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Dump Trucks: Definition, Types, Use Cases, and More

Author: Marina

Aug. 06, 2024

60 0 0

Dump Trucks: Definition, Types, Use Cases, and More

What is a Dump Truck?

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A dump truck is a heavy-duty vehicle used for transporting and unloading loose materials such as sand, gravel, dirt, or debris. 


The dump body of the truck can be raised and tilted to allow the materials to be emptied onto the ground, into a designated area or another vehicle, which reduces the need for manual labor and speeds up the unloading process.

In this article we discuss:

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  • Anatomy and components
  • What a dump truck is used for
  • Types, sizes, and applications
  • Attachments and accessories
  • Advantages
  • Limitations


Anatomy and components 


The main components of a dump truck include:


  • Chassis: The chassis is the framework of the truck that supports the engine, cab, and dump body. It is typically made of steel and designed to withstand the heavy loads and rough terrain associated with dump truck operations.
  • Engine: The engine is the power source of the dump truck, and provides the energy required to move the truck and operate the hydraulic system that raises and lowers the dump body. Dump trucks are typically powered by diesel engines, which are known for their high torque and durability.
  • Cab: This is where the driver sits to operate the vehicle and contains all the controls for driving and operating the dump body. 
  • Dump body: The dump body is the container that holds the material being transported. It is typically made of steel or aluminum and is designed to be raised and lowered by hydraulic cylinders. Dump bodies come in a variety of sizes and shapes, depending on the type of material being transported.
  • Hydraulic system: This system is responsible for raising and lowering the dump body. It consists of a hydraulic pump, hydraulic fluid, hydraulic cylinders, and control valves. When the driver activates the hydraulic system, the pump sends fluid to the cylinders, which extend and lift the dump body.
  • Suspension system: The suspension system is responsible for supporting the weight of the truck and its load, as well as providing a comfortable ride for the driver. It typically consists of springs, shock absorbers, and other components that absorb shocks and vibrations.
  • Tires: A dump truck requires heavy-duty tires that can handle its weight plus its load, as well as the rough terrain associated with dump truck operations. Tires provide the traction and stability.
  • Tailgate: This rear panel of the dump body can be opened to release the load.


Dump trucks are relatively simple. The dump body and hydraulic system are the most critical parts of the truck, as they allow it to perform its primary function of hauling and dumping loose materials efficiently.


What a dump truck is used for


Dump trucks are predominantly used for transporting and unloading loose materials such as dirt, gravel, sand, and rocks. They are common in construction, mining, and landscaping applications, as well municipal and residential waste removal. The dump truck's primary function is to haul and dump materials quickly and efficiently, which makes them a valuable asset for many businesses and industries.

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Dump truck types, sizes, and applications 


Dump trucks come in a range of sizes and configurations from small which are used for residential construction projects, to larger heavy-duty models used in mining and other industrial applications. Each is designed for specific applications and industries. 

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  • Standard dump truck: The most common type of dump truck, with a single chassis and a hydraulic dump body mounted on the rear.
  • Articulated dump truck: Consists of a tractor unit and a dump body, which are connected by a hinge mechanism. The cab is attached to the tipping body at a point of articulation located directly behind the cab.
  • Transfer dump truck: Also known as a "slinger" truck, a transfer dump truck has a separate trailer attached to the chassis. The trailer has a movable conveyor belt that can transport materials to the back of the dump body, allowing for precise placement of the material.
  • Side: The dump body tilts to one side, allowing for the material to slide out. These trucks are commonly used for highway maintenance, as well as for dumping material into trenches or pits.
  • Semi-trailer end dump truck: Has a hydraulic dump body attached to a semi-trailer, which is hitched to a tractor unit. The trailer tilts backwards to dump the material.
  • Bottom dump truck: Also known as a "belly dump", it has a clamshell-style dump body that opens at the bottom, allowing for material to be discharged onto the ground in a controlled manner.
  • Off-road dump truck: Specifically designed for use in rough terrain and off-road conditions, with large tires and heavy-duty suspension systems. They are commonly used in mining.


Each are capable of transporting and unloading loose materials, but their design, maneuverability, capacity, traction, and cost can differ significantly. 

