Dump Truck Maintenance: 6 Tips to Keep Your Fleet Running Smoothly

Purchasing a dump truck is a substantial investment, but the expenses don't stop there. Ongoing maintenance is crucial to keeping your truck in excellent condition and ensuring its longevity.

Without proper maintenance, you risk frequent breakdowns and costly repairs. This raises an important question: how should you maintain your dump trucks?

If you're finding dump truck maintenance challenging, don't worry—you're in the right place. Today, we'll share some essential maintenance tips to help keep your fleet in prime condition.

1. Find and Read the Owner's Manual

Before diving into maintenance tasks, the first step is to locate and thoroughly read the owner's manual. This is essential for any vehicle, but especially for specialized trucks like dump trucks. The manual provides valuable information on how to properly care for your truck.

The owner's manual outlines all the necessary maintenance checks for your dump truck and may even suggest the best parts to use. Additionally, it often includes a maintenance log to help you track your service history.

Refer to the owner's manual for detailed maintenance instructions and regularly review it to ensure you are taking the right steps to maintain your dump truck effectively.

2. Check the Tires

Tires are a critical component of your dump truck and need regular attention. Due to the heavy loads they carry daily, dump truck tires experience significant wear and are at a higher risk of failure.

Before sending your fleet out on the road, always check the tire air pressure. Refer to the owner's manual to ensure the tire pressure meets the recommended levels.

Most manufacturers suggest maintaining a PSI between 85 and 105. Be mindful of temperature fluctuations when adjusting tire pressure, but avoid over-inflating. Additionally, inspect the tire treads for excessive wear, as worn treads can reduce traction and compromise safety.

It's also important to ensure even tire wear to prevent misalignment. If a truck will be stationary for an extended period, rotate the tires a quarter turn periodically to prevent stress from accumulating on one part of the tire.

3. Check Your Trucks' Batteries

Regularly inspect the battery under your electric dump truck's hood for any signs of corrosion and ensure all connections are secure. If you plan to leave the truck idle for an extended period, especially during the winter months when many fleets are inactive, remove the battery to prevent any issues.

Keep in mind that some dump trucks may have more than one battery—one for the truck's engine and another dedicated to the dumping mechanism. This setup ensures the dumping mechanism has sufficient power to operate smoothly and lift heavy loads.

To maintain optimal performance, make sure all batteries are fully charged. When the truck is not in use, connect the engine battery to a trickle charger to keep it charged and ready for operation. For the dumping mechanism's battery, connect it to a charger at least every weekend. Failing to do so can lead to hydraulic issues, compromising the functionality of the dumping mechanism.

4. Hydraulics

Maintaining the hydraulic system is one of the most complex aspects of dump truck upkeep, as not many vehicles have hydraulics specifically designed for lifting and lowering heavy loads. However, the owner’s manual provides helpful guidance for maintaining the hydraulic system.

Proper maintenance of the hydraulics ensures that the truck can lift and lower loads smoothly, preventing the dump body from getting stuck or failing to raise correctly. If the dump body becomes stuck, you should inspect the coils and consider replacing them if necessary.

If the dump body gets stuck while dumping, you can temporarily resolve the issue by loosening the nuts and switching the coils. This allows the dump body to lower, enabling you to drive to a mechanic for a more permanent solution. Keep in mind that switching the coils is only a temporary fix, so be sure to arrange for further repairs as soon as possible.

5. Don't Forget the Engine

The engine is the heart of your dump truck. Without a properly functioning engine, your dump truck can't perform its essential tasks. Therefore, taking good care of the engine is crucial to maximizing the performance and lifespan of your truck.

Here are some tips to help you maintain your dump truck's engine:

- Regularly change the engine oil and transmission fluid.

- Allow the engine to run periodically to keep it in good condition.

- Inspect the engine belts and replace them if they show signs of excessive wear.

- Check for any leaks around the engine.

- Make sure to replace the oil filter as needed.

These are just a few key tips for maintaining your dump truck's engine. For the best results, consider hiring a reputable mechanic who specializes in heavy equipment maintenance. It's often wise to leave such important tasks to the professionals.

6. Ensure the Truck Remains Clean

Although dump trucks often operate in muddy and dusty environments, it's important not to neglect their cleanliness. Keeping your trucks clean helps maintain a professional appearance, reflecting positively on your company's reputation. Make sure to regularly clean all parts of your trucks, including the mirrors, lights, and interiors.

Dump Truck Maintenance Made Easy

By following these tips, maintaining your dump trucks becomes much more manageable. As essential pieces of construction equipment, dump trucks require proper care to function effectively. Don't hesitate to seek assistance from professional mechanics when necessary to ensure your trucks stay in top condition.