The Top 4 Jobs For Articulated Dump Trucks
When it comes to machines that are sturdy, versatile, and capable of working on large-scale projects, nothing compares to the articulated dump truck. Unlike its popular fixed body equipment counterparts like the standard dump truck, the transfer dump truck, and the semi-trailer dump truck, the articulated dump truck stands out as one of, if not the most adaptable and flexible kinds of dump trucks available.
The articulated dump truck gets its name from its articulating chassis. Unlike rigid dump trucks that have one fixed chassis, the articulated dump truck features an almost trailer and hitch-like body. Essentially, the cab of the articulated dump truck is mounted on a separate front component from its dump body, which is mounted on a back component. These two components are joined together by an articulation joint that sits right behind the front cab component. This feature contains pivot joints that allow the two pieces of the chassis to move independently from one another.
This two-part chassis allows for some useful benefits that are unique to articulated dump trucks. First, because it moves in segments, the articulated dump truck has a tighter turning radius and thus improved maneuverability. The articulated dump truck also features improved flexibility on various types of job sites because of its off-road capabilities. Finally, because of all these features, the articulated dump truck also allows for increased safety on the job site.
Although it's great to gain some knowledge about the background of the articulated dump truck, it's even better to have a practical understanding of when this machine is used in the field. That's why we've put together a list of the top 4 jobs for articulated dump trucks:
Off-Road Construction Projects
Even though the articulated dump truck can technically be used in any kind of construction project, off-road construction projects are the real highlight of this machine.
During the excavation process of any construction project, developers will use dump trucks to help transport materials like dirt, soil, and gravel to and from the job site. In the case that the job site is in an off-road, non-developed, hilly, or bumpy area, developers will benefit from using an articulated dump truck since this kind of terrain demands its more intricate maneuverability.
Some examples of off-road construction projects in which the articulated dump truck fits well are clearing land for new housing developments and infrastructural development like building a bridge.
Quarrying Projects
Dump trucks are used in quarrying projects because they can carry large loads of stone and other heavy quarry materials away from the job site. The unique aspect of quarries is that they can have sharp corners, tight spaces to maneuver, steep inclines, uneven ground, rocky terrain, and unpredictable drops.
In quarries, the articulated dump truck is specifically used because of its ability to safely move heavy loads of materials in adverse driving conditions. Because of its improved maneuverability, increased off-road capabilities, and improved flexibility, the articulated dump truck not only has the right features to navigate aptly through the quarry but also exhibits increased safety for its driver and other ground crew members.
Its heavy-duty cab also means that the articulated dump truck can be used to carry raw material from its quarry to other locations, making it great as a transportation vehicle as well as a heavy lifter.
Mining Projects
Similar to quarry projects, mining projects use dump trucks to haul away materials from the job site in order to keep the path clear. Also similar to quarries, mines usually have sharp corners, tight spaces to maneuver, steep inclines, uneven ground, rocky terrain, and unpredictable drops. That's why, in mining projects, the articulated dump truck is specifically and popularly used.
The articulated dump truck helps to carry away excavated dirt and transport mined minerals from the cramped, uneven conditions of this kind of job site. In mining projects, the articulated dump truck does a great job transporting excess dirt that can get to be extremely heavy since there's a lot of ground being dug. The mined minerals being transported from the site can also be quite valuable, so the articulated dump trucks increased flexibility ensures that these minerals are being transported safely.
The articulated dump truck's overall flexibility is particularly important when it comes to mining since navigating a mine's scary terrain can be as tricky as it is unsafe.
Larger Landscaping
When it comes to large-scale landscaping projects, massive amounts of gravel, dirt, and soil all need to be moved from the job site during excavation. In addition to that, hardscaping material must also be transported to the job site in order for the creation process to begin. The easiest way for landscapers to do this is by using dump trucks.
Some larger, off-road landscaping projects require heavy transportation in tight, uneven terrains like forests and mountains. That's where the articulated dump truck comes in.
Of course, the articulated dump truck's increased off-road capabilities and tighter turning radius can help tremendously in landscaping projects that are densely populated with trees and hilly, rough terrain. This also makes it safe for operators to drive since there's much less of a chance that, unlike its rigid counterparts, the articulated dump truck will tip over and cause harm.
Also, the articulated dump truck can comfortably move through these adverse spaces without interfering with the ground's structural integrity, making it perfect for larger landscaping projects that want to keep the surrounding nature intact.
Final Thoughts
All in all, the articulated dump truck is as powerful as it is versatile. This machine's maneuverability, flexibility, and increased safety features allow for it to outperform the rigid dump truck in many areas of the job. The articulated dump truck is a piece of heavy equipment that fits any kind of job on any kind of job site.
Whether it's construction, quarrying, mining, or landscaping, your business may eventually need the power and versatility of an articulated dump truck. Although these machines are marvelous, they're quite expensive to purchase. If you're looking to rent an articulated dump truck, then check out the DOZR Marketplace to find and compare the rental rates of these machines near you.
