Pros and cons for spread axle vs tandem on end dump

Without your consent employers will not be able to contact with job offers, would you like to opt-in now?

Class A CDL Experience Please Select... I Need CDL Training In CDL School Now CDL Grad, No Experience 1-5 Months 6-11 Months 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years 4 Years 5+ Years

Please select the number of verifiable months you’ve been driving professionally using your Class A CDL within the last 3 years.

Each company we work with has specific experience requirements for their drivers. In order for you to receive the best possible offers, please make sure your answers above are accurate prior to submitting.

What Are Tri-axle Trailers and What Can They Do?

What is a tri-axle trailer and why do I need one? This question is one every truck driver should ask at some point. After all, if you want to safely and legally carry heavy loads, you need a tri-axle truck. In this article, we will answer this question and more.

A tri-axle vehicle is any truck, trailer, or tractor using three axles to connect the wheels to the vehicle. Each axle typically connects two wheels with the third being an air-lifted third axle. The driver can move this third axle up and down to keep the wheels off the ground when the truck is not loaded to prevent excessive tire wear and increase fuel economy. Be aware that not all states allow the use of air-lifted axles. They must remain elevated even though this will reduce your truck’s weight capacity.

Because of the axle configuration, the tri-axle dump truck is better for hauling heavy loads. The three axles allow for better weight distribution and a more stable ride. Though the tri-axle truck often connects two wheels, that is not always the case. Some tri-axle trucks can connect more than two wheels. This leads to an even more stable truck. 

 

Tri-axle Dump Truck

One type of truck that benefits from a tri-axle are the dump truck. The purpose of a dump truck is to transport materials. Dump trucks consist of a deep bed perfect for carrying many pounds of material. The tri-axle dump truck can carry more weight than the single-axle dump truck. For dump truck drivers, this is especially important. They are often associated with construction. Dump trucks haul raw materials to sites and waste material away from sites, often carrying loads in the tens of thousands.

Truck Axle

Your choice of truck axle will affect your career as a truck driver. Suppose you only do relatively small, shorter deliveries. In that case, you might be able to get away with a single axle, but if you ever want to carry heavier loads or find that the investment will be worth it later on, you will need to spend the money upgrade. On the other hand, the tri-axle trailer is not limited to heavy loads. If you find yourself with a small delivery, a tri-axle truck will handle the change with no issue. So, what is a tri-axle truck and why do I need one? The tri-axle truck has many benefits, both monetarily and physically.

 

Bigger Loads

What is a tri-axle trailer and why do I need one? The biggest benefit is the increased weight maximum. The type of axles your truck has not only determines how easily you can carry heavy loads but also determines how heavy your loads can be legally. While using single axles, you are only legally allowed to carry 20,000 pounds while tandem and tri-axle trucks are allowed to carry 34,000 pounds without a permit. 

What is a tri-axle trailer and why do I need one? A tri-axle trailer will save you time and money in the long run. The ability to carry heavier loads will save you time and money. If you only need to take one trip and one truck, you will only need to pay gas, wages, and regular wear and tear expenses for the one tri-axle truck. 

It is important to remember not to overload your truck even if It can handle the extra weight. Between states, weight limit laws will vary. Even if you have a tri-axle truck axle, you will need to do your research. You will need to research weight limits, acquire permits if necessary ahead of time, or reduce your load if you are overweight. Failing to stay within weight limits across states can lead to fines with amounts varying across states. Fines can range from a few pennies for every pound overweight to over $100.

A Smoother, Safer Ride

Are you still asking, “What is a tri-axle trailer and why do I need one?” As a truck driver, you spend a lot of time in your truck. If you are going to spend so much time on the road, a comfortable ride can make all the difference.  

More Stability

The type of truck axle you have can change how the truck drives. The more axles a truck has, the smoother the ride. The three axles provide stability that fewer axles can not. The tri-axle truck axle also provides an anti-sway feature. Even when you carry heavy loads, you can be assured that you will not sway. 

Breaks

Unlike other axle configurations, the tri-axle configuration is allowed brakes in many states

More axles, More Tires, More Support

More axles mean more wheels. If you blow a tire, the extra wheels can compensate until you can get to a safe place to address the problem. You will not find yourself losing control or damaging the truck further in the short time it takes you to pull over. 

 

How Many Axles Does a Truck Have?

How many axles does a truck have? Generally, the number of axles on a truck ranges from two to five axles. It is important to note that a tri-axle does not mean a truck has three axles. In fact, each tri-axle is considered an axle. 

When a semi-truck is not hauling a load, it typically has a set of three axles. When the truck is loaded onto the trailer, it will typically have five axles.

If you are looking to drive for a company using tri-axle trailers, consider Heavy Weight transport. We understand how to answer the question, “What is a tri-axle trailer and why do I need one?” Our fleet of four-axle and tri-axle trucks is fully customized and green-friendly. As drayage transport specialists, transporting heavy loads is imperative. tri-axles allow us to carry large shipping containers from ports to our customers’ desired locations without the adverse effects of carrying heavy loads.

Tandem VS Spread Axle Trailers: What Should You Choose?

