What Is an Articulated Truck?

An articulated truck is similar to a dump truck — it allows you to load, haul and dump material from one place to another. However, thanks to a special feature, articulated trucks are better suited than most vehicles to navigate uneven terrain. They move over grades and bumps without twisting the frame, which is what prevents dump trucks from doing so. And because they can travel over nearly any land, they can increase site efficiency and productivity, keeping any project on schedule.

The articulated truck features three important sections:

• The front cab: As with any piece of heavy machinery, the articulated truck needs a space for an operator. The cab offers a wide perspective of the land and a number of features that make it easier for an experienced operator to control the truck’s movements.
• The rear body: The body of an articulated truck operates similarly to a dump truck. The open bed allows for the transportation of heavy materials such as dirt, gravel, sand and rocks around a job site, between work sites or to a disposal site. Once the truck arrives at its destination, hydraulic cylinders lift the bed so the media slides out without human intervention.
• The articulation joint: The joint that connects the cab and the body is what sets this truck apart from other dump trucks. An articulation joint allows both sections to move independently over rough terrain without affecting the steering of the other part. So, when they rumble over ditches, piles and hills, each part can easily move past them and realign once the path evens out. Articulation joints are also known as oscillating hitches.

The Best Uses for Articulated Trucks

The main goal of any articulated truck is to collect materials for transportation and deliver media to its destination with minimal effort. This feature is useful in nearly any industry and any project that requires the use of heavy equipment — especially anywhere that requires travel through complex terrain. You’ll find use for articulated trucks in these industries and many more:

• Construction
• Demolition
• Mining
• Agriculture
• Forestry
• Waste disposal