Tips for Maintaining Your Dump Truck

You rely on your dump truck to help get the job done on time. This means it’s important to keep up to date with the maintenance tasks so you can keep everything running smoothly! Our team at DTI Trucks is here to help you keep your dump truck in top shape. 

Start with the Owner’s Manual 

In order to provide the best maintenance, you should always start with your owner’s manual. You will find manufacturer recommendations and guidelines for the right products and timelines for replacements. The manual should provide you with a general overview of how to best care for your specific model!

Check the Battery 

You should routinely check that the charge of your battery is keeping as it should. Dump trucks don’t only have an engine battery to worry about, but also a battery that operates the dumping mechanism. It’s important to monitor both batteries, but the one for the dumping mechanism is typically located near the hydraulic system. So, if there is ever damage inflicted on the battery or on the hydraulics, the functionality can become compromised.

Check the Tires

Next, pay close attention to the wear of your tires. Carrying heavy loads to and from work sites can contribute to expedited wear of the tires, so you have to be diligent about monitoring the air pressure. Blowing a tire with a full load can be extremely dangerous! 

If you intend to store your dump truck or know it won’t be used for an extended period of time, you should plan to move it a few times a month to prevent any spots from wearing down. As you check your tires, you should also make sure the spare is in good condition if it ever needs to be used. 

Check the Hydraulic System

Dump trucks need a strong hydraulic system to completely dump materials. The hydraulic system is responsible for raising and lowering the dump bed. It’s important to know where the coils are located in case you find yourself with a dump truck stuck in an unloading position. It’s possible to loosen the nuts connected to the coil and lower the bed. 

You can regularly check for corrosion or add recommended lubricants to prevent issues with the system, but it’s also necessary to work with a professional mechanic if there are any concerns. 

Care for the Dump Bed

It may not make sense to keep the dump bed spotless all the time, but it’s often necessary to clean the bed between jobs. You may not want residue from the previous job to mix with any new materials! You should take good care of the dump bed in order to monitor for damage. 

Dump trucks are essential for many industries and our team would love to help you find the right model for your line of work. Visit us in Wheat Ridge or Denver, CO, where we proudly offer parts, service, and fabrication.