Dump Trucks 101: How to Choose the Right One
Dump Trucks 101: How to Choose the Right One
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Body Styles
There are 3 kinds of body styles on the market: traditional rectangle, half-round, and semi-elliptical.
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A dump box that is in the shape of a traditional rectangle will offer the most room on the floor of the bed, which means more spread. This shape is very popular for the strength and agility it offers with a low center of gravity when carrying a heavy load.
The half-round style can handle impact better than the rectangular version, because the steel is shaped into a semi-circle. As it does not require cross-members for support, it offers a lighter total weight and greater payload capacity. The shape also makes it more difficult for material to stick to the floor, allowing for a cleaner dump cycle. However, the half round has limitations when it comes to hauling equipment or pallets in the bed, because it’s not flat.
The semi-elliptical style – also called bathtub or tub style – is looked upon as a kind of hybrid between the traditional rectangle and the half-round. For example, this body style has floors like the traditional rectangle body style but has a haul shape like the half-round body style.
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Body Metal
As all metals don’t have the same tensile strength, choosing the right one depends on the nature of the task the dump truck will be used for. There are two main options: steel and aluminum.
Steel is ideal for carrying materials that are more abrasive (such as asphalt, gravel, and concrete) as it offers more protection than aluminum against potential damage. There are numerous types of steel that are used, and they come in many grades, ranging from A-36 all the way up to AR-450 or AR-500 depending on the application.
Aluminum is a great choice when carrying non-abrasive materials because of its lighter weight. It offers a greater payload capacity, as well as more protection from corrosion. On the flip side, aluminum is more expensive and its repair costs are greater than steel.
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Engine
Power output from dump truck engines typically ranges between 300 and 600 horsepower. A word of caution: do not overestimate your requirements and buy too much more horsepower than you actually need. This will cost you when you put the truck in operation. Consider the weight of the load you intend to carry and match an engine accordingly. You don’t want to be under-powered, but you don’t want to be over-powered either.
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Transmission
Manual transmission offers a wide range of gear options in dump trucks. This allows operators to get more maneuverability, as well as match engine speed with the task at hand. An automatic transmission does not offer this advantage, but without multiple gears and clutch, they cause less operator fatigue during long haul jobs. A third option is an integrated automated manual transmission. This is becoming popular with dump truck buyers, because they offer both efficient energy expenditure and a comfortable operating experience at the same time.
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Axle Requirements
Gross vehicle weight rating, or GVWR, is the maximum operating weight specified for a dump truck and includes the sum total weight of everything. This means chassis, body, engine, fuel, operator, and the cargo load.
Federal laws are in place to protect highways and bridges from excessive damage caused by vehicle weight. These limits are based on the number of axles on a truck. The fewer axles a dump truck has, the lower the weight that truck can legally carry on public roads.
This is precisely the reason why Super Dumps rule the heavy end of the market. A Super Dump has four to seven total axles and is capable of legal payloads ranging from 19-26 tons. Super Dumps carry payloads equal to trailers and transfers, while maintaining the maneuverability and quick turnaround time of a standard tandem dump truck. The unique combination of huge payload and speed is what makes the Super Dump the most productive and profitable dump truck on the road.
Click this link for more information on local and federal laws regulating weight and axle numbers.
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Choosing the Right Dealership
All dealerships are not made the same. But their participation in the purchase experience is extremely important – from evaluating specs and gauging the most suitable equipment to offering valuable customer support and financing options.
“A lot of people like to stay minimal, but we take pride in building robust trucks that are going to have lasting value in their second life -- when it is time to trade it or sell it,” says Chip Howard, Product Manager at Custom Truck One Source, the first, true single-source provider of specialized trucks in the country. “We have 26 locations all across the U.S., a deep network of service and support staff, and we have a 24-hour call-in center. Ninety percent of our dump truck business is sales and only 10% is rental, but our customer support offers the same level of assistance to both client categories.”
Custom Truck One Source has the largest inventory of dump trucks in the United States, and carry a huge variety of specs. This includes region-specific options that will work anywhere from California to the Northeast. Our stock doesn’t even run low in the last quarter of the year, when people actually want to invest in equipment rather than taxes.
