Dump Truck Size Comparison Chart

Dump Truck Size Comparison Chart: Understanding the Differences catdumptruck.com | Dump trucks are one of the most versatile and essential vehicles in the construction, mining, and landscaping industries.

They come in various sizes and capacities, each suited for different tasks and environments. Choosing the right type and size of dump truck can significantly impact the efficiency, cost, and safety of your project.

This article explores the different types of dump trucks and provides a detailed dump truck size comparison chart to help you understand the key differences.

Why Dump Truck Size Matters

The size of a dump truck determines:

How much material it can carry (volume and weight)
Where it can go (tight job sites vs open terrain)
How efficiently it operates
Compliance with road regulations

Using a truck that’s too small can mean more trips and higher fuel costs. Using a truck that’s too large might lead to access issues or overload penalties. That’s why comparing dump truck sizes is critical when selecting the right truck for a project.

Types of Dump Trucks and Their Sizes

Let’s take a look at the main types of dump trucks and how they compare in terms of size, payload, and functionality.

1. Standard Dump Truck

A standard dump truck has a single chassis with a mounted dump bed operated by a hydraulic lift.

Length: 20 – 26 feet
Width: 8 – 8.5 feet
Height: 10 – 12 feet
Payload Capacity: 10 – 16 tons

Best For: Urban and suburban construction, roadwork

2. Super Dump Truck

A super dump truck includes additional axles and a longer bed for increased payload without compromising road legality.

Length: 30 – 35 feet
Width: 8.5 feet
Height: 12 – 14 feet
Payload Capacity: 19 – 26 tons

Best For: Large-scale construction, highway jobs

3. Transfer Dump Truck

This dump truck pulls a separate trailer (pup) that can also dump independently.

Truck Length: 25 – 30 feet
Pup Trailer Length: 15 – 20 feet
Total Length: Up to 50 feet
Payload Capacity: 25 – 30 tons

Best For: Long-distance hauling with high volume

4. Articulated Dump Truck (ADT)

These off-road trucks have an articulated joint, allowing better navigation over rough terrain.

Length: 30 – 36 feet
Width: 10 – 12 feet
Height: 12 – 13 feet
Payload Capacity: 25 – 40 tons

Best For: Mining, quarries, off-road jobs

5. Side Dump Truck

This design allows material to be dumped from the side instead of the back.

Length: 30 – 35 feet
Width: 8.5 feet
Height: 12 feet
Payload Capacity: 23 – 28 tons

Best For: Jobs with low overhead clearance or need for rapid unloading

6. Off-Highway Dump Truck (Rigid Haulers)

Massive trucks not meant for public roads. Used in mining and heavy construction.

Length: 40 – 50 feet
Width: 12 – 15 feet
Height: 15 – 20 feet
Payload Capacity: 60 – 400+ tons

Best For: Mining, large-scale excavation

Dump Truck Size Comparison Chart

Below is a detailed comparison chart to visualize the differences between various dump truck types:

Dump Truck Type	Length (ft)	Width (ft)	Height (ft)	Payload Capacity (tons)	Road Legal	Main Use
Standard Dump Truck	20 – 26	8 – 8.5	10 – 12	10 – 16	Yes	Residential & commercial work
Super Dump Truck	30 – 35	8.5	12 – 14	19 – 26	Yes	Heavy loads, highway work
Transfer Dump Truck	Up to 50	8.5	12	25 – 30	Yes	Long hauls, high-volume work
Articulated Dump Truck	30 – 36	10 – 12	12 – 13	25 – 40	No	Off-road, mining, rugged terrain
Side Dump Truck	30 – 35	8.5	12	23 – 28	Yes	Fast unloading, road jobs
Off-Highway Dump Truck	40 – 50	12 – 15	15 – 20	60 – 400+	No	Mining, large-scale excavation

Key Differences Between Dump Truck Sizes

1. Payload Capacity

This is the biggest functional difference. Off-highway trucks can carry over 400 tons, while standard dump trucks max out around 16 tons. Super dumps and transfer trucks offer a good middle ground for large jobs that require road-legal vehicles.

2. Maneuverability

Smaller dump trucks are easier to drive and park, especially in urban environments. In contrast, transfer and off-highway dump trucks need more space to operate and turn.

3. Road Legality

Off-highway dump trucks and articulated dump trucks are generally not road-legal, which limits their use to specific sites. Standard, super, and transfer trucks are designed to comply with road regulations.

4. Dumping Mechanism

Rear Dumping: Most standard and super dump trucks
Side Dumping: Side dump trucks, good for speed
Trailer Transfer: Transfer trucks for greater capacity
Off-road Dumping: ADTs and rigid haulers for extreme loads

How to Choose the Right Dump Truck Size

Dump Truck Size Comparison Chart — https://www.customtruck.com/

When selecting a dump truck, consider:

1. Project Scope

Small renovation or landscaping? A standard dump truck will do.
Large commercial job? Go for a super dump or transfer dump truck.

2. Material Type

Heavier materials (e.g., rock or concrete) require trucks with high weight capacity.
Lighter bulk materials (e.g., sand, mulch) can be carried in larger volume-based trucks.

3. Site Access

Tight job sites benefit from compact trucks.
Open terrain or off-road conditions require articulated or off-highway trucks.

4. Road Requirements

Stay within DOT limits for highway use.
For mining or excavation sites, off-road giants are ideal.

Conclusion

Dump trucks are indispensable across many industries, and understanding their size differences is key to selecting the right tool for the job.

From the compact and agile standard dump truck to the massive off-highway trucks used in mining, each size has its place and purpose.

This dump truck size comparison chart offers a clear view of how these vehicles stack up in terms of length, width, capacity, and use case.

Whether you’re managing a small landscaping project or coordinating logistics for a large construction site, the right dump truck size can save time, money, and headaches.