How to choose the best dump truck?

In order to successfully complete many of our projects, we will require the use of dump trucks. The hydraulic components of dump trucks are used to lift the rear contents so they can be dumped onto the ground. Dump trucks are utilised in the process of transporting aggregates from one location to another.

The dump truck equipment presented here is representative of the configurations and sizes most frequently encountered in the construction industry. These trucks are available in a wide variety of configurations and sizes. When choosing your dump truck, you should never forget to check the weight restrictions or frost prohibitions for your state as well as the federal government.

If you're like the majority of onsite system contractors, the only reason you'd buy a dump truck is to increase your income. The most effective method for doing so is to avoid giving in to the temptation of purchasing more performance than is required, while at the same time avoiding cutting corners on the features that make it possible for your truck to function most effectively in the context of your applications.

Here are some things to keep in mind if you want to make sure that the truck you purchase is neither more nor less than what you require, regardless of whether you are looking to buy a brand-new or a used model.

There is an abundant selection of dump trucks available for purchase, both new and used, so take your pick between the two. Because dump trucks are among the most versatile vehicles that any business could add to its fleet, there is a robust market for these vehicles that can be tailored to meet the requirements of any endeavour.

However, not all dump trucks that are for sale are created equal. If you want to get the most out of your investment, you need to make sure that the truck you buy is appropriate for the job that you plan to give it. These are, in our decades of experience selling dump trucks to operations ranging in size from the very large to the very small, the most important factors to consider before making a purchase.

If you're looking for a top quality service body then give our experienced team a call to see how Ridgeback Service Bodies can make your business, fleet or recreational service bodies make your life on the road easier and safer.

Things to look for when buying a used dump truck

Body, dump box and tires

Begin your check by leisurely strolling around the entire dump truck. Cracks, rust, dents, and repairs should all be noted as you inspect the truck's exterior. To ensure the dump box and liner are in good working order, we recommend inspecting them for any visible damage. Dump boxes can be found in steel or aluminium varieties; knowing which to expect will help you determine whether to buy or rent. Fuel savings can be realised over time when switching to an aluminium box due to its lighter weight in comparison to a steel one.

An aluminium dump box is a cheaper option, but a steel one will last longer and be stronger if you plan on transporting rubble or other large, rough, heavy materials. The tyres should be checked while you are checking the rest of the vehicle's body and dump box. Watch for tread wear that isn't uniform around the entire rim, as this could indicate alignment problems.

Frames, rails and axles

Look at the truck's frame rails next, checking for sags and bows. If the operator is transporting a heavy load in an upright box, the truck may bow upwards as it travels. However, if your vehicle's bend is sagging, it may be because you've loaded too much into it. When inspecting the frame rails, keep an eye out for corrosion and other forms of wear. Tag axles, which are located behind the driving tandem, and push axles, which are located in front of the driving tandem, should also be noted (lift axles behind the driving tandem).

Dump trucks with lift axles are able to meet various legal requirements because the load is spread out over more wheels. In addition to facilitating the driver's ability to negotiate turns, a short wheelbase allows for the use of steerable lift axles.

Cab and Operation

Look at the truck's driver's seat and the rest of the cabin to see if anything seems amiss. Verify that the odometer reads accurately, and record the actual distance travelled. To make sure everything is in order, check the dump truck's lights, signals, and gauges after starting it up. The dump truck's transmission type should be noted.

(If the dump truck will be driven by a variety of people with varying levels of experience, it's probably best to opt for an automatic transmission.) Get the dump truck rolling, then check the steering for looseness. The dump truck must be brought to a stop before the dump box can be raised using the lifting control mechanism. The lifting cylinder(s) and rod must then be raised smoothly (s).

Whether you are looking for a vehicle service, a replacement part, or other vehicle maintenance, the service team at Ridgeback Service Bodies have all your needs covered.

Hydraulic lift cylinder(s) and components

Check the lifting cylinder(s) and rod(s) for cracks, leaks, or dents if the dump truck you're looking at uses a single ram, double ram, or scissor dump box lifting mechanism. This is important whether your dump truck has a single ram, double ram, or scissor dump box lifting mechanism. For fluid leaks, you should inspect both the pump and the reservoir tank. Return to the driver's seat and lower the dump box while double-checking the truck's operation.

