How to Load a Dump Truck

The loader does all the hard work when loading a dump truck.

Loading a dump truck is done by using a hydraulic loader tractor with a bucket. A dump truck is specially designed to carry heavy loads of material that can be dumped when the bed of the dump truck is lifted vertically. Ensuring the load of material was loaded properly can allow the load to be dumped safely. The hydraulic rams beneath the dump truck bed are what dumps the load, but if the truck is overloaded, these hydraulics might not be able to lift the load. Knowing how much weight a dump truck can lift is important. If the dump truck will be traveling over public roads or highways, then only the legal weight limits can be hauled. Knowing where to pile the load in the bed of the dump truck is crucial to proper loading.

Things You'll Need

• Dump truck
• Loader tractor
• Loading material

Instructions

1. Park the dump truck on level ground. Engage the parking brake. Check the bed of the dump truck to ensure the bed is completely down. Check the dump gate and fasten all chain and bar locks in their securely locked positions.

2. Drive the loader toward the material to be loaded with the bucket parallel with the angle of the ground. Set the bucket down on the ground a few feet before the material while driving forward and give the loader gas to dig into the material. Pull the lever that rolls the open part of the bucket toward the sky until the bucket is full of material. Use the bucket lifting lever and lift the bucket until the bottom is 3 feet off the ground.

3. Drive the loader in the direction of the dump truck. Center the bucket with the center of the bed of the dump truck. Begin raising the bucket while traveling toward the dump truck. Slow down and come to a stop prior to reaching the side of the truck. Raise the bucket high above the side wall of the dump bed.

4. Allow the loader to roll forward until the bucket is centered directly over the center line of the bed and slowly dump the material into the dump truck bed. Drive forward and backward to make minor adjustments to ensure the material is being dumped in the center of the bed. Continue this process until the bed of the truck is full of material. Keep track of how many bucket scoops of material are dumped into the bed. Weigh the axles of the dump truck to ensure they are at or below the legal axle weight limit and that the gross vehicle weight is at or below.