The answer depends on a few factors, such as the dump truck weight limit, make, and model. If you’re shopping for a dump truck near Northern Chicago, you’ll find a wide selection of models in our new dump truck inventory. How much can a dump truck carry? Typically, larger dump trucks can carry about 28,000 pounds or about 14 tons. On average, smaller dump trucks can transport around 13,000 to 15,000 pounds or 6.5 to 7.5 tons.
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What is a Cubic Yard?
“Cubic yards” are also used to measure the carrying capacity of dump trucks, as well as pounds and tons. Dump trucks can usually carry about 10 to 14 cubic yards of dirt. To understand what a cubic yard looks like, it’s easiest to think of one as a block of material around 3 feet in length, height, and width. One cubic yard is the equivalent of 27 cubic feet. The weight of 1 cubic yard fluctuates, depending on the material. One cubic yard of dirt and other types of compact material weighs around 2,200 pounds, while heavier materials like gravel are closer to 3,000 pounds.
How to Calculate Dump Truck Capacity
Are you planning to haul landscaping material through Northern Chicago? You’re probably wondering how much your dump truck can carry. Your registration will list the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). You can estimate how much your truck can carry if you know the dump truck’s weight limit. Typically, the weight of a dump truck correlates to the load capacity. If your dump truck’s capacity maxes out at 6.5 tons, the weight of the truck and load it’s carrying will weigh about 13 tons.
How to Purchase Material by the Cubic Yard
Various types of materials used in landscaping, construction, and more can be measured in cubic yards. Examples include topsoil, pea gravel, fill dirt, and mulch. When in doubt, you can use a cubic yard calculator online. There’s also an easy formula you can use to quickly calculate cubic yards:
- First, measure the length and width of the area where the material will be placed in feet.
- Then, measure the depth of the material in inches.
- Convert the length and width to inches, then multiply both by 12.
- Multiply all three dimensions, as well as depth, together to get cubic inches.
- Finally, divide the cubic inches by 46,656 (the inches in one cubic yard) to calculate the number of cubic yards needed for your application.
Learn More from Lynch Truck Center Near Racine!
To recap, dump truck capacity depends on truck size and the material its hauling. The friendly experts at Lynch Truck Center can answer any questions and provide tips, such as how to make your tires last longer. If you’re shopping for the right dump truck for your business operation, contact us to schedule a test drive near Milwaukee and Racine. While you’re here, don’t forget to ask our lease specials!
