Articulated or rigid dumper?
Whether articulated or rigid, a dumper helps
transport loads from a place to another. This use makes it close to a tipper
truck but numerous characteristics are used to differentiate them starting with
the different domains of use.
Dumpers are usually used in the construction
industry and for road work, the most powerful models are usually reserved for
mining or quarries. There are two categories of dumpers:
The rigid chassis dumpers
These are the most imposing machines we can see
in the open mines. The rigid dumpers can transport a useful load way more
important than articulated dumpers. These machines are made in one piece,
that’s why they are called rigid dumpers : they don’t have any articulation and
only have four wheels, that can either be power wheels or not. Track rigid
dumpers are also designed for military use.
The articulated chassis dumpers
These machines have three axles, meaning six
power wheels. In comparison with a rigid chassis dumper, the articulated dumper
is made of two parts : the tipper, at the back of the machine, and the
tractor, which is the cab and all the mechanical elements. They are assembled
by a bearing and two hydraulic cylinders that help the machine by spinning
horizontally. These characteristics make articulated dumpers a versatile
machine with great mobility, it can be used on rough or muddy terrains.
However, its loading capacity is inferior to the loading capacity of a rigid
dumper, as well as its top speed.