Dump trucks are a crucial part of our modern infrastructure. Not only do they allow us to transport materials for construction projects, but they also make these builds much faster than people thought possible even a decade ago. But we didn’t always have these pieces of equipment, and several advancements paved the way for the technology we have today. Here is the history of modern dump trucks and how these machines became an essential part of the construction industry.
The First Dump Truck
Believe it or not, the first dump trucks were around even before the combustion engine and vehicles as we know them. Back in the late 1800s, a British company named Thornycroft built a cart that could empty its contents. It used a hinge that allowed the cart to tip back and dump materials onto the ground in one quick motion. Then, once automobiles entered mass production in the early 1900s, several United States manufacturers took up the challenge of motorizing these carts. They were especially useful during World War II.
Advancements Over the Years
Another part of the history of modern dump trucks is the collection of developments that helped us refine them. It was during the war that hydraulics systems first developed. These components allowed the trucks to accommodate heavier loads and maintain better stability when the bed was in motion. This advancement improved the efficiency of the dumping process. Around this time, safety regulations were also put into place to reduce the rate of injuries from operating this equipment. They included establishing things like load capacity and conditions for safe use.
The Dump Trucks of Today
Dump trucks are still a vital part of our world to this day, and they’ve only continued to evolve over the last several decades. Articulated dump trucks, which utilize a detached truck bed, are the most current innovation in this type of technology. Articulated models allow the dumping trailer to roll as the hydraulics lift, making it easier for the operator to maneuver them. As such, modern dump trucks are both more effective than their predecessors and much safer.
