For construction professionals, understanding the capacity of a tri-axle dump truck is key. It’s not just about moving items. It’s about keeping the project running smoothly and following the rules. Tri-axle dump trucks can carry 26-30 tons (52,000-60,000 pounds).
The capacity of a tri-axle dump truck affects the amount of material you can transport. A standard tri-axle truck can carry 52,000-60,000 pounds. But how do the truck’s axles affect the distribution of the load? What are the legal limits?
This guide explains how the capacity of a tri-axle dump truck relates to safety and getting the job done. It shows how the tri-axle design balances ease of movement with carrying heavy loads.
Table of Contents
Understanding Tri-Axle Dump Truck Capacity
By looking at dump truck specifications, we can find the best way to handle materials. Tri-axle dump trucks stand out because of their design. They have one front axle and two rear axles. This setup keeps them stable under heavy loads, allowing them to carry more weight than a single-axle or two-axle truck.
The third axle also distributes the weight better. This reduces stress on the ground and prevents damage during use.
Tri-axle dump trucks have several key features:
They have three-axle drivetrains.
They have a powerful suspension system
Their chassis can carry 26-30 tons.
Weight Capacity Specifications
Tri axle dump trucks can carry different weights based on their setup and the material they haul. They usually can haul between 26–30 tons. This is more than tandem models, which can only carry 16–25 tons.
This difference comes from better engineering in how the axles are set up and the use of strong steel alloys in the frame.
| Axle Configuration | Load Capacity (Tons) |
|---|---|
| 2-axle | 10–20 |
| 3-axle | 26–30 |
| 4-axle | 25–35 |
| 6-axle | 30–40 |
There are rules for how much weight a truck can carry. For five-axle trucks, it’s 80,000 lbs GVW. Three-axle trucks can carry up to 51,000 lbs. But, some older seven-axle trucks can carry up to 105,500 lbs.
Semi-dump trucks are currently manufactured to carry 50-100 tons.. They use the right number of axles for the weight they carry. For example, 3 axles for 50/60 tons, and more axles for heavier loads.
Gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR) determine legal payload limits
Electronic load monitoring systems ensure safe operation at maximum capacity
Material density impacts actual load: 2.5 tons/m³ material requires precise bed volume calculations
The weight a tri axle dump truck can carry also depends on the material and the size of the bed. For example, a 50-ton model is 9.5m long. It’s important for professionals to know these limits to follow the law.
How Much Material Can Tri-Axle Dump Trucks Hold
Knowing how much a tri axle dump truck can carry is key to using it well. Most can hold 14–20 cubic yards, but some can carry more.
Standard Cubic Yard Measurements
The size of the truck’s bed affects how much it can carry. To find the volume, multiply the length, width, and height in feet by 27. Most trucks can hold 14–20 cubic yards. Big names like Doosan, Caterpillar, and John Deere offer different sizes:
Doosan: 22/31.9 cubic yards
Caterpillar: 19.6–32.7 cubic yards
John Deere: 19.6–32.9 cubic yards
The size of the bed is what determines how much a truck can carry. For example, a bed that’s 15.56 cubic yards is in the middle range.
Heaped vs. Struck Capacity Explained
How you pack the truck changes how much it can hold. Heaped means the material is not packed tightly, while struck means it is. This affects how much you can put in the truck:
| Capacity Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Heaped | Uncompacted, uneven loads | Loose gravel holds +20% volume vs struck |
| Struck | Leveled, compacted loads | Standard for regulatory calculations |
Material Density Considerations
The weight of the material also matters. This table helps figure out how much you can carry:
| Material | Weight (lbs/cubic yd) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete | 3,900–4,100 | Requires heavy-duty bed reinforcement |
| Rock (2–6″) | 3,000–3,400 | Angular shape increases heaped volumes |
| Sand | 2,600–3,000 | Moisture content alters density |
| Asphalt | 2,500–2,900 | Soft materials reduce maximum load angles |
| Gravel | 2,400–2,900 | Medium-density material |
| Clay | 2,100–2,500 | Hygroscopic properties affect weight |
| Soil | 2,000–2,700 | Moisture increases load weight by up to 1,000 lbs/yd³ |
These details help trucks stay within weight limits and carry more. Always check the truck’s specs for exact measurements and load angles.
Maximizing Tri-Axle Dump Truck Capacity
To get the most out of a tri-axle dump truck, you need to load it right. Make sure the weight is spread evenly across all three axles. This is key for the truck to perform well.
Engineers suggest using a formula to find the truck’s center of gravity. This helps make sure the truck doesn’t carry too much weight. It also keeps it within legal limits.
Utilize geometric loading patterns to balance payloads between front and rear axles
Use cubic yard measurements aligned with material density charts for aggregates and concrete
Verify compliance with 26-30 ton capacity thresholds through pre-load inspections
Technology makes managing loads easier. GPS and onboard scales track how much you’re carrying. They also warn drivers if the truck is too heavy.
Comparing Tri-Axle Dump Truck Capacity to Other Truck Configurations
Choosing the right dump truck depends on how many axles it has. Each axle affects how much weight the truck can carry and how it moves. Tri-axle trucks are popular because they balance weight and ease of movement. But, other trucks like tandems or quads have their own benefits for different jobs.
| Configuration | Payload Capacity (tons) | GVWR (lbs) | Axles | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tandem | 16–25 | 33,000–50,000 | 2 | Urban material transport, site prep |
| Tri-Axle | 26–30 | 50,000–80,000 | 3 | Regional hauling, aggregate distribution |
| Quad/Super Dump | 30–40 | 80,000–110,000 | 4–7 | Long-haul bulk transport |
Tandem vs. tri-axle capacity differences>Tri-axle trucks can carry 26–30 tons because they spread the weight over three axles. This makes them 20% heavier than tandem trucks. It also means each axle carries less weight, helping them stay within legal limits.
quad-axle and super dump alternatives>Quad-axle trucks can carry 30–40 tons by adding more axles. Super dumps have 4–7 axles for even more capacity. But, they need special permits and careful planning.
When to Choose a Tri-Axle Dump Truck Based on Capacity Needs
Tri-axle dump trucks are great for jobs that need a good balance of tri axle dump truck bed capacity and follow the law. They’re perfect for road construction projects that need to carry 26–30 tons of asphalt or concrete. Their three-axle design helps spread the weight evenly, meeting both federal and state load limits.
They excel at moving heavy materials like gravel or demolition debris over regional distances. For tight urban areas, tandems may be more maneuverable; for long hauls, quads can save 12% on costs with higher capacity.
Conclusion
Choosing the right tri-axle dump truck means balancing weight and capacity needs. Federal regulations set axle weight limits of 12,000 to 14,000 pounds. Trucks can carry 15 to 20 cubic yards of material.
Regular maintenance is key to ensuring performance. Tires are checked weekly, brakes every six months, and oil is changed every 3,000 miles. Modern trucks are equipped with systems that control unloading and ensure even weight distribution.
When choosing a truck, consider how much material you need and the terrain. Trucks with advanced systems or load sensors are more efficient. Remember, more than 50 percent of accidents are caused by improper loading.
Managers need to consider weight limits of 26-30 tons (50,000-80,000 lb GVWR) and terrain. Trucks with air suspension or load monitoring systems work better.
If you need a specialized tri-axle dump truck. Then HOWO Special Truck Ltd can provide you with a choice of tipper trucks from HOWO/FAW/SHACMAN brands. It can also be customized according to your needs.