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Attachments & Accessories


Dump trucks can be equipped with attachments and accessories to improve their functionality and safety, such as: 


  • Tarp systems: Can be manual or automatic and used to cover the load and prevent materials from spilling out during transport.
  • Tailgate extensions: added to the back of the dump body to increase the capacity of the truck.
  • Side boards: added to the truck bed to increase its capacity and prevent material from spilling over the sides.
  • Bed liner: protects the dump body from wear and tear caused by the materials being transported.
  • Backup camera: improves visibility when backing up.
  • Toolbox: can be attached to the sides of the dump body to store tools and equipment.
  • Beacon lights: when mounted, increases visibility and safety.
  • Snowplow: attached to the front of the truck to clear snow from roads or parking lots.
  • Salt spreader: attached to the back of the truck to spread salt or other de-icing materials on roads during winter weather.
  • Lift axle: increases the weight capacity and improves maneuverability.
  • Air compressor: powers pneumatic tools or inflates tires.


Not all attachments or accessories are compatible with all dump trucks, so it's important to consult with the manufacturer or a trusted dealer.


Seven Advantages of a Dump Truck


Dump trucks are widely used in construction, mining, and other industries for transporting materials, debris, and other loads. Here are some advantages:


  1. Large hauling capacity: Even the smallest models have significant hauling capacity compared to other types of vehicles.
  2. Versatility: Can be used for a variety of applications inside many industries, including construction, mining, and landscaping.
  3. Efficient unloading: The dump body can be tilted to empty the load, making unloading faster than other types of equipment.
  4. Improved safety: Reduces the need for manual labor and minimizes the risk of injury or accidents associated with other unloading methods.
  5. Durability: Dump trucks are built to withstand heavy use and are designed to handle rough terrain and extreme weather conditions.
  6. Reduced costs: Helps reduce associated labor, transportation, and disposal costs, making them a cost-effective choice for many.
  7. Increased productivity: Reduces the time required to transport and unload materials.


Seven Limitations of a Dump Truck


While dump trucks offer many advantages, they also have limitations which include:


  1. High cost: Can be expensive to purchase, operate, and maintain, especially if not used frequently.
  2. Limited maneuverability: Makes them difficult to use in tight spaces or on narrow roads.
  3. Safety concerns: Can be dangerous if they are not operated properly. Overloading, uneven terrain, and inadequate maintenance can increase the risk of accidents and injuries.
  4. Environmental impact: Can have a significant impact on the environment, especially if used frequently to transport materials over long distances.
  5. Limited speed: They are not designed for high speeds so can be slower than other types of vehicles on the road.
  6. Limited payload: Depending on the size and capacity of the dump truck, it may not be able to transport large or heavy materials, which can limit its usefulness in some applications.
  7. High fuel consumption: Can consume a lot of fuel, which can be expensive and contribute to air pollution.


Dump trucks have definite advantages, but they may not always the best choice for every situation. Consider the limitations when deciding to use it for a particular job or project.


Buy a Used Dump Truck with Black Star


View the dump trucks we have available for sale now. If you don&#;t see one here, there might be one listed in an upcoming auction that could meet your needs. Check back often with us, dump trucks sell quickly!


But, if you don&#;t find the equipment you&#;re looking for we may know someone who is selling. With our extended network of contacts, it won&#;t be difficult for us to find any type of equipment for you.  
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Please /text/call us with any specific questions regarding dump trucks.
: 309-361-.


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This article is our representation of useful information and is not intended to be a complete guide for making the right decision for your company. Ask our experts - or your own - for specific advice based on your unique circumstances.

Types of Dump Trucks

Dump trucks have been around for nearly 100 years. When they were first conceived, they didn&#;t even have a motor. Now, dump trucks are loaded with complex machinery and designed to accomplish specific functions in construction.

If you&#;ve been researching dump trucks to add to your fleet, looking to become an owner/operator or to gain a better understanding of your construction supply chain, this guide to the different types of dump trucks and kinds of construction trucks will help you understand the unique features and functions of each. This article will focus on dump truck types in the US and include the different names of trucks used for each truck type.

 

What All Dump Trucks Have in Common

Most dump trucks have an open-box bed and operate by hydraulics. Dump truck manufacturers in the US include Mack, Peterbilt, Volvo, Freightliner, CAT, Kenworth, and International Trucks. When acquiring a new truck, you&#;ll have to consider whether to buy used, at auction, or from a dealer. While there are different types of trucks, manufacturers allow for customizations for each type to get the specifications you desire.

 

Dump Trucks by Type

Standard

Dump Truck

Overview: A standard dump truck has a chassis or base frame with a mounted bed. The front of the body contains a hydraulic ram that raises the bed. The back of the bed is hinged to the back of the truck so the front can be raised to dump material out. The body is accessible through a tailgate that swings up or down, depending on the truck&#;s build. 

