Dumper Trucks - What Are They Used For?

Mainly used on the construction site, dumper trucks are used for the transportation of various loose materials such as sand, earth and gravel. The dumper typically carries its load in a skip which is situated in front of the driver – using hydraulics, the skip tips to dump the load. The modern day dumper can be used in a variety of different projects to transport various materials around the site.

What Are Dumper Trucks Used For?

Dumper and dump trucks are used in the following industries:

• Construction
• Infrastructure (roads, bridges tunnels, dams, airports etc.)
• Winter Services
• Mining Industry

Different Types of Dumper Trucks

Dumper trucks can vary greatly in size and capacity, the size of the truck bed will dictate the amount of material that can be carried, although the weight of the load and not only its volume, has to be factored in. When transporting exceptionally heavy material, the bed may not be filled to its full capacity.

Forward tipping dumpers are available in the following sizes:

• Mini dumper/skip loader
• Light weight 1 tonne to 3.5 tonnes
• Medium weight 3.5 tonnes – 7.5 tonnes
• 180° tipping
• Tracked

High Skip Dumpers

These dumpers generally don’t exceed 1 tonne in weight and are ideally suited for jobs where space is limited, their primary use is for loading material into a skip – they are able to dump at heights of approximately 1.85 metres offering a high tip capacity.

High Swivel Skip Dumpers

Of a similar design and function to the above, this dumper has the added benefit of being able to swivel the load through to 180°c – available in different sizes.

Heavy Duty Front Tip Dumpers

One of the bigger front loading dumpers, this is better suited for much larger jobs.

Tracked Dumpers

Tracked dumpers provide superior traction and control, they are ideally suited for areas that may be difficult for wheeled dumpers such as steep inclines with muddy, wet ground.

Dump Trucks

Dump trucks have a similar function to dumper tucks. However, the load of a dump truck is carried at the rear of the vehicle rather than the front. An open trailer box, is hinged at the rear – the front of the bed is lifted using hydraulic pistons allowing the contents to be deposited on the ground behind the truck.

Dump trucks are generally much larger than dumpers and used for heavy duty tasks. One of the largest dump trucks in the world is the Belaz 75710 – this super sized rigid haul truck, designed for the mining industry, 8.2 metres high and weighing more than a fully loaded Airbus A380 passenger plane, it can shift up to 450 tonnes in one load.

Dump trucks are available in sizes varying from up to 10 tonnes to 10 tonnes and above in both wheeled and tracked.

Rigid Dump Trucks

The rigid dump truck consists of a dump bed mounted onto the frame of a truck chassis. The stiff chassis is similar to the majority of most vehicles – it is effective in road manoeuvrability as well as off road. Rigid dump trucks are however, limited in terms of their ability to withstand extreme off road conditions. There are many different types of rigid dump trucks, from the standard to supersized haul trucks such as the aforementioned Belaz 75710.

Articulated

An off road, all wheel drive vehicle – the articulated dump truck consists of a two-piece chassis, connected by a large articulated joint – powered via hydraulic rams on both sides this serves as a pivot point for front wheel steering. These dump trucks are large with high ground clearance. They are ideally suited to off road conditions and can function under extreme off road conditions, maintaining stability on rough terrain. The superior suspension and traction allow for operation on large sharp rocks, loose mud and steep inclines. Articulated dump trucks are not suitable for public roads, due to their large size and tricky steering configurations. They are generally transported to the construction site using another vehicle, although this brings up the price.

Dumper Truck Safety

Dumper trucks and dump trucks are the most common cause of accident on the construction site. Uneven surfaces and poor weight distribution can cause the truck to overturn – this is extremely dangerous not only for the driver, but also any other nearby individuals. In some dumper trucks the driver’s cabin is fitted with Roll Over Protection ROP, this is essentially a frame which assists in protecting the driver should the vehicle overturn.

For larger dump trucks in particular, visibility is poor, especially when reversing – making this a dangerous vehicle when in motion. Most are fitted with a rear alarm which activates when the vehicle is reversing; however, using a spotter to guide the truck is generally the safest method.

Both dump and dumper trucks must adhere to strict maintenance plans and follow guidelines and regulations.

Barford dumper trucks and parts are available from AT Wilde and Son .