What are the different types of dump trucks? As you’ll read below, there are a bunch of different types of dump trucks. They come in all shapes and sizes. From monstrous heavy haul Cat’s designed for mining to “smaller” everyday standard dump trucks.
A dump truck, also known as a dumper truck or tipper truck, is used for taking dumps such as sand, gravel, or demolition waste for construction. A typical dump truck is equipped with an open-box bed, which is hinged at the rear and equipped with hydraulic rams to lift the front, allowing the material in the bed to be deposited (“dumped”) on the ground behind the truck at the site of delivery.
There are several types of dump trucks for pretty much any application you can think of. Below is a breakdown of the different types of dump trucks.
STANDARD DUMP TRUCK
A standard dump truck is a truck chassis with a dump body mounted to the frame. The bed is raised by a vertical hydraulic ram mounted under the front of the body or a horizontal hydraulic ram and lever arrangement between the frame rails, and the back of the bed is hinged at the back of the truck.
The tailgate can be configured to swing up on top hinges (and sometimes also to fold down on lower hinges) or it can be configured in the “High Lift Tailgate” format wherein pneumatic rams lift the gate open and up above the dump body.
SEMI-TRAILER END DUMP TRUCK
A semi-end dump is a tractor-trailer combination wherein the trailer itself contains the hydraulic hoist. In the US a typical semi-end dump has a 3-axle tractor pulling a 2-axle trailer with dual tires.
The key advantage of a semi-end dump is a large payload. A key disadvantage is that they are very unstable when raised in the dumping position limiting their use in many applications where the dumping location is uneven or off-level.
TRANSFER DUMP TRUCK
A transfer dump truck is a standard dump truck pulling a separate trailer with a movable cargo container, which can also be loaded with construction aggregate, gravel, sand, asphalt, klinkers, snow, wood chips, triple mix, etc.
The second aggregate container on the trailer (“B” box) is powered by an electric motor, a pneumatic motor or a hydraulic line. It rolls on small wheels, riding on rails from the trailer’s frame into the empty main dump container (“A” box). This maximizes payload capacity without sacrificing the maneuverability of the standard dump truck. Transfer dump trucks are typically seen in the western United States due to the peculiar weight restrictions on highways there.
TRUCK AND PUP
A truck and pup are very similar to a transfer dump. It consists of a standard dump truck pulling a dump trailer. The pup trailer, unlike the transfer, has its own hydraulic ram and is capable of self-unloading.
SUPER DUMP TRUCK
A super dump is a straight dump truck equipped with a trailing axle, a liftable, load-bearing axle rated as high as 13,000 pounds. Trailing 11 to 13 feet behind the rear tandem, the trailing axle stretches the outer “bridge” measurement, the distance between the first and last axles, to the maximum overall length allowed.
This increases the gross weight allowed under the federal bridge formula, which sets standards for truck size and weight. Depending on the vehicle length and axle configuration, Superdumps can be rated as high as 80,000 pounds. GVW and carry 26 short tons of payload.
When the truck is empty or ready to offload, the trailing axle toggles up off the road surface on two hydraulic arms to clear the rear of the vehicle.
SEMI-TRAILER BOTTOM DUMP TRUCK
A semi-bottom dump or belly dump is a 3-axle tractor pulling a 2-axle trailer with a clamshell-type dump gate in the belly of the trailer.
The key advantage of a semi-bottom dump is its ability to lay material in a windrow, a linear heap. In addition, a semi-bottom dump is maneuverable in reverse, unlike the double and triple-trailer configurations described below.
These trailers may be found either of the windrow type shown in the photo or maybe of the cross spread type, with the gate opening front to rear instead of left and right. The cross-spread type gate will actually spread the cereal grains fairly and evenly from the width of the trailer.
By comparison, the windrow-type gate leaves a pile in the middle. The cross-spread type gate, on the other hand, tends to jam and may not work very well with coarse materials.
DOUBLE & TRIPLE TRAILER BOTTOM DUMP TRUCK
Double and triple bottom dumps consist of a 2-axle tractor pulling one single-axle semi-trailer and an additional full trailer (or two full trailers in the case of triples). These dump trucks allow the driver to lay material in windrows without leaving the cab or stopping the truck.
The main disadvantage is the difficulty in backing double and triple units.
SIDE DUMP TRUCK
A side dump truck also known as an SDT consists of a 3-axle tractor pulling a 2-axle semi-trailer. It has hydraulic rams that tilt the dump body onto its side, spilling the material to either the left or right side of the trailer. The key advantages of the side dump are that it allows rapid unloading and can carry more weight.
