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10 November 2020

SHOULD I HIRE A SITE DUMPER OR AN ARTICULATED DUMP TRUCK?

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It’s difficult to know whether you should hire a site dumper or an articulated dump truck, when you operate on the fringes of maximum loading capacities. How do you know what machine is going to provide optimum performance on your site?

We ‘picked the brains’ of ASHBROOK, General Manager, Paul Pitney. Who uses he’s 20+ years’ experience in the industry to help us wrestle with this very conundrum.

‘With our fleet of plant hire machines, we can cater for the needs of small site works right up to multi-million pound projects.

Due to this, ASHBROOK has a really wide range of site dumpers and articulated dump trucks available to hire. This means that we can provide a balanced view on the pro’s and con’s of the two’, says Paul.

So, what’s the difference between a site dumper and an articulated dump truck?

‘The main differences between these two site essentials are found in the table below.’

  Site Dumper Articulated Dump Truck
Capacity? 1t up 9t 9t up to 30t
Where do they carry their load? At the front At the rear
Do they have a cab? The majority do not.  Our 6t and 9t machines have the option of a cab Yes, all do
Are they road legal? Anything above a 1t machine is machine legal. Yes, all are
Do they have swivel functionality? Our 2t to 9t dumpers can offer swivel functionality No, these are straight tip only
Manoeuvrability? Excellent manoeuvrability in tight spaces. The larger the vehicle the more difficult manoeuvrability will become.  With the exception of the Hydrema 912.
All the information in this table in based on the ASHBROOK range of machines.

How to a pick between a site dumper or an articulated dump truck?

‘Start by looking at the capacity you are wishing to move.

If you’re looking to move anything below 9t, then a site dumper will be the most fuel-efficient way to transport material.

Once you’ve established that you will regularly be moving 9t or more of material, then it’s time to broaden your criteria.’

‘Now, move on to thinking about the conditions you are operating in.

Will the ground be particularly muddy or undulating? If so, then progressing from a site dumper to the Hydrema 912F will provide you with a safe and efficient way to move material across the site.

This articulated dump truck has a low centre of gravity, low ground pressure and an enviable hydraulic stabilisation system, meaning that it is the ultimate in stability. It is even able to maintain a level consignment when driving loaded on a 32o incline.

Additionally, this articulated dump truck will also keep going where others fail. A combination of floatation tyres, compact design and outstanding traction means that this 10t rear-tipping dump truck has great driving abilities even in rough, hilly and muddy conditions.’

‘How big is the site? Will tight manoeuvring be needed?

The Hydrema 912F (5.95m long by 2.87m wide) is slightly bigger than a JCB 9t site dumper (4.91m long by 2.38m wide). However, there is very little between the JCB and a Hydrema in terms of manoeuvrability, both have a turning radius of 6.3m, meaning they can operate efficiently in tight spaces. So here it comes down to personal preference.’

‘Are you completing a job where a swivel action would be useful?

If this is the case then the only option is a site dumper. The 180o swivel skip functionality is extremely useful for jobs that require precise backfilling.’

Paul concludes, ‘In the climate of increased fuel costs sticking with a site dumper for as long as possible, is an excellent option for most projects.  They’re relatively fuel-efficient, and sure-footed across the site.  Coming with swivel skips, they also add additional flexibility. An all-around useful machine.’

To find out how to hire from ASHBROOK or to receive a quote, call our knowledgeable hire desks today.

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