Owning a heavy-duty commercial side tipper truck is a good way to start or operate your business, but buying such a truck can be a bit overwhelming. A commercial heavy-duty truck is not like a pickup truck you use for home improvement projects, so you need to remember certain factors that can help you to make the right choice. Note the following.

1. Invest in an automatic hydraulic arm

One reason it's good to invest in a side tipper with an automatic hydraulic arm is that it allows you to unload your truck while it's still moving. This is a good choice for when you need to actually fill in a trench or long pit, versus just delivering a load.

The automatic hydraulic arm also allows you to operate the vehicle on your own with a second operator, so you can remain behind the wheel while unloading the bed of the truck. This can reduce the amount of personnel needed for your business; one operator can more readily make deliveries with an automatic hydraulic arm, rather than needing an operator to work the arm and one to operate the truck at the same time.

Safety is another reason to invest in an automatic hydraulic arm. No matter your load and no matter the safety gear you wear and use, there is always the risk of injury or of breathing in dust and debris when you use a manual arm to unload. An automatic hydraulic arm allows you to stay in the safety of the truck cab during the unloading process.

2. Choose a roll-on tarp already installed

A roll-on tarp for the top of your side tipper should always be chosen and used to protect the load you're carrying, and it may even reduce your insurance premiums. This is because side tippers are typically used to haul gravel and other small materials, and these can easily blow off while in traffic and cause damage to other vehicles. Trying to manually fit a tarp over the top of your truck bed can be a challenge, but a roll-on tarp can be much easier so you're less likely to neglect its use. In turn, your cargo will be protected as will other drivers.

3. Consider three-sided tipping

Three-sided tipping can make it easier to unload your cargo no matter the jobsite. While most side tippers are chosen so that they can fill in trenches, having a three-sided tipping mechanism can allow your truck to work as a standard dump. No matter the jobsite at which you're delivering the load, you can easily accommodate your customer's needs for unloading with a three-sided tipping mechanism.  

Learn more about your options by talking to local suppliers or hire companies like Allroad Motor Body Builders.