What’s the Difference Between Articulated and Rigid Dump Trucks?

For off-road hauling there are two types of trucks. There is a rigid dump truck and an articulated dump truck. They are both similar in terms of technology used to benefit the operator, along with meeting the most recent emission standards. So how do you choose the right dump truck for you?.

Before choosing between a rigid dump truck and an articulated dump truck, it is important to consider the following questions:

  • What are the ground conditions of the jobsite? Is the terrain uneven, slippery, with an incline or narrow?
  • What is the size of the jobsite?
  • How long will the truck be required (short-term or long-term)?
  • What kind of materials with the truck be hauling?
  • Will the hauler be carrying a large or small quantity of materials?
  • Will the hauler need to cover a vast or short amount of area when transferring the load?
  • Are you dumping the load into a wide or narrow hopper?
  • Will the dump truck need to be resilient after handling high impact loads?
Bulldozers can come either wheeled or tracked. So, what is the main difference between the two? We’ll let you know below.

Rigid dump trucks, also known as rigid haulers or tipper trucks, allow you to transport large quantities of abrasive materials and rocks. This high capacity is ideal for long hauls across flat terrain, particularly quarries and mines. They have a fixed chassis that the cab and dump body sit on. As a result, the steering is based on a traditional system called rack-and-pinion steering, meaning they are rear-wheel-drive. A rigid hauler is best suited to inclines of 15% or less but have a job life of a minimum of five years due to their ability to hold such a high capacity of materials. 


So, if you’re requiring a tipper for a job that will span five plus years, that will easily carry large loads and cover a vast area transporting this load, a rigid dump truck is perfect for your job!

Compared to the rigid dump truck, the articulated dump/tipper truck can handle rough and unruly terrain and weather, along with lower ceiling heights, restricted turning radiuses and narrow roads. This dump truck’s cab and rear dump meet at an articulation point that is situated directly behind the cab. This articulation point controls the ability of the truck to pivot and is also known as articulated steering, allowing the truck to be easily maneuvered. It also is capable of keeping all six wheels on the ground through its oscillating and articulated hitch, capable of working on a 35% incline due to the haulers adaptive suspension. The articulated dump truck is lighter compared to a rigid dump truck, with wider tires helping spread the load being carried. This hauler also has a sorter job life compared to a rigid dump truck, averaging between a few days to a few years as size limits what the truck is capable of offering over an extended period.


So, if you’re looking for a tipper truck that is suited to uneven surfaces, narrow surrounds and is easily maneuvered, then an articulated dump truck is the hauler for you!

Contact Yellow Hire

Yellow Hire have a vast array of tipper trucks available for wet hire in Northern Victoria and Southern NSW. Our plant hire includes market leader, Isuzu’s, tippers accompanied by one of our highly trained operators. If this is what you’re looking for, get in touch today.