Engine

Dump truck engine compartment

If you do not have a significant amount of experience working with heavy equipment, it is in your best interest to have an experienced operator or qualified mechanic inspect it on your behalf.

Find the dump truck you need by searching through all of the dump trucks that are up for sale at the unreserved auctions held by Ritchie Bros.

inspection of equipment for dump trucks used dump trucks with single axles used dump trucks with tandem axles used dump trucks with tri-axles

Type

There are several different types of dump trucks. Among the most popular are:

• Standard dump trucks are emptied using a hydraulic lift at the bulkhead and have a typical truck chassis with the dump bed directly attached.
• These all-purpose dumpers are typical models and perform well, with the exception of softer terrain.
• Transfer dump trucks are especially made for moving materials easily from one location to another and have separate trailers for hauling materials. The trailers might be daisy-chained together for more loads in some states.
• With the aid of hydraulic rams, side-dump trucks can quickly empty large quantities of material by dumping to either side. However, compared to other types, manoeuvrability is more constrained.

Are you searching for the most reliable truck service body manufacturing drives swear by? Then Ridgeback Service Bodies is the answer.

Horsepower

Although it's common to believe that "the more HP, the better," this isn't always the case. Generally speaking, more powerful engines will be heavier and less fuel-efficient. Therefore, the smart purchase is a dump truck with sufficient power for your requirements but not so much extra power that it reduces your profits.

Additionally, because torque is what actually moves the load in the first place, it is frequently more significant than horsepower. In general, maintaining power when climbing hills is most dependent on HP.

Manual vs. Automatic Transmission

Manual transmissions give drivers more control while driving and make it simpler to downshift for more power when climbing hills. However, manuals can frequently consume more fuel and be much more tiresome for the driver. For shorter distances over uneven terrain, manuals are preferable to automatics.

Weight

Simply put, the truck should be as light as possible while still carrying out your intended tasks. This entails determining the weight and type of the materials to be transported before choosing the appropriate dump truck for the job—again, without extra power or weight that reduces profits.

Types Of Dump Truck And Their Differences

Which dump truck is best for the task? There are some crucial things you should be aware of regarding what sets different types of trucks apart if you're trying to sort through your dump truck options and make the right investment in the right dump truck. You are not constrained to using a standard dump truck, though it is appropriate for many applications. Other dump truck alternatives might be your best option if the job calls for quick loading and unloading or is particularly heavy-duty. To assist you in selecting the ideal dump truck for the job, the following are the eight main types and their distinctions:

Standard

Standard dump trucks are a tried-and-true option with a mounted, moving bed, front steering axle, and rear steering axle. Some common dump trucks have two steering axles at the rear, which enables them to carry more cargo in their beds. Standard dump trucks have smaller wheelbases than some heavy-duty dump trucks, which makes them easier to manoeuvre but also limits how much can be loaded into their beds. A standard dump truck might be the answer if manoeuvrability is your main concern.

Transfer

In essence, a transfer dump truck is a regular dump truck with an additional trailer and movable, detachable bed attached. This is a common style of dump truck used in construction because it works well for carrying dirt as well as asphalt, gravel, and wood chips.

Semi Trailer Bottom

Semi-trailer bottom dump trucks are three-axle vehicles that have two-axle dump trailers attached to them. They are perfect for materials that need to be piled vertically. Many semi trailer bottom dump trucks have clamshell-like dump trailers that make manipulating and stacking heaps simpler.

Double/Triple Trailer Bottom

Single-axle, semi-trailer dumpers are attached to the primary vehicle in these kinds of dump trucks. They work well for transporting collections of materials that need to stay together, but they can be difficult to manoeuvre in confined spaces. And compared to other dump truck options, their overall payload is frequently lower.

Superdump

A super dump truck is a great option for heavy-duty jobs because it has a load-bearing axle that can support up to 13,000 lbs. In addition to its movable, load-bearing axle, this kind of dump truck also has a trailing axle. A super dump truck's trailing axle is attached approximately 11 feet in back of its rear tandem to allow for increased gross weight.

