• Thank you for visiting HeavyEquipmentForums.com! Our objective is to provide industry professionals a place to gather to exchange questions, answers and ideas. We welcome you to register using the "Register" icon at the top of the page. We'd appreciate any help you can offer in spreading the word of our new site. The more members that join, the bigger resource for all to enjoy. Thank you!

Dump Truck "Tips"

1

1toomanyhobbies

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 8, 2010
Messages
148
Location
charlotte, nc
I have been using a S/A L8000 for just under a year now. It has mainly been a tow vehicle but I have hauled some moderate loads. I very close to purchasing a tandem and happen to come across some youtube videos of trucks flipping over, sinking etc that has gotten my attention. I think with a tandem I am more likely to encounter problems than i did with the S/A. Are there any tips or things to watch out for? I imagine a lot of it is use common sense but still I'd be interested in hearing any input.

Here is a video of a tandem sinking and I can't say i would have really seen a way to prevent it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yin-ka04YPg&feature=related

Another of a guy that sounds like he tried to turn to sharply an a steep grade

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjWa_mvMHFc&feature=related
 
CM1995

CM1995

Administrator
Joined
Jan 21, 2007
Messages
13,382
Location
Alabama
Occupation
Running what I brung and taking what I win
1toomanyhobbies said:
I think with a tandem I am more likely to encounter problems than i did with the S/A.
Click to expand...

No I think you have that it backwards.

A tandem is more stable dumping and will come out of places a single axle will just sink up in. Also you will have an extra set of brakes with a tandem. Most of the dump truck owner/operators I know started with a single axle and you couldn't drag them kicking and screaming back into one.:cool2

The first video is of a transfer dump they use on the west coast. That is a different animal than a regular tandem dump.;)
 
1

1toomanyhobbies

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 8, 2010
Messages
148
Location
charlotte, nc
Very good points. I guess my concern is I have been operating a dump truck for less than a year and 90% tow vehicle and 10% hauling. I'm hoping to change that to at 50-50 with a tandem. I feel like I haven't gone through the dump truck learning curve yet. :bash
 
T

TCS

Well-Known Member
Joined
Feb 16, 2012
Messages
76
Location
ct
You will like the tandem dump truck a lot better. Unless you plan on carrying shot rock,concrete or scrap metal I would suggest a high quality liner in the dump body. A good liner will take a lot of abuse and last for many years,but the real benefit of them is how quick and easily the load slides out,thus preventing a roll over in questionable places. We have been lining our dump trailers and tri-axles with Quick Silver liners for well over twenty years and would never go without one again.
 
R

red_man80

Active Member
Joined
Mar 24, 2012
Messages
27
Location
Tennessee
Once you go to a tandem you will throw rocks at a single axle, the stability, and the places you can ease in and out of are incredible, especially in soft / spongy soil. we have several tandems, with the half rounded beds, and love em.
 
Steve Frazier

Steve Frazier

Founder
Staff member
Joined
Oct 30, 2003
Messages
6,609
Location
LaGrangeville, N.Y.
That first truck could have been saved if he had stopped as soon as the tires spun. Instead by hopping the rears he made the axles sink and you saw what came from that. Take a lesson from it, if you hop the rears like that something bad will happen, typically broken parts inside the housing.
 
hvy 1ton

hvy 1ton

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 24, 2006
Messages
1,947
Location
Lawrence, KS
Steve Frazier said:
That first truck could have been saved if he had stopped as soon as the tires spun. Instead by hopping the rears he made the axles sink and you saw what came from that. Take a lesson from it, if you hop the rears like that something bad will happen, typically broken parts inside the housing.
Click to expand...

Yep, totally preventable. All the driver had to do was stop after he wasn't getting anywhere. I'm wondering if the rears weren't locked up and the right side was spinning the whole time.
 
D

Deere500a

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 4, 2012
Messages
209
Location
Castro Valley ca
With a tandem you get a better ride, usually get a bigger engine and you have more breaking power there is a switch for off road that locks in the second drive axel (power divide) if you are making a u-turn or sharp turns you want to flip it off make sure your wheels are not spinning when you flip it back on. If the ground is soft any style of truck will flip you if you go to dump it especially if the material sticks. Just run the truck back and forth to pack the area if it is soft. If the truck starts to lean or sink just drop the box slowly and pick a new spot. Good Luck
 
1

1toomanyhobbies

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 8, 2010
Messages
148
Location
charlotte, nc
TCS said:
You will like the tandem dump truck a lot better. Unless you plan on carrying shot rock,concrete or scrap metal I would suggest a high quality liner in the dump body. A good liner will take a lot of abuse and last for many years,but the real benefit of them is how quick and easily the load slides out,thus preventing a roll over in questionable places. We have been lining our dump trailers and tri-axles with Quick Silver liners for well over twenty years and would never go without one again.
Click to expand...

Someone else had recommended the Quick Silver liners. I have looked on the internet but can't seem to find any pricing. Any idea what it runs for a 16' bed?
 
pafarmer

pafarmer

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 4, 2010
Messages
883
Location
Somewhere in the woods !
Occupation
Land clearing, demo, site prep etc. Ex Pro Motocro
** Important Tip** Always remember to fully lower the box before driving off. Just saying. Don't ask me why....ha ha
 
Last edited:
1

1toomanyhobbies

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 8, 2010
Messages
148
Location
charlotte, nc
pafarmer said:
Looks like a good way to go. May help in shot rock hauling. Did you get your truck One toomany ?
Click to expand...

I'm working on it. :drinkup I have arranged for the dealer to take it to the Sterling service center tomorrow to have them look through everthing before I buy it. Assuming everything checks out the dealer will then fix the trailer air plumbing and hopefully i will be picking it up this Saturday. :bouncegri
 
M

maddog

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 20, 2009
Messages
730
Location
middle TN
I'll agree with the others a tandem will be better. I also have to say I could see a few mistakes made on the 1st video, I say completely opertor fault.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top