Articulated Truck Rental: 4 Things You Should Know

Category: Rental

When considering renting an articulated truck, there are important things you should know first, including when to rent and how to choose the right option for your applications.

We’re exploring the aspects of renting these vehicles and how to stay safe while making the most of your equipment. Learn more about what you should know before renting an articulated dump truck.

4 Things You Should Know When Renting an Articulated Truck

When renting an articulated truck, there are some important factors to consider first.

1. When to Consider Renting an Articulated Truck

It may be beneficial to rent an articulated dump truck if your business is looking to take on new jobs that require any of the following applications or projects:

• Large landscaping projects
• Quarrying projects
• Capping landfills
• Mining projects
• Off-road construction
• Site preparation

Having an articulated dump truck can be a huge benefit when you’re looking to take on a job with rugged conditions. These trucks are ideal for moving large loads of materials across rough terrain.

Renting is also advantageous for businesses that aren’t in the position to buy equipment but still want to work on projects that require articulated trucks to get the job done.

2. How to Choose the Right Articulated Truck for Your Job

The next step in choosing the best option for your application is knowing what you need regarding the following:

• Job type: Consider your project’s needs and the job site conditions that you’ll be working in to inform the kind of articulated truck you should choose.
• Hauling capacity: Ask yourself which articulated truck model has the hauling capacity you’ll need to move your materials efficiently.
• Height and size: When deciding which type of truck is right for your business, consider the size you’ll need and how you’ll maneuver around the job site. You’ll want to choose a truck big enough to meet your project’s requirements and small enough to provide the efficiency and maneuverability you need.
• Distance and speed: Consider the distance you need to travel on the job and the operational speed you need to maintain productivity and get the job done.

3. Types of Articulated Trucks

Cat^® articulated truck models fit into two major categories — bare chassis and three-axle trucks.

Bare chassis articulated trucks allow your business to mount specialty equipment on the vehicle for your application’s unique needs. These trucks are especially suitable for construction and mining applications.

Three-axle trucks have a tractor and a trailer component that contains the dump body. All of the axles are grouped at the truck’s rear, making this kind of truck ideal for hauling large loads and traveling on rough terrain. Because the articulation joints allow the pieces to move independently, they remain stable when traveling over uneven job sites.

4. Benefits of Renting an Articulated Truck

Renting an articulated truck offers your business many advantages, including:

• Access to ongoing service: When renting from a certified Cat dealership, you’ll enjoy ongoing customer service from experienced professionals.
• Greater flexibility: Renting an articulated truck gives you more flexibility to perform versatile jobs.
• Less downtime: When renting from a dealership, your business can enjoy less downtime with round-the-clock service and on-site maintenance.
• Convenience: One of the best benefits of renting equipment is convenience. Since the dealership handles the responsibilities of transport, maintenance and long-term storage solutions,  your business doesn’t have to worry about any of that.
• Lower upfront costs: Choosing to rent instead of buy means a smaller upfront investment and fewer funds tied up in your project.

Tips for Renting an Articulated Truck

Make the most of your articulated truck rental by following these helpful tips and tricks:

• Evaluate your job site first: It can be very beneficial to explore your job site before renting an articulated truck. Knowing what you’re dealing with can help you identify what model will be most suitable for the terrain and conditions of the project.
• Establish your timeline: One of the most valuable tips for renting equipment is to establish your timeline as soon as possible. The sooner you can put in your request, the more likely it will be that the truck you want is available when you need it.
• Ask for help: When looking to rent equipment for your next job, do not hesitate to ask a professional for help finding the right model for your applications.

Safety Tips

Familiarizing yourself with ways to avoid accidents and maintain job site safety is essential. Be sure to follow these tips to operate an articulated dump truck safely:

• Keep the truck balanced: It’s best to center loads when loading the truck, avoiding uneven weight distribution that can cause the vehicle to tip over.
• Avoid backing up: Minimize how often you operate the truck in reverse to help avoid backover accidents caused by a lack of vision.
• Have a spotter: Working with a spotter can help you identify and avoid hazards before they become significant problems that lead to downtime.
• Dump on even ground: Dumping on uneven ground can increase the risk of the articulated truck tipping over. Just as you want to keep the truck’s load balanced, you’ll also want to ensure you drive on stable surfaces.
• Lower the bed: Lower the bed before moving the truck to avoid hitting overhead obstacles like power lines.

Usage Tips

Follow these tips to learn how to maximize the use of articulated trucks:

• Never overload: Overloading an articulated truck can be dangerous and lead to the equipment tipping over. It can also cause damage to the truck over time, shortening its working life.
• Familiarize yourself with the machine’s limits: Operators should engage in safety training and establish machine limits before getting behind the wheel to avoid unnecessary job site accidents.
• Minimize idling time: Limit excessive idling during loading and unloading. Periods of idling can decrease fuel efficiency and overall productivity.
• Consider site conditions: Always choose your equipment and operate it based on the terrain and conditions of the job site you are working on.

Trust NMC The Cat^® Rental Store for Articulated Truck Rentals

If you’re looking for reliable rental equipment, our experts at NMC The Cat Rental Store are here to help you find the right fit for your project’s needs.

With over 80 years of experience in the rental business, we understand the importance of dependable equipment and responsive customer service. Our team is here to support you throughout the rental process with fast delivery to job sites and 24-hour emergency services.

Are you interested in learning more? Explore our selection of rental equipment or contact NMC The Cat Rental Store today!