As a dump truck owner and operator, you want to ensure the health of your vehicle. You do this by performing routine maintenance and inspecting the truck to catch problems early on. However, there are some other things you must consider. Check out these dump truck maintenance tips you should know for beneficial information.
Always Read the Owner’s Manual
The first step to maintaining any vehicle is to read the owner’s manual. This guide will help you understand your truck and give you detailed instructions on how to take care of it. Typically, the manual will highlight maintenance checks and give you a chart to keep track of the truck’s history. For example, it may provide a section where you can write down what dates you updated equipment like the battery or engine.
Perform Frequent Tire Checks
Tires are a critical part of your dump truck, and they require special care and attention. Unlike most vehicle tires, dump truck tires handle intense loads daily, so they’re susceptible to much more intense wear and tear. Before using the dump truck, check the tires’ air pressure, and inspect them for any visual damage, such as excessive tears. Many truck manufacturers recommend a PSI between 85 and 100, but 95 is the most common.
Pro tip: If you don’t use your dump truck a lot, make sure you move it once or twice a month to avoid prolonged pressure on any one spot on the tires.
Use Dump Truck Liners
If you’re worried about damage to your truck bed, dump truck liners are a great product to own. Durapro is one of several different types of dump truck liners that you can install on your truck. Some liners can even protect the bed from material debris like hot asphalt, clay, and gravel. Liners will prolong the bed’s lifespan and save you cleaning time.
Check Your Engine and Dump Batteries
One last dump truck maintenance tip you should know is to check your engine and dump batteries. You power your truck through two batteries: one for the engine and one for the dumping mechanism, and you can’t operate the machine unless both batteries aren’t working. Before using the truck, make sure you fully charge the batteries for optimal performance.
