Purchasing a dump truck is a significant investment. However, the investment doesn’t end there. You’ll still have to spend time and money on dump truck maintenance to keep your truck in tip-top shape. If you don’t provide your dump truck with proper maintenance, the breakdowns and repairs will catch up with you. This begs the question; how do you maintain your dump trucks?
In this article, we’ll be highlighting a few dump truck maintenance tips to keep your fleet in tip-top condition.
Read your Owner’s Manual
Owning a dump truck comes with benefits and anyone who acquires one would realize how much of a help it is for their business. It’s a flexible and capable machine that could transport materials that smaller vehicles cannot carry. However, before you get to the heavy lifting, the first thing you want to do is to locate the owner’s manual.
The owner’s manual will highlight all the maintenance checks your dump truck needs. With some, you can even find recommendations on what truck parts work best for your truck. You’ll also get a chart that helps you keep track of your maintenance history.
Regular Maintenance
- Check tires regularly. Like any other vehicle, tires on a dump truck need regular checking and maintenance. One should maintain the recommended PSI of the tires as these parts are subject to high amounts of pressure and weight. Check for uneven wear of the tires that are sometimes caused by improper alignment, overinflation, underinflation, or a worn-out suspension. Keeping a spare tire is also advisable as one flat tire is a simple problem but could halt a whole operation.
- Maintain battery. The batteries in a dump truck not only start the vehicle but also lifts the dump box. Make sure that the battery terminals are free from corrosion and are well-charged.
- Take good care of the engine. Make sure that a preventive maintenance schedule for the engine is being followed. Engine maintenance may include the application of quality lubricants, part replacements, and more.
Tips to Keep in Mind
- Take care of Hydraulic Parts. Hydraulics are the most heavily used mechanisms in dump trucks along with the dump box. The hydraulic mechanism lifts and lowers the bed. The piston pumps and motors of the hydraulics and even the hinges of the tailgate should be checked and well-lubricated. Lubrication should be carried out at least every 60 days, but the maintenance schedule should still depend on the frequency of use.
- Pressure Wash when Cleaning. A dump truck is usually employed to carry earth and garbage. Gunk may form on the dump box surface after frequent use, so it’s best to use a pressure washer when cleaning it. The pressure wash should be able to wash out the dust, mud, and even hardened concrete that is present in certain working environments.
- Don’t Overload the Truck. The dump truck seems like a vehicle that could withstand heavy cargo. Overloading would seem fine for a vehicle of such a caliber and may be done to cut down on the number of trips. However, one should always be mindful of the payload of the truck to prolong its service life. The truck should only be loaded with the amount as recommended by the manufacturer, as the load can also affect the truck’s maneuverability.
Dump Truck Maintenance Made Easy
The above information should make dump truck maintenance simpler for dump truck owners. Dump trucks are a vital part of your construction equipment; make sure you take good care of them. Don’t be afraid to get help from professional mechanics if necessary.
We hope you found this article helpful and interesting. If you need a new piece of equipment, fill out the Tiger General Truck Inquiry Form today!