Raising of Dump Box during Operations

This is a safety reminder for lifting dump boxes with a 900 gallon brine tank on dump trucks. Please discuss with all equipment operators and POST in all garages.

Dump truck box and lift mechanisms (hoist, cylinder and hydraulic system) are designed for the bulk of any load lifted to move down and to the rear of the truck when the box is elevated. This load movement transfers the weight from the hoist to the truck frame and lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity. The addition of a tank at the front of the hoist results in loads to the hoist, hydraulic system and box position which will result in damage or catastrophic failure of the components, possibly dropping the box into the back of the truck cab.

When applying granular materials the box should not be lifted off the frame while the vehicle is moving unless the tank(s) in the dump box contains less than 375 gallons of liquid. IF THE TANK(S) CONTAIN MORE THAN 375 GALLONS OF LIQUID THE DUMP BOX SHOULD ONLY BE LIFTED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED.

Operators should also be aware that anytime the box is raised during operations the center of gravity rises on the truck making it easier to turn over during any sudden movement or load change. This condition is significantly increased with liquid carried in a tank at the front of the dump box as the weight is suspended in the air.

Raising the box during operations should only be done when operating on a straight, level surface clear of overhead obstruction and only as needed to shift the load to the rear of the box and then promptly returned to the fully lowered position.

Office of Maintenance Management, Maintenance Safety Services and Equipment Support.

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Maintained by Sheri R. Anderson
Last Updated: 06/29/06