How Much Does A Dump Truck Weigh​

Nov 13, 2024 | trucks

General Weight Range of Dump Trucks

Empty Weight

Dump Truck weight varies based on size and capacity. Empty weights range from 20,000 to 30,000 pounds, with larger models on the heavier end.

Light-Duty Dump Trucks

  • Weight: Light-duty dump trucks weigh 18,000 to 20,000 pounds when loaded with materials like sand or mulch. They’re suited for smaller projects with lower capacity needs.

Medium-Duty Dump Trucks

  • Empty Weight: Medium-duty trucks weigh 25,000 to 35,000 pounds when empty.
  • Loaded Weight: When fully loaded, they can exceed 36,000 pounds, depending on the material.

Heavy-Duty Dump Trucks

  • Empty Weight: Heavy-duty trucks weigh 25,000 to 35,000 pounds when empty.
  • Loaded Weight: Fully loaded, they range from 50,000 to 80,000 pounds, based on the type and amount of material.

Axle Configurations and Weight Capacity

  • Single-Axle Dump Trucks: Typically lighter, with a maximum axle limit of 20,000 pounds.
  • Tandem-Axle Dump Trucks: Can carry more, with a maximum weight of 34,000 pounds across two axles placed close together.
  • Tri-Axle Dump Trucks: Used for heavier loads, with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) between 65,000 and 80,000 pounds.
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Empty Weight of Standard Dump Trucks

The empty weight of a standard Dump Truck generally falls between 20,000 and 30,000 pounds (about 9,070 to 13,608 kg). This weight depends on the truck’s make, model, and materials.

Example Weights of Common Dump Trucks

  • A Mack dump truck with a steel bed weighs around 27,000 pounds empty.
  • A Freightliner tri-axle dump truck typically weighs 25,000 pounds when empty.
  • A Mercedes 6×4 dump truck with a steel tipper body and aluminum sideboards weighs about 22,600 pounds, while the all-steel model weighs around 24,250 pounds.

How Material Affects Weight

  • The bed material greatly impacts the truck’s empty weight. Choosing an aluminum bed over steel can reduce the truck’s weight by about 1,000 to 1,500 pounds—and in some cases, up to 3,000 pounds.

Weight Ranges for Different Dump Trucks

  • Light-duty dump trucks like the Ford F-550 weigh between 10,000 and 20,000 pounds.
  • Medium-duty dump trucks range from 14,000 to 26,000 pounds empty.
  • Heavy-duty dump trucks can weigh up to 30,000 pounds when empty and may carry loads up to 76,000 pounds, depending on the setup and materials.

Empty Weight of Specific Models

  • 1972 F600 with 359 HD Dump
    This model’s empty weight is about 9,980 pounds (4,527 kg), providing a solid base for various hauling needs.
  • 1977 F600 Dump Truck
    Equipped with a 2-speed rear, 9.00 20 tires, and a 5-yard dump box, the 1977 model weighs 9,200 pounds empty, balancing capacity with easy handling for medium-duty tasks.
  • 1974 F600 with 477 Gas Engine
    The 1974 F600, featuring a 477 (gas) engine, has a heavy empty weight of around 13,600 pounds (6,169 kg), offering a powerful setup ideal for heavy-duty work.
  • F600 with 5-Yard Dump Box
    This F600, with a 5-yard dump box, has an empty weight of approximately 11,060 pounds, combining effective load capacity with manageable weight for efficient performance.
  • 1973 F600 Grain Truck
    The 1973 F600 grain truck, fitted with an 18-foot Omaha bed and a tag axle, weighs 12,800 pounds empty, making it a suitable choice for agriculture tasks needing greater stability and volume.

Loaded Weight of Dump Trucks

Standard Dump Trucks

A fully loaded standard dump truck weighs between 56,000 and 76,000 pounds (25,401 to 34,473 kilograms), depending on its capacity and the material it carries.

Articulated Dump Trucks

Articulated dump trucks, used in construction and mining, can weigh up to 160,000 pounds (72,575 kilograms) when fully loaded. These trucks are ideal for moving large, heavy loads across rough terrain.

Tri-Axle Dump Trucks

Tri-axle dump trucks carry loads of 26 to 30 tons, reaching a loaded weight of about 52,000 to 60,000 pounds (23,587 to 27,215 kilograms). They are suitable for moving medium to heavy materials on standard roads.

Tandem-Axle Dump Trucks

Tandem-axle dump trucks have a load capacity of 16 to 25 tons, with a full weight of around 32,000 to 50,000 pounds (14,515 to 22,680 kilograms), depending on the material.

Single-Axle Dump Trucks

Single-axle dump trucks, used for lighter loads, can carry 10 to 15 tons, totaling 20,000 to 30,000 pounds (9,070 to 13,607 kilograms) when loaded. They are ideal for smaller projects and local hauls.

18-Wheeler Dump Trucks

Large 18-wheeler dump trucks can haul 30 to 40 tons of material, bringing their loaded weight to approximately 60,000 to 80,000 pounds (27,215 to 36,287 kilograms), making them suitable for heavy-duty, long-haul jobs.

Additional Factors Affecting Loaded Weight

  • Material of the Dump Bed: Aluminum dump beds are lighter than steel ones, reducing weight by about 1,000 to 1,500 pounds.
  • Example: A fully fueled 2005 Mack Granite tri-axle dump truck weighs around 27,000 pounds and may have a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) limit of up to 70,000 pounds in some states.

