{"id":2346,"date":"2021-08-17T08:00:49","date_gmt":"2021-08-17T13:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/?p=2346"},"modified":"2021-08-16T22:58:47","modified_gmt":"2021-08-17T03:58:47","slug":"maintain-dump-truck-perfect-condition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/maintain-dump-truck-perfect-condition\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Maintain Your Dump Truck&#8217;s Perfect Condition"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you have a dump truck, you need to maintain it properly so that it keeps running smoothly, no matter how often you use it. On the whole, it isn\u2019t just about the truck looking clean and rust-free; it also means ensuring all the parts are in good working condition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You might be thinking of the tires, suspension system, brakes, engine, and lights, to name a few. But what, exactly, should you keep an eye on when it comes to dump truck maintenance, and what do you need to remember?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are the top tips to keep in mind, whether you have a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/best-freightliner-dump-trucks\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Freightliner<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/best-volvo-dump-trucks\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Volvo dump truck<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or one from another manufacturer.<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"border: 3px solid; padding: 10px; width: 100%; border-radius: 25px; border-color: #F4A70F; color: #007bff;\">\n<strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"color: #007bff;\">What&#8217;s Inside<\/p>\n<p><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#invest\"> Invest in a power washer<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#understand\"> Understand your worksite conditions<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#clean\"> Adjust and clean tracks<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#dontoverload\"> Don\u2019t overload your truck<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#gounder\"> Go under the hood<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><b><\/b><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"invest\"><strong>Invest in a power washer<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><b><\/b><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since it\u2019s more than likely that your dump truck will be on some kind of worksite most of the time, it\u2019s also likely that dirt and grime will build up on the exterior. You can\u2019t wash it by hand or with a hose like you would a car or SUV, and unfortunately, a car wash wouldn\u2019t be able to get rid of all the grime that\u2019s piled up.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That\u2019s where a power washer comes in. The pressure from it will help eliminate the dust and dirt on the outside of your dump truck, and the water will shine things up. Power washers are expensive, but they\u2019re less pricey than a professional truck cleaning service. Shop around and see if you can work out a deal with a supplier, or find a way to rent one.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s worth investing in a power washer because, besides making your truck look aesthetically pleasing, it helps ensure the truck runs smoothly. Dump trucks invariably operate at their best when there\u2019s no grime, dust, and grease on any of its parts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When using the power washer, just remember not to aim it at the side mirrors because it can break those. The same goes for any lights on the roof.\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<b><\/b><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"understand\"><strong>Understand your worksite conditions<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><b><\/b><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s say you\u2019ve had no trouble <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/find-dump-truck-work-trucking-business\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">finding work as a dump truck owner and driver<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. That\u2019s all well and good, but don\u2019t forget to take into account how your working conditions can affect your truck. When you understand the effects of the weather, the worksite, and materials present, you\u2019ll be able to take the appropriate countermeasures, especially when it comes to protecting or maintaining your truck\u2019s undercarriage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, if you\u2019re working at a wet site and there\u2019s sand &#8211; which is abrasive &#8211; then you\u2019ll want to check your tracks before and after you start work. That way, if there\u2019s any noticeable wear and tear, you\u2019ll be able to remedy the problem before it becomes unmanageable and calls for a more expensive repair job.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"uv-lst\" data-category=\"129\" data-count=\"6\" data-type=\"new\"> <\/div>\n<h2 id=\"clean\"><strong>Adjust and clean tracks<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><b><\/b><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A power washer should help you keep your tracks clean, because allowing dirt, mud, and dust to build up or become packed on the tracks will only lead to increased wear and tear. This will make daily operation hard for you, which we\u2019re sure you\u2019d rather avoid.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As to adjusting the tracks, make sure you follow the guidelines in your dump truck\u2019s manual. It should be your go-to when it comes to keeping your truck in good shape, so consult it regularly. If still in doubt, ask a mechanic. You can read our article on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/reliable-semi-truck-mechanic\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Find a Reliable Mechanic and Repair Shop<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can help maintain your tracks further by trying to minimize running the dump truck in reverse, to also lessen any additional damage.<\/span><br \/>\n<b><\/b><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"dontoverload\"><strong>Don\u2019t overload your truck<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><b><\/b><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It may be tempting to overload the truck so you can finish jobs on time, but in fact, it\u2019s an inefficient way of working. Also, constant overloading can lead to further damage to your truck &#8211; and that\u2019s what you\u2019re trying to avoid. When you overload your truck, it\u2019s the tires that suffer the most, to the point that they can be thrown off balance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure you check the manual to find out your dump truck\u2019s load limit, and ensure that any loads you carry don\u2019t exceed that. Otherwise, not only will you be stuck with a damaged truck, but you could miss out on a warranty, too. Don\u2019t forget to distribute the load evenly so that no one side or area bears the brunt, especially if it\u2019s rocks or stones that you\u2019re hauling. These need to be laid out in a way that the back of the truck stays level, not to mention won\u2019t cause the wheels to shift out of alignment.\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<b><\/b><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"gounder\"><strong>Go under the hood<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><b><\/b><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A dump truck\u2019s engine calls for practically the same care and maintenance as any other vehicle\u2019s engine, even if it is bulkier and more hulking than that of your typical family car. Unless you have experience in fixing cars, it\u2019s best that you call on a professional mechanic to take care of any problems. That doesn\u2019t mean you shouldn\u2019t check under the hood yourself once in a while.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you\u2019re familiar with the truck\u2019s engine, you should have no problems checking for potential concerns. For instance, it won\u2019t take long to make sure the engine oil, brake fluid, and transmission fluid is topped up, that the engine block isn\u2019t cracked anywhere, and that any hoses and cables are connected properly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These may seem like a lot to do, but they\u2019re well worth the time and effort. After all, you\u2019re relying on your dump truck to help you do a job. Your dump truck is relying on you to make sure it\u2019s in tip-top shape so it can help you with that job for as long as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Need a new truck for your fleet? Visit <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UsedVending.com<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for the best <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/semi-trucks-for-sale\/dump-trucks\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dump trucks for sale<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When you have a dump truck, you need to maintain it properly so that it keeps running smoothly, no matter how often you use it. On the whole, it isn\u2019t just about the truck looking clean and rust-free; it also means ensuring all the parts are in good working condition.\u00a0 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":191,"featured_media":2350,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[102],"tags":[126,717,716,718,130,719],"class_list":["post-2346","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-semi-truck","tag-dump-truck","tag-dump-truck-care","tag-dump-truck-caring-tips","tag-dump-truck-maintenance","tag-dump-truck-tips","tag-how-to-maintain-dump-truck"],"modified_by":"Titus Asher","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2346","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/191"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2346"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2346\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2356,"href":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2346\/revisions\/2356"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2350"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2346"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2346"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2346"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}