hDump trucks are unique vehicles made to transport rocks and wastes. Unlike regular trucks, they are designed and built for a specific purpose. You may often find them in mining, construction, and landscaping. Most people ask us about dump truck load capacity. They frequently get it wrong when they try to pick a suitable capacity for their job.
This article mainly discusses how many tons of gravel are in a dump truckload and what factors determine the total weight. You will also learn some basics about gravel and its use in construction and mining. Most importantly, you will learn to pick the correct gravel dump truck load size.
What Is Gravel? Gravel Vs. Crushed Stone
Gravels are a type of natural rock. They are usually small and found in rivers, beaches, and quarries. Gravel comes in various sizes, shapes, and colors. Its texture is generally smooth and rounded. Because of this, gravel is prevalent in many applications. You may often find its use in construction, landscaping, and road building.
Crushed stone, on the other hand, is made from larger stone. Unlike gravel, crushed stone is produced through a mechanical process. It tends to have more angular edges.
Crushed stones are prevalent for their compactness. They provide a solid surface for heavy loads, suitable for driveways, roads, and pathways.
Regarding composition, gravel and crushed stone are both made of rock fragments. However, the process of formation and texture distinguish them.
People often use gravel for landscaping, especially in places that need to drain water quickly. In contrast, crushed stone is more prevalent in building projects. The use mainly depends on the type of project and how the rocks will be used.
Loading and transporting these stones needs careful planning and execution. Dump trucks are commonly used for this task. You know, dump trucks are great for carrying large quantities of material.
How Many Tons of Gravel Are in A Dump Truck Load?
When hauling gravel, picking the right-size dump trucks is crucial. It ensures you transport the right amount, saving time and money.
Many people make mistakes when selecting the dump truck size. They might opt for a smaller truck to save on costs but need multiple trips. This not only causes delays but also adds expenses. On the other hand, picking an oversized truck can waste space and cost more than it needs to.
Factors Affecting the Gravel Quantity in A Dump Truck Load
Three primary factors can change the amount of gravel in a dump truck load. When picking out the right dump truck, give it a lot of thought.
Dump Truck Capacity
Dump truck capacity is the maximum amount of material a dump truck can carry. The truck’s bed, engine power, and weight-bearing capacity determine its load.
| Model No | Bucket Size | Rated Capacity |
| FYKC-8 | 4 m³ | 8 tons |
| FYKC-12 | 6 m³ | 12 tons |
| FYKC-15 | 7.5 m³ | 15 tons |
| FYKC-20 | 11 m³ | 20 tons |
| FYKC-35 | 17 m³ | 35 tons |
Dump truck loads must be considered for efficient and safe delivery of materials. If you know this, you can avoid overloading, which can be dangerous. Besides that, it helps with planning. It is possible to make a good transportation plan. Overall, it ensures that the correct quantity of materials gets to the job spot without making extra trips.
Fucheng LHD dump trucks can usually carry between 8 and 35 tons. This wide range gives you options when choosing the right truck size. Because of this, Fucheng LHD can give you the best choice based on the needs of your project.
Density of the Gravel Being Transported
The gravel density is crucial when calculating how much gravel a dump truck can carry. It determines the weight of the gravel per unit volume so that you can find the appropriate dump truck load. Higher-density gravel will result in heavier loads, while lower-density will yield lighter loads.
There are four common types of gravel you may find. The table below highlights a quick summary of their densities.
| Rock base | Crushed Granite | Lava Rock |
| 1520 kg/m³ | 2460 – 2800 kg/m³ | 500 – 750 kg/m³ |
| Pea Gravel | Shells | Shale |
| 1788 kg/m³ | 500 – 700 kg/m³ | 2060 – 2670 kg/m³ |
Rock Base Gravel
The Rock Base Gravel consists of crushed rock, often limestone or dolomite. It is frequently used in sturdy foundations like roads, driveways, and construction projects. The density of rock base gravel is 1520 kg/m³.
Crushed Granite Gravel
Crushed granite gravel is made from granite rock fragments. It is commonly used as decorative and landscaping material. The density of crushed granite gravel ranges from 2460 – 2800 kg/m³.
Lava Rock
Lava rock is formed from volcanic lava. It is also often used for decorative purposes in landscaping, like garden beds or around plants. Its density usually ranges from 500 – 750 kg/m³.
