Body, articulation and oscillation
Check the dump body for wear, cracks and any liner, and test the tailgate if fitted. Then inspect the two joints that take the abuse: the center hitch (the articulation joint) and the oscillation bearing behind it. Play or wear here is expensive to rebuild, so check both carefully, and work the body-up hoist cylinders for leaks and drift.
Drivetrain and tires
These are typically 6x6 machines, so test the transmission, transfer case and all the axles and differentials, listening for whining and checking for leaks. Confirm the retarder and brakes work. The six large off-road tires are a major cost, so check tread depth and even wear across all of them, a worn set should come straight off your offer.
Hours and value
Value is driven by hours, tire condition, the body and bed condition, the tailgate, and drivetrain health. See real-sales values by model on the articulated truck value guide.
Checking a specific truck? Run its serial or VIN through MachVerity for identity, a value from real sales, and a due-diligence checklist.
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Frequently asked
What should I check first on an articulated dump truck?
The dump body for cracks, then the two joints that take the abuse, the center articulation hitch and the oscillation bearing, and then the drivetrain and tires. Play in the hitch or oscillation bearing is costly to fix.
How expensive are articulated truck tires?
The six large off-road tires are one of the biggest wear costs on the machine, so a worn set should come straight off your offer price. Check tread and even wear across all of them.
What is high hours on a used articulated truck?
Condition and service history matter more than the meter. Test the transmission and all the differentials and check the hitch and oscillation bearing before judging by hours alone.