Tipper truck: bulk materials and tipping operations

Learn how tipper trucks transport bulk materials and what loading, ground and discharge conditions need to be checked.

Tipper truck carrying construction materials on an industrial site

Definition

What is a tipper truck?

A tipper truck has a body that can be raised to discharge bulk material quickly. Different body designs are used depending on the material and the operating environment.

Typical uses include aggregates, earth, construction materials, waste and other products compatible with tipping transport.

Loading & unloading

How is the vehicle operated?

Loading is normally carried out by plant, hopper or dedicated installation. Tipping requires sufficient space, stable ground and adequate overhead clearance.

Tipper body dimensions

What are the typical dimensions of a tipper body?

Tipper-body dimensions vary significantly according to the chassis, payload, body type and intended use. The figures below are useful indicative ranges rather than a single standard.

Light tipper · 3.5 t GVW

Compact tipper body

Useful body length: about 3.00 to 3.25 m
Useful width: about 1.95 to 2.05 m
Sideboard height: about 35 to 40 cm
Typical useful volume: around 2 to 3 m³ without extensions

Heavy tipper trucks

Volumes adapted to the job

On heavy-duty vehicles, the body size depends greatly on the material carried and the required payload.

Approx. 15 m³ body: roughly 5.5 m long, 2.3 m wide and 1.2 m high
Approx. 30 m³ body: roughly 6.2 m long, 2.5 m wide and 2.0 m high
Industrial range: from small bodies to configurations approaching 40 m³

These figures are indicative. The actual dimensions must always be checked against the vehicle, the body, any extensions, the material density and the permitted payload.

Typical uses