Inspection tips: 5 things to look for when buying a used dump truck

Need to haul aggregate, asphalt or demolition material? Find the right used dump truck for the job at Ritchie Bros. unreserved auctions. We always have a large selection of single axle dump trucks, tandem axle dump trucks and tri axle dump trucks in our inventory to help you get the job done.

Before you begin your search, here are five things to look for when inspecting used dump trucks being sold at auctions:

1. Body, dump box and tires

Begin your inspection walking slowly around the dump truck. Look for any cracks, rust, dents or major repairs on the truck body. Check the dump box and box liner for any signs of damage. When inspecting the dump box, note if the box is made of aluminum or steel. An aluminum box is more lightweight than a steel box and can help you reduce fuel costs over the long run. Stronger and more durable than aluminum, a steel dump box is the better choice if you will be hauling rubble or over-sized, rough heavy material. As you continue your inspection of the body and dump box, stop and take a look at the tires, noting any uneven tread wear around the entire tire circumference, a sign of a possible alignment issue.

2. Frames, rails and axles

Next take a closer look at the truck frame rails, noting any sagging or bowing bends. A sagging bend could be a result of overloading, while an upward, bowing bend could be a result of an operator driving the truck with a loaded and upright box. As you inspect the frame rails, note any corrosion or other signs of wear. Also make note of the presence of any push axles (lift axles in front of the driving tandem) or tag axles (lift axles behind the driving tandem). Lift axles spread the weight across the multiple axles, which allows the dump truck to meet various state regulations. Steerable lift axles also help the operator navigate turns more easily, which can also be achieved with a short truck wheel base.

3. Cab and Operation

Look at the truck’s cab and assess the overall condition of the interior. Check the odometer and make a note of the mileage. Start up the dump truck and check that all gauges, signals and lights are in working order. Note if the dump truck has a manual or automatic transmission. (If many operators with varying levels of driving experience will be using the dump truck, you may want to opt for an automatic transmission.) Begin driving the dump truck, checking for any play in the steering. Bring the dump truck to a stop and use the lifting control mechanism to raise the dump box, checking for smooth operation of the lifting cylinder(s) and rod(s).

4. Hydraulic lift cylinder(s) and components

Whether the dump truck you are interested in comes with a single ram, double ram or scissor dump box lifting mechanism, step out of the cab and thoroughly inspect the lifting cylinder(s) and rod(s) for any cracks, leaks, or dents. Check the pump and reservoir tank for any signs of leaking fluid. Step back into the cab and lower the dump box, again checking for smooth operation.

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5. Engine

If you don’t have a lot of heavy equipment experience, it’s best to have a qualified mechanic or knowledgeable operator carry out the inspection on your behalf.

Find the dump truck you need: search all dump trucks being sold at Ritchie Bros. unreserved auctions.

See also

How to pick the best skid steer grapple for the job