Dump Trucks: Taking On The Tough Loads, So You Never Have To

November 2nd, 2018 by

Red 2019 Chevy Silverado 6500 at construction site

When it comes to commercial vehicles, none rank quite as high in importance as dump trucks. These are vehicles that allow our society a means of taking on our toughest loads safely and efficiently, and without them, we would truly be lost. That is why dump trucks and the drivers who own and operate them deserve respect and appreciation for the role they play. If you have a desire to become a part of this honored group and are looking into dump trucks for sale in Cincinnati or the surrounding area, there is a lot you may need to know first in order to assure yourself that you are making a wise investment. You will want to, of course, know the type you should buy and where to buy them from, but to start off, it is important to know the basics.

Dump Truck basics

Dump trucks are brilliantly crafted vehicles, but there is a lot more to them than the average driver understands. In order to get you started in understanding their complexity, here are a few of the basics:

  • A dump truck is classified as any vehicle that is used specifically for transporting loose materials such as sand and gravel, usually in large quantities, where the body tilts for unloading.
  • You will want to be sure of what you intend to haul as well as where you are hauling it.  Depending on the roads and cargo you may just need to consider a specific frame and suspension type if you want to avoid unnecessary damage.
  • When it comes to configurations it is important to decide whether you wish to prioritize power or handling, since generally one or the other will need to lower in order for the other to be greater.
  • When it comes to dump trucks you don’t prioritize things like speed, technology, and comfort items the same way you would your commuter vehicles. For dump trucks, it’s entirely about the performance, and in order to maximize its potential, you need to consider things like weight, ratio range, axle ratio, transmission type, and suspension.
  • High horsepower does not always equal a better dump truck. With higher horsepower comes a bigger and heavier engine that will not only be less affordable but will provide only a small difference in overall performance. Typically a dump truck with around 400 horsepower will gain you the best value for the power.
  • When it comes to maintenance, you will want to almost double what you would do for your everyday vehicle. These are much bigger machines that have to put up with a lot more strain, and so without frequent maintenance on a regular basis, they can wear down quickly or even become a safety hazard. Never forget these to update your dump truck for the season, depending on the area you live. These maintenance fees should also be estimated into your overall cost when you decide which dump truck to invest in.
  • It is important to know all of your state and comity weight laws before purchasing a dump truck for sale. So if you are looking for a dump truck in Cincinnati, you will want to look at the Cincinnati laws. Some laws set limited poundage as well as dictate wheelbase, number of axles, and other details of chassis configuration. That being said, you can always invest in new components that will boost payload, revenue, and profit.

 

Types of Dump Trucks for Sale

While many may picture a dump truck as the large earth movers children play with, there are a number of different types that can be used in a variety of ways in order to assure the job gets done correctly.

  • Standard dump trucks are the most common type and feature beds that can be raised to unload the bed’s contents from the rear. These dump trucks are generally fitted with one front steering axle and one or two rear axles that will allow for better weight distribution for increased power and capabilities. A standard dump truck can best be identified by its smaller wheelbase.
  • Transfer dump trucks carry their cargo in one or two separated and detachable cargo trailers that are attached to the standard dump truck. Just picture a train with its many moving cars, and you should get the picture. This design allows for different load types to be transferred at the same time.
  • Side dump trucks are pretty much exactly what the name suggests. Instead of unloading the cargo through the rear, these dump trucks will release from the side. These are generally longer and can take up a lot of space, but they also have the advantage of being safer for unloading.
  • Drop bottom dump trucks are, again, fairly self-explanatory in that they can actually unload from the bottom. This can come in handy when attempting to control where the contents will be unloaded with their funnel based design.

In addition to these, you will also find dump trucks for sale fitted for a number of specific features that will help it adjust to such things as cold weather and off-roading. Dump trucks can also be fitted with lighter or heavier fixtures to improve the overall performance.

Uses for Dump Trucks

Dump trucks have numerous applications that can fit into a number of businesses. Some of the main places you will see a dump truck at work are:

  • Construction sites
  • Municipal cleanup
  • Landscaping companies
  • Maintenance companies
  • Town Highway departments
  • Demolition areas
  • Scrap Yards

Basically, anywhere that you need to do a lot of heavy lifting with materials, you will find a dump truck ready to do its job.

 

Red 2019 Chevrolet Silverado dump truck on white background

The Chevy Silverado Chassis Cab

If you want a dump truck that was made to shoulder the heaviest of  burdens, the best and only choice is a Chevy Silverado Chassis Cab. Strong and reliable the Silverado Chassis Cab was built on a proud foundation of high-strength steel and business-centric thinking. You will also have plenty of power with either a 6.0L V8 engine or a 6.6L turbo-diesel V8 engine that can produce to 445 hp, 910 lb-ft of torque, and a maximum gross vehicle weight rating of 21,100 pounds. Not only can it be used as a dump truck, but it can also be used as a utility truck and a flatbed truck. The more you know about the Silverado Chassis Cab, the more you understand why it was rewarded it with the title of the most-award commercial pickup in the nation, and why it should be your first choice in a dump truck.

McCluskey Chevy

At McCluskey Chevy, we provide for our community and respect those that do the same. That is why we are proud whenever we get the honor of selling one of our reliable, efficient, and powerful dump trucks. We show this respect by providing a number of services such as a friendly, trustworthy, and informed staff that is always ready to assist with no pressure, amazing deals that you won’t find anywhere else, and a quality selection of dump trucks that are sure to get the job done. So if you ever find yourself in the market for the best deals on dump trucks for sale in Cincinnati and surrounding areas, we hope you will give McCluskey Chevy a chance to show you what respect and quality truly look like at a dealership.