Whether you’re new to truck driving or have been doing it for a while, you might have noticed that some trucks haul trailers with spread axles that are less common than tandem axles most trailers have. So what is the difference and what axles are better?

The only actual difference is obviously the distance between the axles. Rear axles of tandem axle trailers are spaced close to each other – usually 5 feet. Spread axle trailers, on the contrary, are spaced a lot farther apart, at 10 feet.

Even though the difference is simple, it has significant effects. Spread axle trailers have their own pros and cons.

Among the advantages of wider spaced axles is the stability while loading and unloading the trailer. The weight between the axles is also distributed better comparing to tandem axles.

Spread axle trailers are also easier to balance on scales. It affects how much weight the axles can carry. When axles are further than 8 feet apart, each of them is considered as separate units that can carry up to 20,000 pounds each, while axles that are less than 8 feet apart are treated as one unit and can carry up to 34,000 pounds. That does not affect the total truck limit which is 80,000 pounds but it gives you more leeway when loading the trailer and it is also easier to balance the load for the scales.

Spread axle trailers have advantages on the road as well. They track behind the tractor better and are more stable because of the longer wheelbase. For the same reason they handle the bumps better, so it is a good choice if you need to make sure the cargo is not bounced around.

With all the benefits, spread axle trailers have disadvantages as well. For instance, they are harder to turn because their wheels are further apart and the kingpin is in the same place. It can result in faster tire wear or even damage to axles or wheels. Spread axle trailers are not the best at tight turns or at crowded docks. Also, when you are at a truck stop, the nose of your truck or the rear of your trailer will be left hanging past the other trucks because of less rear overhang. Other truckers probably will not appreciate it.

This kind of trailers is also heavier. They often come with castered steering or dump valves for better maneuvering and increase the weight of your trailer. That, of course, decreases the total weight of the load you can carry.

Generally, spread axle trailers are better suited for long hauls. They handle various conditions better, track better and are easier to balance on scales. But if you run full boxes or drive in tighter spaces such as city roads a lot, tandem axle trailers may be a better idea for you. They are also a better fit for you if you don’t have much experience at hauling a trailer, as they are easier to maneuver and back up.

What Are The Different Types of Dump Trucks

Did You Know There’s 13 Styles of Dump Trucks?

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.

CHECK OUT THESE OTHER DUMP TRUCK ARTICLES

ABOUT 

TOPMARK FUNDING

 

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.

 

The key to our success is "Good Product Quality, Reasonable Price and Efficient Service" for 2 axle dump semi trailer,3 axle dump semi trailerxle dump semi trailer

Recommended article:
Trailer draw bar second opinion please. -

Class A CDL Experience Please Select... I Need CDL Training In CDL School Now CDL Grad, No Experience 1-5 Months 6-11 Months 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years 4 Years 5+ Years

Please select the number of verifiable months you’ve been driving professionally using your Class A CDL within the last 3 years.

Each company we work with has specific experience requirements for their drivers. In order for you to receive the best possible offers, please make sure your answers above are accurate prior to submitting.

What Are Tri-axle Trailers and What Can They Do?

What is a tri-axle trailer and why do I need one? This question is one every truck driver should ask at some point. After all, if you want to safely and legally carry heavy loads, you need a tri-axle truck. In this article, we will answer this question and more.

A tri-axle vehicle is any truck, trailer, or tractor using three axles to connect the wheels to the vehicle. Each axle typically connects two wheels with the third being an air-lifted third axle. The driver can move this third axle up and down to keep the wheels off the ground when the truck is not loaded to prevent excessive tire wear and increase fuel economy. Be aware that not all states allow the use of air-lifted axles. They must remain elevated even though this will reduce your truck’s weight capacity.

Because of the axle configuration, the tri-axle dump truck is better for hauling heavy loads. The three axles allow for better weight distribution and a more stable ride. Though the tri-axle truck often connects two wheels, that is not always the case. Some tri-axle trucks can connect more than two wheels. This leads to an even more stable truck. 

 

Tri-axle Dump Truck

One type of truck that benefits from a tri-axle are the dump truck. The purpose of a dump truck is to transport materials. Dump trucks consist of a deep bed perfect for carrying many pounds of material. The tri-axle dump truck can carry more weight than the single-axle dump truck. For dump truck drivers, this is especially important. They are often associated with construction. Dump trucks haul raw materials to sites and waste material away from sites, often carrying loads in the tens of thousands.

Truck Axle

Your choice of truck axle will affect your career as a truck driver. Suppose you only do relatively small, shorter deliveries. In that case, you might be able to get away with a single axle, but if you ever want to carry heavier loads or find that the investment will be worth it later on, you will need to spend the money upgrade. On the other hand, the tri-axle trailer is not limited to heavy loads. If you find yourself with a small delivery, a tri-axle truck will handle the change with no issue. So, what is a tri-axle truck and why do I need one? The tri-axle truck has many benefits, both monetarily and physically.

 

Bigger Loads

What is a tri-axle trailer and why do I need one? The biggest benefit is the increased weight maximum. The type of axles your truck has not only determines how easily you can carry heavy loads but also determines how heavy your loads can be legally. While using single axles, you are only legally allowed to carry 20,000 pounds while tandem and tri-axle trucks are allowed to carry 34,000 pounds without a permit. 

