Dump Trucks

Searching for a Dump Truck for Your Needs

Not all dump trucks are created equally, and if youre about to embark on a construction or building venture, its a good idea to quickly learn about the different types of dump trucks and what you should look for to meet your needs. Every type of dump truck is manufactured for a specific purpose, and if youre just starting out in the world of construction, its possible to be a little confused. Also, dump truck shopping is slightly different than buying a pickup truck. With that in mind, there are certain things to look before as you take a look at eBays many listings for new and pre-owned dump trucks to make your final purchase.

Types of Dump Trucks

Each type of truck performs a different type of function, and some may be better than others for specific jobs. In fact, you might discover that you need several different types of these vehicles to be more efficient and do a perfect job. There are several categories that dump trucks fall in, some of which are listed below:

  • Standard/common trucks: As the name suggests, this is your typical type of dump truck that you see most often. It has a slightly extended cab, with a dumping container at the rear. This container has a lift that dumps the material out of the container and onto the ground. These types of vehicles are used for general construction and building, forestry, waste management, mining, and forestry, among other uses.
  • Transfer vehicles: This type of truck is a standard/common truck as far as the vehicle goes, but has two or more trailers connected to it, all with containers that are carrying various materials or dirt. This type of vehicle offers the option to carry many different types of materials at once in the different trailers and containers, allowing for easy transfer from one container to another.
  • Side trucks: This type of vehicle is very common for construction. Instead of a standard truck that dumps the material out of the back, this model has a side spring that forces the material out of the side. This is an optimal truck for tossing dirt directly into the ground.
  • Off-road makes: These trucks arent so often used in building and are more for mining or quarry projects. These often have a high load capacity (40-50 tons), and are built expressly for off-road use, although they can be driven on the road.
Choosing the Right Dump Truck

This type of purchase is slightly different than that of an automobile. As youre making your final dump truck selection, there are a few things to consider:

  • Tires and dump body. While tires are especially important on a car, they are vitally important here and can be costly to replace. Make sure the vehicle has sturdy, durable tires that are ready to take a lot of wear. Also, the dump body should be in near-perfect shape with no damage and no rust.
  • Frames and axles. This is something tough to check on first glance, but the structural integrity of your model is vitally important. Make sure the frames and axles are not rusted, not bent, and are in good condition.
  • Lift cylinder. One of the most important parts on these types of trucks is the lift cylinder, part of the force that drives the dump motion. Thoroughly check the hydraulics before a final decision is made.
  • Brands. Read up on your make and model and its safety and crash rating. Some of the most popular brands include Chevrolet, Ford, Freightliner, GMC, International, Kenworth, Mack, and Peterbilt.

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