Views: 222 Author: Amanda Publish Time: 2025-09-10 Origin: Site
Content Menu
● What Is a Tri Axle Dump Truck?
● Truck Dimensions and Their Role in Capacity
● How Material Density Impacts Load Capacity
● Tri Axle Dump Trucks Compared to Other Types
● Applications and Advantages in Industry
● Maintenance and Operational Best Practices
● Latest Technical Insights and Specifications
● Safety and Legal Considerations
● FAQ
>> 1. How many cubic yards can a tri axle dump truck carry?
>> 2. What materials can be hauled in a tri axle dump truck?
>> 3. What are the standard dimensions of a tri axle dump truck?
>> 4. How does material density affect the dump truck's load?
>> 5. Are tri axle dump trucks suitable for urban areas?
Tri axle dump trucks play a critical role in the commercial vehicle industry, especially within construction, mining, and heavy-duty transport sectors. These trucks, equipped with three axles, provide enhanced load capacity and stability compared to tandem axle trucks, making them ideal for hauling heavier materials over considerable distances. This article delves deeply into the question, "How many yards is a tri axle dump truck?" by examining their capacities, dimensions, materials transported, usage, and industry relevance.
A tri axle dump truck is a heavy vehicle designed with three axles—one in the front used for steering and two in the rear for supporting heavier payloads. This axle configuration provides superior weight distribution, ensuring safer and more efficient hauling of bulk materials like gravel, sand, asphalt, soil, and concrete. The additional axle allows the truck to stay within legal road weight limits while maximizing load capacity.
This setup contrasts with tandem axle trucks, which have only two axles at the rear and generally lower payload capacity. The tri axle is preferred for applications requiring both volume and weight.
The capacity of a tri axle dump truck varies based on manufacturer specifications, material type, bed length, and design. Typically, tri axle dump trucks carry between 15 to 19 cubic yards of material. Many models standardize capacities around 16 to 18 cubic yards for optimal haul volume without compromising maneuverability or exceeding road weight limits.
For example, a common tri axle dump truck might feature the following capacity specifications:
- Capacity: 15-19 cubic yards (cu. yd.)
- Payload weight: 20 to 25 tons (40,000 to 50,000 pounds)
- Typical dump bed length: 16 to 18 feet
- Width: Approximately 8 feet
- Sideboard height: 48 to 60 inches
The actual cubic yard volume depends on specific bed dimensions and whether extended sideboards are added for extra load volume without increasing weight beyond limits.
Dimensions are vital to understanding how many cubic yards a tri axle dump truck can hold:
- Length: Most tri axle dump trucks have dump bodies that range between 16 and 18 feet long. Longer beds allow more material volume but can affect turning radius and route options.
- Width: Standard widths hover around 8 feet to fit within road regulations.
- Height: Side heights vary but generally range between 4 to 5 feet (48" to 60"). Higher sideboards increase volume but raise the center of gravity, requiring careful handling.
For instance, a tri axle dump truck with an 18-foot length, 8-foot width, and 5-foot sideboard can hold roughly 19 cubic yards of loose material, assuming typical density materials.
Different types of materials affect how much volume and weight a dump truck can haul because weight limits are often more restrictive than volume.
Common densities for construction materials include:
- Gravel: Around 2,400 to 2,900 lbs per cubic yard
- Sand: About 2,600 to 3,000 lbs per cubic yard
- Soil/Dirt: Typically 2,000 to 2,700 lbs per cubic yard, depending on moisture content
- Concrete: Approximately 3,900 to 4,100 lbs per cubic yard
Since concrete is heavier, a tri axle dump truck might carry fewer cubic yards by weight if hauling concrete than gravel or soil. Operators must balance volume and tonnage limits to comply with safety laws without overloading the vehicle.
Tri axle dump trucks fit between tandem axle trucks and quad axle trucks in hauling capacity and maneuverability. Tandem axle trucks generally carry smaller loads (10 to 15 cubic yards), are ideal for urban and short-distance use, and boast higher maneuverability. Quad axle dump trucks have increased payloads, often exceeding 20 cubic yards, but require longer turning radii and operate best on highways or long hauls.
Tri axle dump trucks are favored because they provide a sweet spot with high volume and tons capacity suitable for a wide variety of job sites.
Tri axle dump trucks are indispensable across many industries:
- Construction: Transporting earth, sand, gravel, asphalt, and debris to and from sites.
- Mining and quarrying: Moving ore, aggregates, and raw materials.
- Landscaping: Hauling soil, mulch, and decorative rock.
- Road building: Carrying asphalt, riprap, and materials needed for pavement layers.
Advantages of tri axle dump trucks include improved weight distribution, greater payload than tandem trucks, enhanced stability, and compliance with road weight regulations, making them a cost-effective solution for medium to heavy hauling jobs.
To maximize efficiency and prolong the life of a tri axle dump truck, regular maintenance is essential:
- Tire checks and pressure optimization maintain safe load handling.
- Hydraulic system inspections ensure reliable dumping operations.
- Suspension and axle alignment checks prevent uneven tire wear and handling issues.
- Cleaning the truck bed and body reduces corrosion and maintains safety.
- Routine engine and transmission servicing keeps powertrain performance optimal.
Proper operation practices also include loading within legal weight limits, evenly distributing materials, and careful driving on turns and slopes.
Modern tri axle dump trucks may come equipped with advanced technology such as:
- Electronic control modules for operating dumping beds, tarps, and tailgate latches.
- Onboard weigh scales providing real-time load feedback.
- Advanced suspension systems like air ride suspension for smoother rides.
- LED lighting packages for enhanced safety on job sites.
- Option for steel or aluminum dump bodies affecting empty vehicle weight and payload capacity.
For example, some tri axle dump trucks have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of up to 68,000 pounds and can haul payloads of 22 tons or more, with dump bodies of around 15 cubic yards depending on design. Advanced hydraulic cylinders achieve up to a 50-degree dump angle, improving unload speed and efficiency.
Road safety laws typically regulate:
- Maximum allowable gross vehicle weight (GVW)
- Axle weight limits to protect road infrastructure
- Truck dimensions for highway clearance
- Load securement and tarp requirements to prevent debris loss
Operators must ensure tri axle dump trucks are loaded within legal limits to avoid fines, accidents, and damage to the vehicle or public roads.
Tri axle dump trucks generally carry between 15 to 19 cubic yards of material depending on their design, bed size, and cargo type. Their three-axle configuration enhances weight distribution and allows larger loads than tandem axle trucks without compromising maneuverability on most job sites. These trucks support a wide range of construction, mining, landscaping, and roadwork applications by hauling gravel, soil, concrete, asphalt, and more efficiently and safely. Understanding the balance of volume, weight, truck dimensions, and legal limits is key for maximizing the value and operational efficiency of a tri axle dump truck.
A typical tri axle dump truck carries between 15 to 19 cubic yards depending on bed size and material density.
They haul various bulk materials including gravel, sand, soil, asphalt, concrete, and demolition debris.
Standard dump beds are 16 to 18 feet long, about 8 feet wide, with side heights between 4 to 5 feet.
Denser materials like concrete reduce volume capacity due to weight restrictions, while lighter materials like soil allow larger volumes.
Yes, they offer a good balance of payload and maneuverability, making them practical for many urban and suburban construction sites.
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