7 Tips & What to Look For When Buying a Used Dump Truck
Before you invest in your heavy machinery, it's important you review used dump truck inspection tips. By utilizing these tips before purchasing a dump truck, you can ensure you're buying a reliable dump truck that's not beaten up or going to need repairs shortly after you make the purchase.
Below are the primary used articulated dump truck inspection tips you can follow before you buy:
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1. Tires, Dump Box and Body
The first thing you should check on the dump truck is its body. Take a slow walk around the body of the dump truck. If you notice rust, major repairs, dents or cracks on the body, you may want to reconsider before you buy.
After checking the body, inspect the dump box for wear and tear. During the dump box inspection, see if the box is made out of steel or aluminum. A steel dump box will be heavier than aluminum and is typically more durable and strong. As a result, those who plan to handle large materials or rubble may be better served by a steel box. In contrast, aluminum's lightness means your dump truck may generate lower fuel costs, which some companies may enjoy.
Another one of the things to check before buying a used dump truck is the tires. Look over the tires to see if they're in good condition and won't require you to replace them anytime soon. Check the tire's circumference for uneven wear or other signs of damage. An uneven tread can signal the truck having an alignment issue.
2. Cab and Interior
The cab's condition is another element of the dump truck that needs to be inspected. Damaged seats can be uncomfortable for your drivers and may require replacement. Additionally, you can see what technological features are present in the cab. While in the cab, look at the odometer to see what the mileage is. This could factor into your decision if the mileage is too high. Finally, check to see if it has a manual or automatic transmission.
3. Operational Capabilities
After inspecting the cab, you should also start up the truck to see if everything is in working order. Drive the truck to see if the steering has any play to it. Ensure the signals, gauges, horns and lights are all functioning properly.
Besides ensuring the dump truck is in working order, you'll likely want to put the lifting control mechanism through its paces. With the dump truck at a stop, raise and lower the dump box. While moving the dump box, check if the lifting rods and cylinders are operating smoothly.
4. Hydraulic System
Before you buy, look at the hydraulic system to see if it's working well. Inspect the hydraulic system for dents, cracks or leaks in the rods and lifting cylinders. Next, move on to the reservoir tank and pump to check if there's any leaking fluids or other damage. After performing an inspection, operate the dump box again to ensure the hydraulic system is doing its job without anything sounding or feeling off.
5. Axles and Frame Rails
When you're deciding on things to look for when buying a used dump truck, the truck frame rails should be high on your list. While doing this inspection, take note of any bowing bends or sagging bends. A bowing bend often occurs when someone has been driving the truck with an upright and loaded box. Sagging bends indicate that the box may have been overloaded with materials. You should also look for other signs of damage or corrosion, which could affect the dump truck's performance or appearance.
Alongside checking the frames, you can also inspect the truck's axles. Since the lift axles are designed to support heavy loads on the dump truck, look for any structural damage that could prevent them from properly supporting heavy materials and loads. Search for any tag axles or push axles, as they help spread the load across multiple axles. Your state may have strict weight regulations that require these axles to be present, so it's crucial you check for them.
6. Engine
Your dump truck's engine size and power may be one of the most important factors in the equipment's performance. As such, make sure to check its horsepower. Additionally, look into the engine's track record in other dump trucks, seeing if it's a reliable model and checking when it tends to need repairs based on its mileage. See if the engine's model has the performance you need to accomplish tasks productively.
7. Maintenance Records and Documents
A reputable seller will likely have detailed records of the dump truck's usage and any maintenance performed on it. Review the maintenance records to see if any major repairs have been conducted on the dump truck already, which could be a sign that more costly repairs are coming down the road. Look into the dump truck's accident history to check for previous damage and how it was repaired.
The equipment's records can help you see if the previous owner has followed standard repair procedures and performed various preventative maintenance actions. It's also a good practice to check the oil change records. Ensure the previous owner has regularly changed the oil, as irregular oil changes could cause problems with the engine.
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