Dump trucks: classification, functionality and characteristics

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:41

Dump trucks are widely used to transport loose and bulk cargo and other products to be unloaded by tipping the body. Despite the fact that this type of equipment has a lower carrying capacity compared to other analogues, its use is beneficial due to the reduction in working hours.

Classification

Dump trucks are classified according to several criteria. According to the functionality, there are: construction, quarry, underground, agricultural, specialized modifications. In terms of carrying capacity: with a small (up to two tons), medium (2-6 tons), large (7-14 tons) and a special indicator (over 14 tons).

By type of rolling stock:

• Single cars.
• Road trains.
• Semi-trailers.
• Tipper trailers for a passenger car.

Also, this technique differs in the way the platforms are unloaded. There are versions with rear, side, two- and three-way mode.

Some machines can be used on all types of roads, other models - only on highways, maximum load tolerance onbridge which is up to 100 kN.

Design features

The main components of a classic dump truck include a chassis with a cab and the working unit itself. It consists of a base in the form of a platform, a tipping mechanism with hydraulics and a subframe.

The main function of the installation is the placement of the load. In this regard, it must correspond to its specifics, having the maximum possible versatility. Often this unit is equipped with removable side seals, an awning, which allows you to protect goods of a certain category from blowing, getting wet. In addition, the design provides for removable overhead boards that increase the usable volume of the platform.

It belongs to the most labor-intensive part of the dump truck, subject to rapid wear. The platform is equipped with folding or rising sides with special stops and locks that allow you to fix the body in a raised position.

Hydraulic attachment and subframe

The purpose of the tipping hydraulic device of a dump truck is to provide mechanization of the unloading of the working platform using engine power. A hydraulic actuator is used to transfer force to the cylinder.

The subframe is a welded structure. It is used for mounting on the base chassis of the machine units and assemblies of a dumping plant. The part is made of two spars with a channel section and cross beams. Trucks with two- or three-way unloading are more efficient than analogues with a rear-side opening type. Such machines, for example, include the ZIL-130 MMZ-554 dump truck, which is widely used in the agricultural sector. Such modifications can be aggregated with a trailer, have an increased carrying capacity as part of a road train.

Dump trucks

Carrying out open pit mining in modern industry is not possible without quarry-type dump trucks. They have large dimensions and a solid mass, they are not allowed to move on public roads. Delivery to the work site is carried out in parts.

The most efficient technique in this category are versions with a pair of axles with rear or all-wheel drive and rear unloading. On modern heavy dump trucks, as a rule, a hybrid power plant is mounted, combining diesel engines and traction electric motors. The brakes in these machines combine hydraulics and an electrical system. Famous truck brands include: General Atomics, Komatsu, BelAZ, Liebherr, Terex.

Road or building modifications

Cars in this category can drive on public roads. This is one of the most popular types of tipper trucks on the market today. Such equipment is actively used in construction, utilities, agriculture.

A prominent representative of this group is the domestic dump truck KAMAZ-5511. The truck is equipped with a proprietary diesel powerunit with a capacity of 210 "horses". The motor has a closed cooling system with two thermostats and a fan drive with an automatic fluid coupling.

The KamAZ body is a metal part in the form of a bucket with a visor to protect the cab. Steel plates are welded to the main frame, acting as a bottom, the front side of the body is slightly inclined. Unloading is done backwards. The subframe is connected to the frame using ties and brackets with stoppers, as well as a safety cable with a spring.

Quick Features:

• Loading capacity - 10 tons.
• Speed to the maximum - up to 90 km/h.
• Front/rear axle load – 4, 4/14, 6 t.
• Gross weight - 19 t.
• Body - bucket with rear unloading.
• Length/width/height - 710/250/270 mm.
• Body width - 2.31 m.