Pea Gravel
Pea gravel consists of small, rounded stones. Due to its smooth texture, it is prevalent in most landscaping, drainage, and pathways. Its density generally is 1788 kg/m³.
Shells Gravel
Shell gravel is made from crushed or whole seashells. It is commonly used in decorative elements. Its density can vary widely from 500 – 700 kg/m³.
Shale Gravel
This type of gravel consists of tiny fragments of shale rock. It is often used as a base material for roads and pathways. Its density usually ranges from 2060 to 2670 kg/m³.
Legal Weight Limits for Trucks in Different Regions
Legal weight limits for trucks may vary by region, like mines, tunnels, roads, and bridges. It is mainly necessary for safety and protection. Exceeding these limits can result in damages and fines. So, you should know these rules before you figure out how much a dump truck can carry.
Calculating Gravel Quantity in A Dump Truck Load
To simplify the calculation, let’s take pea gravel (1788 kg/m³) and FYKC-20 (11 m³). The density of pea gravel tells you that a 1 m³ bucket can carry 1788kg of pea gravel. On the other hand, FYKC-20 has a bucket size of 11 m³, which has a capacity of 20 tons or 18,140kg.
Now, let’s check the quantity of pea gravel we can carry on one trip.
Carriable Pea Gravel in one trip = 18,140/1788 = 10.14 m³
This means that to load 18,140 kg of pea gravel, we need 10.14 m³ of bucket size. Our model FYKC—20 has a total 11 m³ bucket size. Therefore, it can successfully carry 20 tons of pea gravel.
Note that this is the maximum quantity of pea gravel you can carry, which is 20 tons. Similar calculations can be observed for other types of gravel. Let’s check the following table.
| Gravels \ Model No | FYKC-8
(4m³) |
FYKC-12
(6m³) |
FYKC-15
(7.5 m³) |
FYKC-20
(11 m³) |
FYKC-35
(17 m³) |
| Base Gravel | Full load | ||||
| Crushed Granite | 2.5 – 2.9 m³ | 3.9 – 4.4 m³ | 4.9 – 5.5 m³ | 6.5 – 7.4 m³ | 11.3 – 12.9 m³ |
| Lava Rock | Full load | ||||
| Pea Gravel | Full Load | Full Load | Full Load | 10.14 m³ | Full load |
| Shells | Full Load | ||||
| Shale | 2.7 – 3.5 m³ | 4.1 – 5.3 m³ | 5.1 – 6.6 m³ | 6.8 – 8.8 m³ | 11.9 – 15.4 m³ |
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Can A 1-Ton Dump Truck Hold?
A 1-ton dump truck typically holds around 2000 lbs. or 907 kg of material. This amount varies based on factors like the size and design of the truck’s bed. Some smaller trucks may hold slightly less, while larger ones can carry more. Check the truck’s specifications to determine the exact capacity for different materials.
What Is the Largest Dump Truck Load Capacity?
The biggest dump truck can hold up to 496 tons. It’s likely to carry 200 cars or 2000 people! These trucks are super big and strong. They move vast amounts of dirt, rocks, or gravel. You may often find it in mining operations. These trucks carry massive minerals like coal, iron ore, or copper.
What Is a Standard Dump Truck Load?
The standard size of a dump truck is generally 7 m³ to 11 m³. The smaller ones range typically from 4 m³ to 6 m³. On the other hand, the larger one may be over 20 m³. In most scenarios, you may find the standard size of a dumpster truckload.
What Is the Best Size for Gravel?
It depends on your project. For landscaping, work like gardening may suit 10 – 20mm of gravel. Medium-sized gravel works well for driveways. Small gravel is suitable for paths and walkways. The larger one is suitable for drainage. However, consider the function and aesthetic of your project. Choose the size that meets your needs.
What Is Gravel Size #5?
Gravel size #5 is a mixture of rocks, sand, and clay. It is commonly used as a coarse aggregate. Each rock piece in this gravel type is generally smaller than 1 inch in diameter. It’s a versatile material often used in construction and landscaping projects.
Contact Us Today
If you want to select the perfect dump truck, contact us today! Our range includes capacities from 8 to 35 tons, catering to various needs. We also offer custom specifications.
We have the right equipment, whether you are tackling a small project or a large-scale operation. Reach out to us now for expert guidance. Our team of experts is always happy to assist you.
