Guide to buying a tipper

Market research

All the companies that specialize in commercial trucks manufacturing offer a wide range of tippers. Its units conform to the ones of the trucks, tractor units and vans with reinforced chassis.

MERCEDES BENZ and MAN produce the majority of tipper trucks sold around the world. The preferences towards the former or the latter brand depend on individual judgments and previous experiences. These vehicles feature high levels of reliability, efficiency, comfortability for drivers and durability of exploitation. As for the costs, both of the manufacturers represent the premium segment. Its vehicles require high-quality maintenance as well as high-priced spare parts.

IVECO and RENAULT stand for the next group of companies that make heavy-duty trucks, including tipper versions. The purchase of these dumpers will be more profitable in terms of its actual price, after-sales service and the price of spare parts. However the durability of its units is inferior to the rates of the premium group.

The high standard of reliability is also provided by the Scandinavian manufacturers SCANIA and VOLVO. But the lifetime of its engines, transmission and axles lag behind the lifetime of the same units made by MERCEDES BENZ and MAN. Besides, the operation of the dump trucks from Scandinavia is impeded by reduced accessibility of technical service and rather expensive spare parts. Nevertheless, SCANIA and VOLVO tippers are economically viable in the area with an expanded dealer network.

Types

There are 2 main types of tipper trucks according to the body configuration: fixed body tippers and roll-off tippers. In the first case the unloading is made by tilting the body backwards or sideways. The second type unloads the entire container with the cargo, that is why it is also called a swap body tipper.

Roll-off tippers (with swap bodies) are widely used in municipal services to remove household and industrial waste. Swap body tippers deliver empty bunkers for the next batch of rubbish and load the full ones without delay. So, if the process of loading a dumper can be time-consuming, then the purchase of a roll-off tipper truck is the best decision.

What concerns tilting body tippers, they can be divided into the following categories: trucks for road network, heavy dump trucks to work around the mines or underground.

Heavy dumpers with up to 500 tonnes of load capacity are real giants in the world of vehicles. Because of its huge dimensions and considerable pressure to the road pavement such trucks can be not driven on the roads of general use. But they are successfully operated in the mines, quarries and at the industrial sites. To take a look at the biggest monster-like dump trucks in the world go on here.

Standard versions of tippers designed for general roads are used on a daily basis. The load capacity depends on the purposes of the trucks and can vary from 1 to 40 tonnes. Dumpers have from 2 to 4 axles and all of them can be driving ones (this feature provides excellent cross-country ability).

Used tippers: optimal choice

As the main function of tippers is to transport heavy loads, the condition of the frame is first thing to pay attention to. It should be free from cracks and the signs of welding. The reason is that a split frame can’t be effectively fixed by means of welding. The vehicle will anyway have limited load capacity. For a thorough check-up the chassis of a truck should be completely clean from dirt. Thus, you can see if the frame is freshly painted, what is a bad sign. Pylons and brackets for axis fixing, springs and air bags also deserve special attention. To sum it up, all load-bearing elements require the foremost examination.

The next thing to inspect is a hydraulic system, especially the condition of its main lift cylinders, valve actuator and an oil pump. The reparation or replacement of these units can result in substantial expenses.

Used tippers: optimal choice

As the main function of tippers is to transport heavy loads, the condition of the frame is first thing to pay attention to. It should be free from cracks and the signs of welding. The reason is that a split frame can’t be effectively fixed by means of welding. The vehicle will anyway have limited load capacity. For a thorough check-up the chassis of a truck should be completely clean from dirt. Thus, you can see if the frame is freshly painted, what is a bad sign. Pylons and brackets for axis fixing, springs and air bags also deserve special attention. To sum it up, all load-bearing elements require the foremost examination.

The next thing to inspect is a hydraulic system, especially the condition of its main lift cylinders, valve actuator and an oil pump. The reparation or replacement of these units can result in substantial expenses.