In addition, it is almost immune to upset or tipping over while dumping, unlike the semi-end dumps which are very prone to tipping over. It is, however, highly likely that a side dump trailer will tip over if dumping is stopped prematurely.
Also, when dumping loose materials or cobble-sized stones, the side dump can become stuck if the pile becomes wide enough to cover too much of the trailer’s wheels.
Trailers that dump at the appropriate angle, 50° for example, avoid the problem of the dumped load fouling the path of the trailer wheels by dumping their loads further to the side of the truck, in some cases leaving sufficient clearance to walk between the dumped load and the trailer.
WINTER SERVICE VEHICLES
Many winter service vehicles are based on dump trucks, to allow the placement of ballast to weigh the truck down or to hold sodium or calcium chloride salts for spreading on snow and ice-covered surfaces. Plowing is a severe service and needs heavy-duty trucks.
ROLL-OFF TRUCKS
A Roll-off has a hoist and subframe, but nobody, it carries removable containers. The container is loaded on the ground, then pulled onto the back of the truck with a winch and cable. The truck goes to the dumpsite after it has been dumped the empty container is taken and placed to be loaded or stored.
The hoist is raised and the container slides down the subframe so the rear is on the ground. The container has rollers on the rear and can be moved forward or back until the front of it is lowered onto the ground.
The containers are usually open-topped boxes used for rubble and building debris, but rubbish compactor containers are also carried. A newer hook-lift system does the same job, but lifts/lower and dumps the container with a boom arrangement instead of a cable and hoist.
OFF-HIGHWAY DUMP TRUCKS
Off-highway dump trucks are heavy construction equipment and share little resemblance to highway dump trucks. Bigger off-highway dump trucks are used strictly off-road for mining and heavy dirt-hauling jobs.
There are two primary forms: a rigid frame and an articulating frame. The term “dump” truck is not generally used by the mining industry, or by the manufacturers that build these machines. The more appropriate U.S. term for this strictly off-road vehicle is “haul truck”.
HAUL TRUCK
Haul trucks are used in large surface mines and quarries. They have a rigid frame and conventional steering with the drive at the rear wheel. As of late 2013, the largest ever production haul truck is the 450 metric ton BelAZ 75710, followed by the Liebherr T 282B, the Bucyrus MT6300AC, and the Caterpillar 797F, which each have payload capacities of up to 400 short tons.
Most large-size haul trucks employ Diesel-electric powertrains, using the Diesel engine to drive an AC alternator or DC generator that sends electric power to electric motors at each rear wheel. The Caterpillar 797 is unique for its size, as it employs a Diesel engine to power a mechanical powertrain, typical of most road-going vehicles and intermediary-size haul trucks.
Other major manufacturers of haul trucks include SANY, XCMG, Hitachi, Komatsu, DAC, Terex, and BelAZ.
ARTICULATED HAULER
An articulated dumper is an all-wheel-drive, off-road dump truck. It has a hinge between the cab and the dump box but is distinct from a semi-trailer truck in that the power unit is a permanent fixture, not a separable vehicle.
Steering is accomplished via hydraulic cylinders that pivot the entire tractor in relation to the trailer, rather than a rack and pinion steering on the front axle as in a conventional dump truck.
By this way of steering, the trailer’s wheels follow the same path as the front wheels. Together with all-wheel drive and a low center of gravity, it is highly adaptable to rough terrain. Major manufacturers include Volvo CE, Terex, John Deere, and Caterpillar.
TopMark Funding is a top-rated dump truck financing and equipment financing company located in Roseville, CA. We specialize in commercial trucking and heavy equipment. Our mission is to become your long-term financial partner by helping you grow your trucking business and fleet.
We’re not here for the short term, we’re on the long haul with you!
We have financing options for commercial trucks, trailers, and small businesses. We have great rates, low down payments, and flexible monthly payments regardless of credit history.
Fill out the contact form or give us a call at (866) 627-6644. One of our truck financing specialists will contact you as soon as possible to go over your truck lease needs and learn more about you and your business financing goals.
I want to say that my good friend Joshua Woodward at Top Mark funding was very professional in the process of financing my truck, he walked me through the whole process and made great about what I was purchasing.I would highly recommend him to anyone who is ready or even considering by equipment..;)
In the previous year, I procured ownership of the companies that I have been operating for more than three decades. Among the various aspects that required attention, I had assumed that acquiring financing for equipment would be relatively straightforward. Regrettably, obtaining the necessary funding for equipment proved to be more challenging than anticipated. Despite my long-standing presence in the industry, financial institutions regarded my acquisition as a startup venture, and as such, were hesitant to extend the necessary credit. In contrast, Jeff from TopMark Funding provided the much-needed support during this trying period. His exceptional professionalism and willingness to go above and beyond ensured that our equipment needs were met satisfactorily.
