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A dump truck has its cab in front of the load.

A dump truck (or, UK, dumper truck) is a truck used for


transporting loose material (such as sand, gravel, or dirt)
for construction.
A typical dump truck is equipped with a hydraulically
operated open-box bed hinged at the rear, the front of
which can be lifted to allow the contents to be deposited
on the ground behind the truck at the site of delivery.
The body can be lifted or opened hydraulically for
unloading of the material inside the body

Haul trucks can have different


types of bodies, depending on
the materials to be placed into
them:
Linerless suitable for hauling
clay, sand and gravel.
Rock body suitable for
hauling rocks at quarries or
construction sites.
Rubber-lined suitable for
hauling large and dumped
stones.

A Engine bay Where the engine is located. B Controls May


include steering wheel, joystick or control levers, transmission
controls, brakes, emergency stop controls. C Cab unit Part
where operator sits and operates the machine. D
Articulation point Point where linkage between different parts
occurs. E Hydraulics/tipping rams Forces the tipping body to
release its contents. F Tipping body/dump box Part where
materials are dumped into. G Tailgate At the rear of the
tipping body. Opens to allow the contents to be dumped out.

Pre- start checks


Pre-start checks are part of operational procedures.
They will be detailed in your site operational manuals
and outlined in your machinery and site inductions.
Pre-start checks involve the identification and diagnosis
of any problems, and are conducted before the haul
truck is started. Pre-start checks should be conducted
daily.
Always use an inspection checklist or logbook when
carrying out the pre-start and post-operational checks
on a haul truck. There are a number of areas that may
need to be filled out:

VISUAL INSPECTION
The first part of your pre-start check is the visual inspection. Walk
around the haul truck and carry out an external check and an
internal check.
EXTERNAL CHECK
During your external check you will need to:
Look for signs of damage, faults, defects such as oil leaks or other
leaky fluids.
Check the safety guards and covers, and warning signs.
Check all fluid levels including the windscreen washer tank,
hydraulic oil, coolant, greases, water, engine oil and fuel.
Ensure the hydraulic sight gauge is visible.

Lubricate any moving areas that require a cold


lubrication process.
Check couplings, bolts and other attachments to ensure
they are correctly fitted.
Check windows, tyres and other moving parts for
anything that may be worn, loose or will affect the
performance.
Look for weaknesses, damage, stressed welds, paint
separation.
Check that any modifications are within the
manufacturers specifications.

INTERNAL CHECK
The internal check involves a cabin check only DO
NOT move underneath the haul truck!
Check all instruments and gauges for worn levers,
gears.
Check gauges, computer systems, and general wear
and tear on any part of the cabin.
Check the logbook, running sheet, vehicle history,
and service sheets.
Ensure that safety devices and alarms are working
correctly.
Check all indicators, such as air filter restriction
indicators, lights, instruments, and horns.
Check for air-conditioning or climate control.
Check the control levers and instruments to make
sure they are operational, including any emergency
stop buttons, lever or controls.
Check and test the engine and the engine stop
functions and lights

FLUID LEVELS
Always check fluid levels are
correct for the machine. Fluids
could include:
Hydraulic, transmission and
engine oils.
Windscreen washer.
Coolants.
Brake fluid.
Fuel.
Battery.
Water.

HYDRAULICS
Check that the hydraulic oil storage
tank is not filled above the marked
fill line space is needed in the
system for the displacement of the
oil.
The hydraulic tank should be vented
to release any built up pressure.
If you notice a bulge, crack or leak in
any part of the hydraulic systems
(rams, hoses) it must be fixed
immediately.
Do not let the hydraulic oil make
contact with your skin. Oil under
pressure can pierce your skin.

BATTERY
Check the battery:
Condition.
Security.
Cleanliness.

AIR TANK
Ensure that the air tank is
drained, check the air
precleaner bowl and
replace it if necessary.
Also make sure that the
air filter indicator is at the
required levels.

TYRES
Check the pressure and condition
of all tyres before every shift. A
bent axle or wheel misalignment
could cause excessive or uneven
wear on tyres.
Tyres can be filled with nitrogen to
minimise the risk of explosions.
Strict controls and standards are
essential for this to be effective.
Check the operators manual for
the haul truck you are operating,
and also refer to your worksite
requirements and procedures.

SAFE WORKING LOAD


Check the load or data
plate to determine the
safe working load of the
haul truck to make sure
you do not overload it
during use.
If you are not able to
determine the safe
working load of the
machine it should not be
used.

POST-START OR OPERATIONAL
CHECKS
Post-start or operational checks are carried out while the vehicle is
running but before work is started. During these inspection procedures
your diagnostic skills will be needed again to check:
Post-Start Checks:
Seat and safety belt adjustment, park brake is on and gearing is in
neutral. ! The engine idles for the required amount of time this could
range from 3 to 10 minutes depending upon the individual machine. !
External signs of oil or fluid leaks it is common for the start-up process
to cause a leak through hoses breaking. Also check for bulges in hydraulic
hoses. ! Gauges, alarms and warning devices are located, identified and
operating correctly. Any display instrumentation used needs to be
checked. ! Hydraulic controls are operational, attachments move correctly.
! Monitor the temperatures of oil, engines and accessories. !

Accessories are in working order, e.g. steering, brakes


(including retarder and braking control levers), wipers,
two-way radios, horns, air conditioner. ! All lights
including gauge or alarm lights, stop engine lights,
visual warning lights. ! Machine warning systems (both
audio and visual), horns, reversing alarms. ! Application
of brakes, clear for travel prior to movement of the
vehicle. ! Emergency controls and safety devices are
operating correctly. ! Check all levers, instruments and
controls including attachments.

It is important when conducting operational checks that


you perform all tasks safely and without unnecessary
risks to yourself or other personnel/workers. In addition
to wearing the correct PPE, this may include:
Taking adequate precautions when working under a
raised body or a crush point area.
Switching off the machine and reporting faults or
replacing parts if you are able.

Start the Haul Truck


Turn the battery disconnect switch to ON.
2. Maintain 3 points of contact when mounting the
machine.
3. Adjust seat & steering column, fasten seat belt.
4. Check transmission control lever is in neutral.
5. Make sure PARK BRAKE is on.
6. Make sure body is down.
7. Move hoist control into hold position.
8. Make sure all personnel are clear of the
machine.
9. Turn the start key to ON.
10. Test supplementary steering.
11. Test backup alarm.
12. Turn the key switch to START. Allow machine to
do all checks.
13. Perform start-up test on EMS or VIMS.

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