What is a tri-axle trailer and why do I need one? A tri-axle trailer will save you time and money in the long run. The ability to carry heavier loads will save you time and money. If you only need to take one trip and one truck, you will only need to pay gas, wages, and regular wear and tear expenses for the one tri-axle truck. 

It is important to remember not to overload your truck even if It can handle the extra weight. Between states, weight limit laws will vary. Even if you have a tri-axle truck axle, you will need to do your research. You will need to research weight limits, acquire permits if necessary ahead of time, or reduce your load if you are overweight. Failing to stay within weight limits across states can lead to fines with amounts varying across states. Fines can range from a few pennies for every pound overweight to over $100.

A Smoother, Safer Ride

Are you still asking, “What is a tri-axle trailer and why do I need one?” As a truck driver, you spend a lot of time in your truck. If you are going to spend so much time on the road, a comfortable ride can make all the difference.  

More Stability

The type of truck axle you have can change how the truck drives. The more axles a truck has, the smoother the ride. The three axles provide stability that fewer axles can not. The tri-axle truck axle also provides an anti-sway feature. Even when you carry heavy loads, you can be assured that you will not sway. 

Breaks

Unlike other axle configurations, the tri-axle configuration is allowed brakes in many states

More axles, More Tires, More Support

More axles mean more wheels. If you blow a tire, the extra wheels can compensate until you can get to a safe place to address the problem. You will not find yourself losing control or damaging the truck further in the short time it takes you to pull over. 

 

How Many Axles Does a Truck Have?

How many axles does a truck have? Generally, the number of axles on a truck ranges from two to five axles. It is important to note that a tri-axle does not mean a truck has three axles. In fact, each tri-axle is considered an axle. 

When a semi-truck is not hauling a load, it typically has a set of three axles. When the truck is loaded onto the trailer, it will typically have five axles.

If you are looking to drive for a company using tri-axle trailers, consider Heavy Weight transport. We understand how to answer the question, “What is a tri-axle trailer and why do I need one?” Our fleet of four-axle and tri-axle trucks is fully customized and green-friendly. As drayage transport specialists, transporting heavy loads is imperative. tri-axles allow us to carry large shipping containers from ports to our customers’ desired locations without the adverse effects of carrying heavy loads.

Tandem VS Spread Axle Trailers: What Should You Choose?

Whether you’re new to truck driving or have been doing it for a while, you might have noticed that some trucks haul trailers with spread axles that are less common than tandem axles most trailers have. So what is the difference and what axles are better?

The only actual difference is obviously the distance between the axles. Rear axles of tandem axle trailers are spaced close to each other – usually 5 feet. Spread axle trailers, on the contrary, are spaced a lot farther apart, at 10 feet.

Even though the difference is simple, it has significant effects. Spread axle trailers have their own pros and cons.

Among the advantages of wider spaced axles is the stability while loading and unloading the trailer. The weight between the axles is also distributed better comparing to tandem axles.

Spread axle trailers are also easier to balance on scales. It affects how much weight the axles can carry. When axles are further than 8 feet apart, each of them is considered as separate units that can carry up to 20,000 pounds each, while axles that are less than 8 feet apart are treated as one unit and can carry up to 34,000 pounds. That does not affect the total truck limit which is 80,000 pounds but it gives you more leeway when loading the trailer and it is also easier to balance the load for the scales.

Spread axle trailers have advantages on the road as well. They track behind the tractor better and are more stable because of the longer wheelbase. For the same reason they handle the bumps better, so it is a good choice if you need to make sure the cargo is not bounced around.

With all the benefits, spread axle trailers have disadvantages as well. For instance, they are harder to turn because their wheels are further apart and the kingpin is in the same place. It can result in faster tire wear or even damage to axles or wheels. Spread axle trailers are not the best at tight turns or at crowded docks. Also, when you are at a truck stop, the nose of your truck or the rear of your trailer will be left hanging past the other trucks because of less rear overhang. Other truckers probably will not appreciate it.

This kind of trailers is also heavier. They often come with castered steering or dump valves for better maneuvering and increase the weight of your trailer. That, of course, decreases the total weight of the load you can carry.

Generally, spread axle trailers are better suited for long hauls. They handle various conditions better, track better and are easier to balance on scales. But if you run full boxes or drive in tighter spaces such as city roads a lot, tandem axle trailers may be a better idea for you. They are also a better fit for you if you don’t have much experience at hauling a trailer, as they are easier to maneuver and back up.

What Are The Different Types of Dump Trucks

Did You Know There’s 13 Styles of Dump Trucks?

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.

For more information, please visit semi trailer axle Exporter.

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.

CHECK OUT THESE OTHER DUMP TRUCK ARTICLES

ABOUT 

TOPMARK FUNDING

 

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.

 

The key to our success is "Good Product Quality, Reasonable Price and Efficient Service" for 2 axle dump semi trailer,3 axle dump semi trailer

Contact us to discuss your requirements of semi car transporter. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.