Articulated trucks

Such types of dump trucks are also called "dump trucks". The technique is a transport with high cross-country parameters, focused on the transportation of large volumes of bulk cargo. Articulated models are a good alternative to single counterparts, especially in the absence of proper road coverage in cultivated areas (during the construction of roads, in quarries, coal and ore basins).

There are several categories of such trucks:

• Trailed modifications. In fact, these are earth-carrying carts, aggregated with tractors of industrial models or tractors with two or more axles.
• Versions compatible with single axle machines.

Transportation of goods is carried out by articulated dump trucks with side, rear or bottom unloading. In the construction industry, for which they were first developed, the machines were not widely used, but they became in demand for quarry development. Three-axle modifications are often used, made on the basis of specially designed tractors. Usually, all six wheels are driving in such vehicles.

Underground Trucks

This category includes machines designed to transport and unload rocks loosened mechanically or by construction explosion. The work takes place in the most cramped conditions, which leads to the small dimensions of the equipment in question. It operates in mines, tunnels and mining operations.

Dump trucks for underground applications must meet high demands in terms of maneuverability and safety. The load capacity of units of this category is up to 40 tons. In this regard, they are often involved in the creation of the largest facilities, which require the performance of large volumes of transport operations. The equipment easily overcomes long climbs, which cannot be avoided during underground work. In narrow areas, analogues of the Dumper type are used, which are equipped with a swivel seat and a control mechanism. The transformation angle is up to 180 degrees, while the vehicle itselfremains in the same position.

The traditional underground tipper vehicle is a single-axle tractor united with a semi-trailer. The main components and parts are connected using a pair of hinges, which makes it possible to turn the tractor in relation to the towing device. Thus, the required maneuverability of the equipment is guaranteed. The transmission of torque is carried out by means of a cardan shaft and a gearbox. The gearbox usually has four forward gears and the same number of reverse gears. The engine of the machine in question is equipped with a two-position exhaust gas purification system, including a crystal-type converter or a liquid bath.

MAZ dump truck

Belarusian trucks in this segment are presented in the widest range. Consider one of the most popular modifications under the index 5516. The machine has a carrying capacity of 20 tons, is equipped with a bucket-type body, and is focused on the transportation of building and bulk materials. Due to reliability, versatility, transport is very popular throughout the post-Soviet space. Model 5516 is available in two versions, short cab and extended cab with sleeping bag.

Parameters:

• Length/width/height - 7190/2500/3100 mm.
• Road clearance - 27 cm.
• Wheelbase - 3850 mm.
• Rear/front track - 1865/1970 mm.
• Total weight - 13.5 tons.

Among the advantages, users note the low price, maintainability,economy, ease of maintenance, suspension reliability.

GAZ dump truck

From this manufacturer, consider the diesel model under the index 3307. The machine is focused on the transportation and quick unloading of various bulk materials. The modification is perfect for the needs of the agricultural sector, since it has a sufficient level of patency on dirt roads. The car is also suitable for transporting building materials.

The metal body is tilted hydraulically with an electro-pneumatic control mechanism. The platform is equipped with three hinged sides that close mechanically. The platform is controlled by levers in the driver's cab. Depending on the design, the trucks in question can be unloaded with the platform tilted back by 50 degrees or with the opening of three sides.

Characteristics of the GAZ-3307 dump truck

Main parameters:

• Type of power unit - ZMZ-511.
• Maximum speed is 90 km/h
• Capacity rating – 4.5 t.
• Power - 92 kW.
• Working volume – 4, 25 l.
• Track front/rear - 1700/1560 mm.
• Gross weight - 7850 kg.
• Length/width/height - 6330/ 2330/2350 mm.

Powerful engine allows the dump truck to move at good speed, fast warm-up of the engine is provided by the pre-starter. The drive axle is rear, the gearbox is mechanics with four forward and one reverse gear. The cabin is quite spaciousequipped with panoramic glass, ventilation and heating system, soft seats. It is worth noting the affordable price: a used dump truck can be purchased at a price of 300 thousand rubles.