufactured with UV-stabilized resin suited for outdoor exposure. Confirm UV stabilization with the manufacturer if the hopper will be installed outside long-term.
What capacities do HDPE hoppers come in?
Capacities vary widely by model and manufacturer, from smaller feed hoppers to large bulk units. Review the specific product's capacity chart to match your throughput needs.
Sources
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Part of the topic guide
Industrial Hoppers and Hopper Containers: Types, Sizes and Selection