Side

The term "side dump truck" (also known as a "SDT") refers to a vehicle that can tilt its dump bed on its side and pour the material it is carrying to the ground from either the left or the right using hydraulic rams. Additionally, it has a two-axle semi-trailer attached to a three-axle vehicle body. Trucks with side dumps are ideal for quick unloading and reloading.

Winter Service Vehicle

Despite the fact that many people might not think of this as a dump truck, it is a certain kind. It is a plough truck with a dump truck-like design that enables drivers to load salt and other snow-melting minerals and then gradually deposit those materials as the vehicle travels. It typically has a front plough to help it plough snow and kill two birds with one stone.

Haul Truck

Haul trucks are primarily used in quarries and mines and can carry loads up to 450 tonnes. To be able to pull the heaviest loads, haul trucks typically have diesel-electric powertrains, but some of them also have diesel engines paired with mechanical powertrains. Haul trucks also have conventional steering and rigid frames as important features.

How to Choose the Best Dump Truck

Decide Which Type of Dump Truck is Ideal for You

Dump trucks come in a variety of models and are useful for a range of tasks. We sell conversion dump trucks that have a dump bed attached to a Chevy Silverado truck chassis. These trucks are ideal for less demanding, smaller jobs that call for the removal of waste and other materials.

You might want to take a transfer dump truck into consideration if you have larger projects that require a lot of waste to be hauled away. These are set up with a regular truck towing a separate trailer containing sand, gravel, or other materials.

The side dump truck is yet another variant of the dump truck. These robust trucks have a container that allows dumping from either side, giving them more flexibility. These trucks are able to unload precisely and quickly at the job site and have a higher capacity for carrying heavy loads. They are frequently used for landscaping, snow removal, and road and highway construction projects.

Other Considerations

Consider a few other crucial requirements before selecting a dump truck. One of the most important features is safety, so make sure your new dump truck complies with all local, state, and federal regulations. Consider the kind of payload your dump truck will transport. You should buy a dump truck with a steel dump body if you transport heavy items like big rocks. An aluminium body will be sufficient and cost-effective if you frequently transport sand or other lightweight materials.

Wheels and tyres are yet another crucial factor. Aluminum wheels are lighter, easier to keep clean, and can increase your payload while improving the image of your business. Pick tyres that are well-known in your area and have a good tread pattern. It won't be difficult to locate replacement tyres if you need to.

Maneuverability 

Your dump truck's manoeuvrability is another essential quality. Typical trucks have a small turning radius. Compared to vehicles with multiple trailers, they can also move in reverse more easily. Axle forwards or axle back are the two options for the front axle. Axle-back design, which is positioned 52 inches behind the bumper and provides about 50 degrees of wheel cut, offers a tighter turning radius and is easier to manoeuvre in confined spaces. Axle-forward design offers about 40 to 45 degrees of wheel cut.

Choose Your Model

The majority of business owners purchase a dump truck with the intention of making money. You'll want to make a sensible choice, not purchase more truck than you require, but also not economise on essential features. After determining the kind of dump truck you require, pick a model from our sizable selection. For anyone working in the building, landscaping, tree-trimming, or other industries where moving materials from one place to another is necessary, our lineup is ideal. We already have dump bodies from reputable manufacturers like Air-Flo, Reading, and Rugby on our Chevrolet work trucks. Even if we don't have a dump body in stock, we can still put one on a truck that is ready for work.

The Silverado (1500, 2500, 3500) and the Low Cab Forward (LFC) truck are our reliable workhorse vehicles. The Silverado is ideal for a work-ready truck with a dump body because it has a reputation for being the most durable pickup truck on the road. Due to their ability to carry heavier payloads, the Silverado Heavy-Duty 2500 and 3500 models are particularly effective as dump trucks.

The Low Cab Forward (LCF) truck works well as a dump vehicle as well. It can transport heavy payloads due to its sheer mass. Additionally, it makes more space available for longer materials, particularly for those transported by plumbers or construction workers who must drive their trucks through congested urban areas. You will have easy access to the engine compartment thanks to the Low Cab Forward design, making maintenance and repairs simpler.

Carrying Capacity

Find out how much of a carrying capacity your dump truck will need to have. The carrying capacity of a vehicle is determined by the total weight and volume of the payload it can transport. It is possible that your truck will not be allowed to travel on certain roads or highways due to its weight if it is carrying a load that is too heavy.

