How it differs

An articulated dump truck is just one type of dump truck that can be used in construction areas and for hauling other materials. Dump trucks, including articulated models, generally haul loose material like sand, rocks, and gravel. Typically, the machine has some mechanism that allows the front of an open-box bed to be lifted up, making the material inside fall from the box to the ground.

Dump trucks come in several different types, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Each type is used in different circumstances depending on its strengths.

§ Standard Dump Truck: A standard dump truck is a full truck with the open-bed box mounted directly onto the frame and the cab. There is one front axle and one or more rear axles. Because it has a shorter wheelbase, the standard dump truck is more maneuverable than other versions.

§ Articulated Dump Truck: With an articulated truck, a hinge exists between the bed and the cab. Yet, it differs from semi trucks in that the cab is not a separate vehicle and it’s permanently attached to the bed. The articulated dump truck is often used in rough terrain, but because of the configuration, it doesn’t do well over long, flatter distances.

§ Transfer Dump Truck: A transfer dump truck is a standard dump truck that pulls a separate trailer. This configuration allows for a maximum payload capacity while still retaining the maneuverability of the standard dump truck. The transfer dump truck is seen most often in the western United States due to weight restrictions on the highways there.

§ Semi Trailer End Dump Truck: These dump trucks feature a tracker trailer that has a hydraulic lift. A three axle truck pulls the two axle trailer, which can be lifted up to dump out the contents. Semi trailer end dump trucks are known for their rapid unloading capabilities.

§ Side Dump Truck: A side dump truck dumps to the side rather than to the back like a standard dump truck. One advantage to this configuration is that the truck is much more stable during dumping than back end dump trucks. The main disadvantage is that the truck can become stuck in the material it has dumped since it falls all around the truck.

§ Off Road Dump Truck: This truck is more commonly called a “Haul Truck” and it is used for off road transporting of materials. They have a large capacity and some are used to haul coal in the mining industry.

As you can see, there are a number of different types of dump trucks, including the articulated dump truck. Some can carry heavier loads while others are chosen for their maneuverability. Weight restrictions on roads also determine which dump truck will be used in some cases.