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What Is a Tipper Truck and How Does It Work?

what is a tipper truck and how does it work - CJS Machinery Hire Hervey Bay

If you’ve ever driven past a construction site or landscaping job, chances are you’ve seen a tipper truck in action. These hardworking vehicles are essential across a wide range of industries, from building and demolition to gardening and infrastructure projects.

But what exactly is a tipper truck? And how does it work?

What Is a Tipper Truck?

A tipper truck, also known as a dump truck or box tipper, is a type of truck used for transporting loose materials such as soil, gravel, sand, construction waste, or green waste. What makes it unique is its hydraulic lifting system that allows the tray or bed of the truck to be tilted—so the load can be “tipped” out at the delivery site.

Tipper trucks come in various sizes, from small 2T models to heavy-duty trucks capable of hauling 20 tonnes or more. A 9-tonne tipper truck is a popular size for commercial and larger residential projects.

How Does a Tipper Truck Work?

The key feature of a tipper truck is its hydraulic lifting system. Here’s how it works:

  1. Loading – The rear tray or box is loaded with materials, either by hand or with a machine (like an excavator or front-end loader).
  2. Transport – The truck safely carries the materials to the job site or dumping location.
  3. Tipping – At the destination, the driver activates the hydraulic system, which lifts the front of the tray upward.
  4. Unloading – As the tray lifts, gravity causes the load to slide out through the back—usually onto the ground or into a designated area.
  5. Reset – The tray is lowered back into position, ready for the next load.

This process saves time and manual labour, especially when moving heavy or bulky materials.

What Are Tipper Trucks Used For?

Tipper trucks are incredibly versatile and used in a wide range of tasks, including:

  • Construction site deliveries – transporting gravel, sand, or fill
  • Landscaping projects – delivering soil, mulch, or rocks
  • Rubbish and site clean-ups – removing green waste or demolition debris
  • Roadworks and civil jobs – moving asphalt or base layers
  • Agricultural use – carrying feed, soil, or fencing material

Can Anyone Drive a Tipper Truck?

It depends on the size of the truck. Smaller tipper trucks (under 4.5T GVM) can often be driven on a standard car licence, while larger trucks—like a 9-tonne tipper—require a light rigid (LR) or higher class of licence.

At CJS Machinery Hire, we also offer wet hire options—meaning you can hire the truck with a qualified driver, so you don’t need to worry about licences or operating the vehicle yourself.

Read More: Driver for a Day Hire

Looking to Hire a Tipper Truck in Hervey Bay?

At CJS Machinery Hire, we offer well-maintained 9T Isuzu Tipper Trucks for hire—perfect for builders, tradies, landscapers, or anyone needing to shift heavy loads fast.

✅ Affordable rates
✅ Dry or wet hire options
✅ Serviced and safety-checked
✅ Local delivery available

📞 Call us on 0427 767 027 to book today.

CJS Machinery Hire – Reliable Equipment. Ready When You Are.

Read More: Safety First: Operating Boom Lifts in Landscaping Applications

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