Weight Restrictions

Create a road map of the route that your dump truck will take. There are some highways and bridges that do not allow certain types of specialised hauling vehicles, such as dump trucks. In addition to this, you will need to calculate the typical weight of the payload you will be transporting. Your payload capacity is established by the gross vehicle weight rating, also known as the GVWR. The GVWR is another factor that will have a direct impact on whether or not your vehicle stays within the legal weight limits. Its value will determine the maximum load capacity that each axle can support while still complying with the law.

The configuration of all of these different alternatives, as well as the ones that were discussed earlier, will be different from one nation to the next depending on the regulations and restrictions that are in place. Although there are a wide variety of other types of dump trucks, professional drivers and construction workers typically use one of the four types listed above.

Conclusion

Dump trucks will be essential to the completion of many of our projects. If your company doesn't already have any dump trucks in its fleet, you should seriously consider getting some. Both new and used dump truck parts and accessories are easily accessible. To haul debris, you can choose from steel or aluminium dump trucks. Having an idea of what to anticipate can help you decide whether to buy or rent.

After starting the dump truck, double check the lights, signals, and gauges to ensure they are functioning properly. The type of transmission used by the vehicle should also be recorded. The various forms of dump trucks, each with its own set of features and specifications for stability and manoeuvrability, present their own challenges. A Comparison of Various Forms of Dump Trucks. Drivers benefit from manual transmissions because they provide greater control and make it easier to downshift for more power when climbing hills.

If the job requires rapid loading and unloading or is particularly demanding, a different type of dump truck may be more suitable. A super dump truck's axle can bear up to 13,000 pounds of weight. For speedy unloading and reloading, side-dumping trucks are the way to go. Haul trucks, which can carry up to 450 tonnes, are commonly found in construction sites, quarries, and mines. There is a wide range of models and applications for dump trucks.

Think about the load your dump truck will carry, its manoeuvrability, and safety. We offer for sale Chevy Silverado truck chassis conversions that feature a dump bed. Our Chevrolet delivery trucks have been outfitted with dump bodies made by industry leaders like Air-Flo, Reading, and Rugby. We can mount a dump body onto a serviceable truck even if we don't currently have one in stock. Our dependable workhorses are the Silverado (1500, 2500, 3500) and the Low Cab Forward (LFC) truck.

Thanks to its Low Cab Forward layout, servicing and repairing the vehicle's engine will be a breeze. The ability of a vehicle to transport a load is measured in terms of the mass and volume of that load. Due to its size and weight, your truck may be prohibited from using certain roads and highways.

Content Summary

• If you want to get the most out of your investment, you need to make sure that the truck you buy is appropriate for the job that you plan to give it.
• To ensure the dump box and liner are in good working order, we recommend inspecting them for any visible damage.
• Frames, rails and axlesLook at the truck's frame rails next, checking for sags and bows.
• To make sure everything is in order, check the dump truck's lights, signals, and gauges after starting it up.
• (If the dump truck will be driven by a variety of people with varying levels of experience, it's probably best to opt for an automatic transmission.)
• Get the dump truck rolling, then check the steering for looseness.
• This is important whether your dump truck has a single ram, double ram, or scissor dump box lifting mechanism.
• This entails determining the weight and type of the materials to be transported before choosing the appropriate dump truck for the job—again, without extra power or weight that reduces profits.
• To assist you in selecting the ideal dump truck for the job, the following are the eight main types and their distinctions:StandardStandard dump trucks are a tried-and-true option with a mounted, moving bed, front steering axle, and rear steering axle.
• Many semi trailer bottom dump trucks have clamshell-like dump trailers that make manipulating and stacking heaps simpler.
• Trucks with side dumps are ideal for quick unloading and reloading.
• Consider the kind of payload your dump truck will transport.
• After determining the kind of dump truck you require, pick a model from our sizable selection.
• The Silverado is ideal for a work-ready truck with a dump body because it has a reputation for being the most durable pickup truck on the road.
• You will have easy access to the engine compartment thanks to the Low Cab Forward design, making maintenance and repairs simpler.
• Find out how much of a carrying capacity your dump truck will need to have.
• The carrying capacity of a vehicle is determined by the total weight and volume of the payload it can transport.