Weight of Large and Specialized Dump Trucks

Large and specialized dump trucks are significantly heavier than standard models, with their design and purpose affecting their weight limits.

Heavy-Duty Dump Trucks

Heavy-duty dump trucks are built to carry large loads and must comply with highway weight restrictions. These can reach up to 80,000 pounds under federal regulations, based on the Federal Bridge Formula. For example: – A 25-foot, three-axle dump truck has a gross weight limit of 54,500 pounds. – Larger, multi-axle dump trucks can exceed 70,000 to 80,000 pounds, depending on their length and axle configuration.

Tandem-Axle Dump Trucks

Tandem-axle dump trucks can carry more weight due to the extra axle. The maximum weight allowed on two consecutive axles (spaced 8 feet or fewer) is 34,000 pounds, which increases the truck’s overall capacity.

Specific Models and Weight Examples

Certain dump truck models have specific weight capacities: – A 2005 Mack Granite tri-axle dump truck can have a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of up to 70,000 pounds. The truck itself, when fully fueled, may weigh around 27,000 pounds.

Weight Classes

  • Class 7: Vehicles in this class weigh between 26,001 and 33,000 pounds, typically including some heavy-duty dump trucks.
  • Class 8: This class includes vehicles that weigh over 33,000 pounds, including the heaviest and largest dump trucks.

Specialized and Off-Road Dump Trucks

Off-road haul trucks, often used in mining, are much heavier than standard dump trucks. Some can weigh up to one million pounds when fully loaded, far exceeding the weight limits of typical construction and transport dump trucks. These specialized trucks can weigh over 450,000 kg.

Material and Construction Impact on Weight

The material used for the truck bed also affects its weight. For example, an aluminum bed instead of a steel one can reduce the truck’s weight by 1,000 to 1,500 pounds, or in some cases, as little as 400 pounds. This reduction can improve fuel efficiency and increase load capacity.

Factors Influencing Dump Truck Weight

The weight of a dump truck depends on several factors, such as size, axles, materials, and payload capacity. Knowing these factors helps in understanding a truck’s total weight.

Size and Capacity

A dump truck’s size largely determines its weight. Bigger trucks with more axles weigh more due to their construction. For example: – Single-Axle Dump Trucks: Weigh between 25,000 to 40,000 pounds (11,340 to 18,144 kg). – Tandem-Axle Dump Trucks: Weigh between 40,000 to 65,000 pounds (18,144 to 29,484 kg). – Tri-Axle Dump Trucks: Weigh between 65,000 to 80,000 pounds (29,484 to 36,287 kg). – Quad-Axle and Quint-Axle Dump Trucks: Can weigh up to 95,000 pounds (43,091 kg) or more, depending on configuration and capacity.

Material Used for the Dump Body

The material in the dump body impacts truck weight. Steel bodies are heavier and handle heavier loads but increase the truck’s weight. Aluminum bodies are lighter, lowering the truck’s weight, but may not support as much load.

Axle Count and Weight Distribution

The number of axles affects the truck’s weight and weight distribution. Tandem-axle trucks support more weight than single-axle trucks due to the extra axles. Axle arrangement also influences the truck’s total weight capacity. For instance, two consecutive axles spaced eight feet or less apart have a maximum weight limit of 34,000 pounds.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

GVWR includes the truck’s weight, its payload, and any extra equipment. For example: – A 25-foot three-axle dump truck may have a GVWR of 54,500 pounds (24,688 kg). – Larger dump trucks may reach a GVWR of 80,000 pounds (36,287 kg).

In summary, a dump truck’s weight varies based on specifications, axle setup, and materials used.

Importance of Knowing the Weight

Knowing a dump truck’s weight is essential for safety, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. Being aware of the truck’s weight helps prevent overloading, which can damage infrastructure, create safety risks, and lead to legal issues.

Federal and State Regulations

  • Federal Weight Limits: In the U.S., commercial vehicles on Interstate highways have an 80,000-pound weight limit, which includes the truck, load, and gear. This limit protects roads and ensures safe travel.
  • State Regulations: While the federal limit applies to Interstates, states set their own weight limits for other roads. For instance, Michigan allows trucks up to 164,000 pounds with specific permits and configurations.

Material Density and Truck Capacity

  • Material Density: A dump truck’s weight varies by the materials it carries. For example:
    • Sand weighs about 2,700 pounds per cubic yard.
    • Gravel is denser, at 2,800 pounds per cubic yard.
    • Light materials like mulch can weigh around 500 pounds per cubic yard.
  • Truck Capacity: Dump trucks also differ in size and load capacity. Light-duty trucks carry 3 to 5 tons, while heavy-duty ones can transport 13 to 15 tons or more.

Safety and Compliance

  • Safety Risks: Staying within weight limits is vital for road safety. Overloading a dump truck affects vehicle control, increases stopping distance, and stresses key components, raising accident risks.
  • Infrastructure Protection: Excessive truck weight stresses roads and bridges, leading to costly repairs. Following weight limits helps protect infrastructure from premature damage.

Operational Efficiency and Legal Consequences

  • Efficiency: Knowing weight limits aids in planning routes and reduces the trips needed for a project. It ensures trucks operate at optimal capacity without unnecessary strain.
  • Legal Consequences: Not following weight regulations can result in fines and legal penalties. Operators need to understand and follow state-specific weight limits to avoid costly penalties.