For construction professionals who are looking for the best vehicle to carry earth or other types of materials, one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is between choosing a dump truck and a tipper truck for your project. Both of these vehicles can serve many purposes when it comes to carrying dirt, gravel, aggregates, and other fill materials over distances – ranging from short hauls through urban job sites to long stretches while carrying major loads.



But which type of truck should you choose? In this blog post, we’ll help shed some light on this decision by examining the advantages and drawbacks associated with each type of vehicle, and how best they can assist your earthmoving or construction project.

What is the difference between a tipper truck and a dump truck?

Dump trucks and tipper trucks are both designed for transporting materials, but differ in their design and their specific mechanisms. 



An articulated dump truck features a hydraulic system that lifts the truck bed to discharge materials in a backward direction, allowing for efficient unloading in designated areas. On the other hand, a tip truck utilises a hydraulic cylinder to tilt the entire truck bed, effectively emptying the load from one side. This makes tipper trucks suitable for unloading in areas where a backward dump may not be feasible, such as alongside walls or in tight spaces.

How does the capacity of dump trucks compare to tipper trucks?

In terms of capacity, dump trucks and tipper trucks can vary, but dump trucks typically offer larger load capacities compared to tipper trucks, with sizes that can range from small 1 tonne capacity trucks to a massive mining dump truck option that is capable of carrying up to hundreds of tonnes. 



Tipper trucks, while also available in various sizes, generally have smaller load capacities since they are commonly used for smaller-scale projects that require frequent, localised material transport.

What types of materials can dump trucks and tipper trucks carry?

Both dump trucks and tipper trucks are versatile in the wide range of materials they can carry, such as aggregates, soil, sand, gravel, rocks, construction debris, and other loose or bulk materials. Dump trucks are particularly useful for hauling heavy loads of materials such as mining ore, coal, or large quantities of earth for major construction projects – while tipper trucks are well-suited for smaller loads, including landscaping materials, construction waste disposal, or delivering construction supplies to confined spaces.

Can both dump trucks and tipper trucks be used for off-road projects?

Yes, both dump trucks and tipper trucks are designed for off-road applications and can traverse uneven terrain with their sturdy construction and robust suspension systems that enable them to easily navigate construction sites or mining operations. Both dump trucks and tipper trucks are equipped with features like high ground clearance, robust tires, and powerful engines to tackle challenging off-road conditions, ensuring reliable performance and efficient material transport.

Are there specific industries that prefer dump trucks over tipper trucks, or vice versa?

The choice between dump trucks and tipper trucks often depends on the specific needs of the industry or project. Dump trucks are commonly preferred in industries such as mining, large-scale construction, and infrastructure development due to their high load capacity and ability to handle heavy materials efficiently – while tipper trucks are favoured in industries like landscaping, waste management, and smaller construction projects where manoeuvrability and flexibility in unloading are crucial.

Are there any other factors I should consider when choosing between a dump truck and a tipper truck?

Additional factors that should always be kept in mind when selecting between a standard dump truck and a tipper truck include cost, project scale, accessibility, and transportation requirements. Dump trucks tend to be more expensive to purchase or rent (particularly the larger models), which is why tipper trucks typically offer a more cost-effective solution for smaller projects. Remember to assess the specific conditions of your site, its space limitations, and the unloading area's accessibility to determine which truck's mechanism will be more suitable for your specific needs.



And, most importantly, remember to consult a trusted equipment supplier like National Dry Hire, who can make sure you’re making the right choice with the right piece of equipment.