Key distinction: The wheelbase tends to be low to improve maneuverability, and if this feature is essential, then the standard is the best choice. These dump trucks have front and rear steering axles, with additional axles for trucks that need to carry a greater load. 

Additional resources:
Why Trust Local HOWO Tipping Trailer Dealers?

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Construction dump trucks.

Where They&#;re Commonly Used: These dump trucks are found in the US and Europe.

Overview: A transfer dump truck has a standard dump truck as its base and pulls a separate movable cargo container on a trailer. The separate trailer is then pulled within the body of the main truck, you can check out a video showcasing this ability here.

Key distinction: The transfer dump truck can carry a variety of common construction materials. The tractor gives the truck greater capacity without having to sacrifice maneuverability.

Materials: Gravel, sand, asphalt, snow, wood chips, construction aggregate, dirt.

Where They&#;re Commonly Used: Transfer dump trucks are found all over the US.

End Dump

(Dump Trailer, Semi-End Dump) Truck

Overview: This truck has a tractor-trailer combination, and the trailer contains its own hydraulic system. The loads are weighted more on the container being pulled rather than the truck bed.

Key distinction: While these dump trucks can carry a large payload, this does make the truck unstable, limiting its applications, especially when the ground is uneven at job sites. The truck can be quickly unloaded onsite. 

Side Dump

Truck

Overview: The side dump truck consists of a tractor pulling a semi-trailer. Hydraulic rams tilt the body onto its side, so material goes either to the left or the right of the truck. 

Key distinction: Allows for rapid unloading, won&#;t tip over while dumping like an end dump can, unless the dump is stopped prematurely.

Materials: Few material limitations, can carry anything from boulders to sand, to sludge.

Where They&#;re Commonly Used: All over the US; however, in the Western part of the country, they can carry more weight, another advantage to this type of truck.

Tri-Axle

Dump Truck

Overview: These hauling trucks are used for smaller loads, short distances.  This is a popular choice in more urban or suburban areas because these trucks are easier to maneuver in tight quarters or down busy city streets, while still hauling a meaningful amount of material. 

Key Distinction: They are lightweight, meaning they can help save on costs.

Materials: The tri-axle can&#;t handle too many aggregates because the load capacity is small.

Superdump

Truck

Overview: These big dump trucks have a trailing axle and load-bearing axle that allows for much heavier loads than other types of dump trucks while still meeting the federal bridge formula standard. Superdumps have become popular out west in the US. 

Key Distinction: Can be rated as high as 80,000 pounds depending on length and axle configuration.

Materials: Very useful for asphalt and concrete paving.

Overview: Bottom dump trucks have dump trailers with a &#;clamshell&#; gate that releases material from the bottom, or the &#;belly,&#; of the trailer.

Key Distinction: The clamshell design allows for precision when laying materials.

Materials: The bottom dump is used primarily for stockpiling, material transport, and paving.

Double Bottom

(Double Belly

 Dump)

Overview: The Double Bottom or Belly Dump is similar to the Bottom Dump but with the addition of an extra trailer to increase the amount that can be transported in each trip.

Off-Highway

Dump Trucks

Overview: These trucks are heavy construction equipment with major differences from standard and other dump trucks that are used on highways. These are used primarily for off-road jobs like mining and heavy dirt hauling. In fact, the manufacturers of these types of trucks avoid using &#;dump truck&#; to refer to them, typically using &#;haul truck&#; instead.

Key Distinction: There are two main types of off-highway dump trucks, haul trucks and articulated haulers. 

 

Getting a Dump Truck to Meet Your Needs

Now that you understand the different types of dump trucks, you may be wondering how to purchase one. You can find out how much a dump truck costs here, and learn how to buy a used truck here if you&#;re looking to save on upfront costs.

Looking to hire someone with the truck you need? You can find a guide to finding truck drivers looking for work here.

If you own a truck, you need a trusted resource to connect you with work in your local area. 

Trux's logistics platform offers a marketplace where you can find work suitable to your truck type. You can build your own schedule by looking at all the work available with rates so you know upfront what you&#;re getting into. 

Not only can TRUX connect you with work in your area but we can help you run your business. 

TRUX takes care of creating invoices for work done through the app. TRUX pays haulers weekly for work performed; no more waiting to get paid. If you have a fleet, TRUX offers &#;Fleet management&#; tools to help manage all your trucks and drivers.

What are you waiting for? Get started today with Trux's logistics assessment.

Are you interested in learning more about Commercial vehicle dealers? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

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