Damian is very professional, he always returns calls and completes task as promised. The funding process was quick and painless. I will send all my return business with this organization and refer others. Thanks Damian and Top Mark Funding for everything!!
Matt was excellent to deal with and was helpful and diligent throughout the process. Company and terms are straight forward. Excellent doing business with.
TopMark is Top Notch! As a dealer I have had the good fortune to work with Damian Norris on multiple occasions. I know Damian is always going to go way above and beyond to help my buyers get into the equipment they need.
I worked with a guy named Kyle Mota he was awesome I had many questions and he always responded and kept me updated with no issue. He was straight forward and over all made my experience wonderful. Thank u Kyle
Steve Archambault was awesome! He performed exactly as promised from the first phone call all the way through the funding process. Made buying our first truck the easiest thing about getting our business up and running.
Damian Norris is fantastic. I can’t begin to tell you how hard he worked. The equipment I need is unique and he was there every step of the way. He had many options for first time buyers to fit our needs and goals. No surprises and no BS. Very straight forward and honest.
Thank you Tyler for making the purchase of my box truck a pleasant experience. I appreciate how informative and cooperative you have been through the whole process. I look forward to working with you again in the future.
Great company to deal with awesome people. Nick was very helpful throughout the whole buying process, handled everything very professionally & always answered any calls and questions I may had. Definitely recommend! Thanks again.C and A Transport
Had a great experience working with David Bolce of TopMark Funding. Great guy excellent with the step by step process which made everything go pretty smooth!!! Thumbs up and would definitely recommend/refer him to anyone looking to purchase commercial equipment.
Tyler went out of his way to get my loan approval done in the time I needed. I would go back to him if I ever buy another semi. Thanks TopMark Funding and Tyler!
I’m just starting my new business, and the sales executive David helped me every step of the way. He made sure I had all the things I needed, and was very attentive. He made sure we stayed on the timeline to help me get behind the wheel, and making money. He represented his company as more than just a lender, but as a business who wants their customers to succeed. Thank you for all your guidance.
Tyler at Top Mark Funding was excellent to work with! He made the entire buying process fun and exciting! Would recommend him to all and hopefully you get Tyler! Thanks for everything Man!!
David Bolce is the best. He helped me a lot throughout the process and was always available to answer any question. I recommend them very fast and efficient. David Bolce
I must say when Top Mark first reached out to me with quotes for financing a 2017 Volvo semi truck, I was not pleased. I thought everything was hopeless and that I would not get the vehicle I so desperately need to keep my transportation business running. Tyler Davis did not give up on me made the financing work where I could afford the down payment as well as the monthly payments.
I contacted TopMark finance and was connected with David, he was courteous and professional from the beginning to the end. Everything was explained in a way for me to understand and if there was questions he was always there to answer. I would recommend the company and especially him to handle my financial needs
I had a great experience using TopMark Funding James who was my contact person was outstanding in the purchasing of my new 26ft boxtruck.Everything was done quickly and professionally!I will use them again!
Top mark funding made financing business equipment very easy as well as very professional. david bolce was on top of everything from start to finish great person to work with.
When it comes to handling business? Mr. Thomas Battistella is the guy u need to see, He answered the phone every time I call or texted. He was never to busy, Plus he got the job done. Not jus 1 truck, but 2 trucks. You the Man Thomas! When nobody else believe my dream and goals? Mr. Thomas Battistella did. And we pushed for it! 💪🏿💯👍🏿💯🎯🎯. Thanks again for making my dream a reality!
Mr. Thomas Battistella was very helpful & quick responsive to all the questions that I had.. Very polite, great sense of humor.. TopMark Funding got the job done when no one else would give a start up small business a chance.. Thanks so much Mr.Thomas Battistella..
Thomas, with Top Mark Funding was excellent, very attentive, he explained everything to us, very patient. Thank you so much for all your help Thomas & Top Mark Funding!
Special thanks to TopMark Funding and especially Brendan K. for superb service, always available and easy to get in touch with. He followed us step by step through the whole process. He answered all our questions in a personal, and timely manor. We recommend 100%.
