Dump truck (tipper truck)

01

Check payload against axle and gross weight limits

For the US Interstate System, 23 CFR 658.17 sets a maximum gross vehicle weight of 80,000 lb, unless the Bridge Gross Weight Formula gives a lower figure for the axle spacing, a maximum of 20,000 lb on any one axle and 34,000 lb on a tandem axle, inclusive of tolerances. [1]

Great Britain sets limits by axle count for rigid trucks. The DVSA summary of the Construction and Use Regulations 1986 and the Authorised Weight Regulations 1998 gives 17,000 kg (C&U) or 18,000 kg (AWR) for two axles, 25,000 kg (26,000 kg with road-friendly suspension) for three axles, and 30,000 kg (32,000 kg with road-friendly suspension) for four or more axles. Road-friendly suspension means at least 75% of the spring effect comes from air or another compressible fluid under pressure, or an equivalent recognised under Directive 96/53/EC. A vehicle must comply with one set of regulations, not a mix, and must not exceed the weights on its manufacturer's plate or the ministry plate issued for goods vehicles above 3,500 kg. [3]

SANY's SYZ436C-9S(R) dump truck page lists a 340 kW engine (Euro III), a Fast 12JSDX240TB gearbox, front axles of 2 × 9.5 t and middle and rear axles of 2 × 16 t, 12.00R24 tyres, a 400 L fuel tank, 22.5 t curb weight, 66 t full-load weight, a 36 m³ body of 7,200 × 2,500 × 2,000 mm and overall dimensions of 10,160 × 2,690 × 3,780 mm. [2]

Editorial calculation: the listed axle ratings add up to 2 × 9.5 + 2 × 16 = 51 t, while the full-load weight is 66 t; the US Interstate gross limit of 80,000 lb is about 36.3 t (single axle 20,000 lb ≈ 9.1 t; tandem 34,000 lb ≈ 15.4 t), and a four-axle rigid in Great Britain is limited to 32 t with road-friendly suspension. Ask the supplier which figure is the design gross weight, which is the legal gross weight in your market, and what payload remains after the 22.5 t curb weight in each case: at 32 t gross that is 9.5 t. [2] [1] [3]

Give the supplier the materials and densities, the roads and their legal axle and gross limits, site conditions (haul road, gradients, soft ground), loading equipment, haul distance and trips per shift, axle configuration, body type and liner, tipping direction, emission standard, climate and right- or left-hand drive.

02

Match body volume to material density

SANY's dump truck range lists bodies from 20 m³ to 48 m³ across models with curb weights from 18.5 t to 24.3 t. [2]

Editorial calculation: the SYZ436C-9S body measures 7.2 × 2.5 × 2.0 m = 36 m³. With an assumed material density of 1.6 t/m³ (for illustration), a level-full body would hold about 57.6 t, more than the 66 − 22.5 = 43.5 t left for payload at full-load weight; with dense material the payload limit, not the body volume, decides how full the body can be. [2]

Editorial note: ask the supplier for the body steel grade and thickness, tailgate type, liner options and the hoist cylinder rating, and match body volume to the densest material the truck will carry.

03

Compare 6×4 and 8×4 parameter sheets from a second maker

XCMG publishes a parameter table for each road dump truck in its fuel-powered heavy truck range. Its range page lists the 8×4 XGA3311D2WE at 21,700 kg kerb mass and 70,000 kg GVW, the 8×4 XGA3310D5WE at 19,000 kg and 60,000 kg, and the 6×4 XGA3251D2WC at 16,300 kg and 47,300 kg. [4]

The three parameter pages below show how drive type, body size and emission level change between versions that share a 7.5T front axle model and a 16T rear axle model. Both 6×4 versions list an 18 m minimum turning diameter against 24.4 m for the 8×4, and all three list grade ability of ≥30% and a 400 L fuel tank. [4]

Editorial calculation: payload is GVW minus kerb mass, and cargo volume is the product of the three listed cargo dimensions, assuming a level-full rectangular body. If the 8×4 carries two 7.5 t front axles and two 16 t rear axles (an assumption from the axle model names), the axle ratings add up to 47 t, below the 70 t GVW; as with the SANY example, ask which figure is the design weight and which is legal on your roads. [4]

04

Compare what suppliers offer

Suppliers linked to this page list dump trucks; each card links to the page reviewed.

The suppliers reviewed list 6×4 and 8×4 dump trucks; ask each for axle ratings, design and legal gross weights, curb weight, body volume and steel, engine and emission stage, gearbox, tyres and the markets the truck is homologated for.

05

Trace the truck components

This is a functional reference built from the sources cited; it is not one maker's design.

06

Fill the specification fields with values for your haul

A dump truck quotation needs values for your haul. The table explains each field, gives published values where a reviewed source states them, and says what to obtain from the supplier.

07

Send the material, route and truck data together

Paste it into your enquiry below or into an email to a maker, then replace every bracket.

Material: [type; density]
Routes: [roads; axle and gross limits]
Site: [haul road; gradients]
Truck: [axles; GVW; payload; body volume]
Drivetrain: [engine; emission; gearbox; tyres]
Body: [steel; tailgate; liner]
Market: [homologation; drive side]

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