Safely Operating A Dump Truck
Home renovation projects can result in a significant amount of waste. Some landscaping projects might require you to haul in gravel or fill dirt in mass quantities. Both waste materials and landscaping materials can be hauled using a dump truck.
Using haul truck rental services to assist you in your home renovations can be an effective way to reduce the amount of time and effort required to complete the project. However, dump truck can become a serious safety hazard if it is not operated properly. Use these tips to help you effectively operate a rented dump truck in the future.
1. Check the ground conditions before using the adjustable bed.
Most dump trucks are equipped with a hydraulic bed that can be lifted to empty out the truck's contents with ease. As this hydraulic bed is raised, the truck itself becomes less stable. It's essential that you have your dump truck parked on solid ground before activating the adjustable bed.
Check soil compaction to ensure that the ground is firm enough to support the weight of the dump truck and its contents. You also want to ensure that you are parked on a level piece of property when using the adjustable bed, as a slope could increase the risk of having your dump truck tip over during use.
2. Avoid overloading the dump trailer.
It's important that the weight of the load being hauled in a dump truck is evenly distributed between the frame rails of the truck's bed. Maintaining this center of gravity helps to keep the truck stable as the hydraulic bed rises.
You shouldn't overload the dump trailer in an attempt to reduce the number of trips required to haul your home renovation materials. An overloaded dump trailer could experience weight distribution issues that will compromise the safety of your dump truck both in transit and while the adjustable bed is being lifted or lowered.
3. Use a liner inside the dump trailer.
A dump truck that you have rented might not have a trailer bed that is in pristine condition. Materials within your load could snag and catch on uneven surfaces within the dump trailer. When materials get hung up in the trailer during emptying, the weight of the load can suddenly shift. This increases the risk of having your dump truck tip over.
Place a liner inside the dump trailer before you load it up. The liner will act as a lubricant to prevent material snags, and it will also prevent the dump trailer from sustaining any damage during use.