I cant began to express my gratitude to Tyler from TopMark funding. He really took care of me during this whole process answered any questions and concern I had, he was always available and went above what I expected. I can truly say TopMark funding is definitely the place to go when your looking for a commercial lender. They truly care, because of them I was able to purchase my first cargo van for my business. When it's time to purchase my second van I'll call Tyler.. Thanks again..
Top mark moved fast once I found the truck that I wanted. My rep Brian is one of the best. Keep me updating the entire process and Made sure the deal got done. Definitely hit him up if you looking at going through TOP Mark Funding!!!!
Good experience, always ready to pickup there calls for any questions, good communication , commitment, honest and ready to work with you for any adjustments.
This is the second time i used Topmark and each time they helped me get the best deal possible for me and my company.. i recommend them to anyone wanting to elevate their business..
From start to finish my experience with TopMark was excellent. Even buying from a private seller in another state my loan guy Brian made the process far easier than I expected. He was very responsive on every level when it came to answering questions and getting the deal done and still is even after the fact. Good customer service is hard to come by these days.
New to the business as an owner operator after working with a dispatcher several years. We couldn’t ask for a better loan manager. Tyler Davis was on top of every little detail and made sure we closed and funded our deal as quickly as possible. He showed great communication skills and answers all our questions promptly. Highly recommend Topmark funding and ask for Tyler. - S & S Logistics Solutions
Working with Thomas was a great experience. He was very responsive and informative and helped me make one of the best decisions possible for growing my company.
Thomas is a top notch guy! He went waaayyy above and beyond to not only get me funded but he also helped get my trucks to me. i will definately use him again when im ready to buy more trucks
My and husband I had a very positive experience with financing through TopMark Funding. Our finance guy, Geoff Garden went above and beyond our expectations in the whole process of buying our Peterbilt. Geoff kept us both informed every step of the way throughout the whole process. We would recommend anyone looking for financing to give TopMark a try!
So my rating is based on my experience with two people. Short version, avoid Brian St Louis, and request Tyler Davis.I started with Brian, and after only giving me part of the information I needed to make an informed decision he got frustrated with me for asking too many questions. The defining moment is when I presented a truck I needed financing for, and he told me that they couldn't finance it for a few different reasons. I started asking asking questions as to why and he said that maybe TopMark isn't the company for me and I should look elsewhere. I politely ended that call and haven't spoken to him since.Two days later I was speaking to someone at Ryder who brought Tyler into the conversation. Tyler was night and day different. He provided me all the necessary information, and presented me a better financing deal than Brian ever mentioned. I continued to go through the process with Tyler who was informative, helpful and always on his game. He was even keeping me updated while on his vacation.So to end, I was pleased with the result, but very displeased with Brian and his unprofessionalism. Thankfully Tyler was there to save the company's reputation and keep my rating from being any lower.
Tyler was great to work with. He communicated well, explained my options throughly and assisted with my funding needs. I’ll definitely consider working with Tyler again for future funding.
We had the privilege of working with Tyler Davis. Tyler provided patience and guidance throughout the entire process, we felt happy and certain with our Commerical Truck purchase and will be doing business in the future with Tyler as our fleet continues to grow! Thank you again Tyler from your friends at Anderson Transportation Services LLC
I purchased my first truck through Topmark with the help of Tyler. He was very helpful, patient, and kept me informed and up too date throughout the whole process. Highly recommend, and I'll definitely be purchasing my second truck through Topmark and with the help of tyler.
Tyler Davis with TopMark was excellent! I bought my first semi and he helped walk me through the entire process. He was easy to get ahold of and very quick to respond to all of my questions. Highly reccomend Tyler and TopMark
Such efficient work by Brian Perry. Everything I needed to get my new truck for my business was handled without hassle. Excellent communication from start to finish!
Top Mark made the whole experience of buying a truck very simple. Trevor Mcoy walked me through every step. I would recommend Trevor Mcoy and Top Mark to anyone. Thank you Trevor and Top Mark for everything you’ve done for me.
My experience with Adam Czaikowski was extremely awesome.He was very helpful knowledgeable and always available.He answered all my questions and kept me up to date with everything. He made the loan process very smooth. Thanks Adam Czaikowski.
Thomas My TopMark Funding Rep was very knowledgeable and helpful throughout my truck purchasing process. I hope to have his assistance on my next truck purchase. 😊Derrick
Thomas has been extremely helpful since the first day we started doing business with him. He was always available and responsive with all and any questions we had. He made the entire process very smooth for my husband and I. He always kept us updated with everything. We will definitely be coming to him again for our next purchase!
