Dump Trucks: Traditions and Innovations
The history of the dump truck, a vehicle considered essential for bulk transport, begins in the first quarter of the 20th century.
Traditionally, dump trucks are divided into 2 types based on the body configuration that influences the scale of their operation.
Trucks belonging to the first type (known as standard) empty their beds at the rear of the vehicle. The mechanism includes the hinges, mounted at the rear of the chassis, and a single solid hydraulic ram, fixed under the front of the body. The hinges support the bed and allow it to rise vertically, while the hydraulic ram provides enough force to raise the bed at a steep angle.
Standard tippers can be used successfully provided sites have plenty of space around them. Although the dump deck only dumps from the rear, operators must maneuver to find the correct position to dump.
When the location has limited space, it is reasonable to take advantage of a three-way dump truck which represents the second common type of dump trucks. As it comes from the name of the category, the three-way structure allows a vehicle to be unloaded from three sides: rear, right and left. The exterior design of this type is similar to the previous one. Bulk material is transported in a metal box and stability is provided by a reinforced frame. The difference is located below the download platform. Unloading options are possible thanks to four hydraulic cylinders, equipped with transverse joints to organize the movement. Raising two of the hydraulic cylinders on the right side of the frame allows the bed to tilt to the left and vice versa. And the tilting of the bed backwards is done by those two hydraulic cylinders that are fixed behind the cabin.
Based on practical applications, dump trucks are divided into road network models and off-road versions. The latter category includes full-size trucks, heavy-duty dump trucks (also called haul trucks) to serve high-production mining and heavy industrial environments, and articulated trucks for hauling loads over the roughest terrain.
The latest innovations in dump truck development are topical to the mining industry. The largest truck manufacturers participate in the R&D project aimed at promoting the use of autonomous mining dump trucks and enhancing commercial advantages.
The innovated trucks are fully equipped construction vehicles, capable of navigating and operating in complete autonomy both on the surface and underground. GPS technology and numerous sensors allow continuous reading of the environment, avoid obstacles (fixed or mobile) and collect other data necessary to determine the route and ensure traffic safety. In addition, the system makes it possible to plan a route ahead of schedule and automatically change it on the fly in the event of a sudden need for revision.
The project aims to improve mining productivity and fuel economy and refine autonomous technologies before expanding their use on public roads.
