Articulated dump trucks (ADTs) are heavy-duty vehicles specifically designed for hauling material over rough and uneven terrain. Due to their robust, off-road performance, they are a universal and identifiable asset on many construction sites.
Defined by the tractor unit moving independently from the body trailer unit, articulated haulers have become indispensable in moving material efficiently. While rigid haulers can perform in prepared environments and long-haul operations, ADTs find their niche in challenging terrains where adaptability and safety are paramount.
“An articulated hauler is a three-axle, six-wheel-drive machine built to transport material across unprepared ground, including areas with poor load-bearing properties, mud, or steep inclines,” said Scott Pollock, Senior Product Manager at Rokbak. “Its key design feature is the oscillating central pivot, which allows the cab and trailer to move independently. Also operating as the steering unit for the truck, this flexibility ensures the hauler can navigate undulating terrain without tipping, a task where rigid haulers may struggle.”
Deciding between a rigid hauler and an articulated hauler depends on three key factors, according to Rokbak — haul distance, ground conditions, and the type of material being transported. These considerations determine the optimal and most cost-effective hauling solution for each application.
Rigid haulers can move higher volumes of material quickly over longer distances, but only on prepared roads. The articulated hauler, however, excels in moving material of a lighter density over shorter distances, when the track might not be the most pristine.
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Thanks to its low ground pressure and adaptability to more tire options, such as enhanced flotation or wide-based tires, the articulated hauler is ideal for situations where prepared roads are absent, such as low load bearing ground for construction. It is specifically designed to handle loads across this type of terrain efficiently and safely.
“On muddy terrain or ground with high fluidity or very high resistance, the ADT can ride over undulations and unprepared surfaces,” Pollock said. “The oscillation allows the articulated truck to navigate where a rigid hauler would be at risk of sinking or tipping over.”
Similarly, while rigid trucks can be tasked with moving heavier, more crudely blasted materials, articulated haulers are suited to transporting less dense, less abrasive, and well-shot material. Moving this lighter material, found in top surface earth and muck shifting, can be a critical application in civil engineering and construction to provide firm ground foundations. Articulated haulers are also used to move the finished, processed materials used for site redevelopment.
ADTs can offer additional benefits that reduce costs per ton while ensuring reliability in demanding conditions. For instance, Rokbak’s RA30 and RA40 feature low fuel consumption and extended maintenance intervals.
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Many articulated haulers also incorporate an operator-friendly design. With Rokbak vehicles, “Operators appreciate the ease of use, thanks to ergonomic controls, adjustable suspension seats, and cutting-edge safety features like tilt warnings that protect against improper operation,” Pollock said.
In addition, advanced telematics on an ADT offer real-time performance monitoring, resulting in greater operational efficiency and data-driven insights into fleet management.
