Editor’s note: Over the next five months, the magazine will present excerpts from the 2025 edition of the Pit & Quarry University Handbook that will be published this November. P&Q spotlights hauling this month.
Articulated haul trucks are a common sight in quarries. These robust machines play a crucial role in moving materials efficiently.
If you’re new to the industry or just want to know more about them, here are the basics.
About articulated haul trucks
Articulated haul trucks, also referred to as articulated dump trucks (ADTs), articulated haulers, off-road haul trucks or “artics” – are heavy-duty vehicles designed to transport materials over rough terrain.
The term “articulated” refers to its design: two-body sections connected by a pivoting joint. This articulation allows the truck to steer by bending at this joint, giving it excellent maneuverability and the ability to navigate uneven ground.
Think of it like a human waist, allowing the upper and lower body to move somewhat independently.
Artics in the quarry
These trucks are primarily used for hauling overburden, blasted rock and aggregates like crushed stone, sand and gravel from extraction sites to processing areas, stockpiles or loading zones. They’re workhorses that keep material flowing within quarry operations.
So, what are the advantages of using articulated haul trucks in a quarry compared to other types?
• Superior maneuverability. The articulated steering allows these trucks to navigate tight corners and confined spaces much more easily than rigid-frame trucks. This is particularly useful in quarries with challenging layouts or when working in active digging areas.
• Excellent off-road capability. Their design, which often includes all-wheel drive and robust suspension systems, allows them to travel over uneven or slippery terrain where on-road or rigid-frame trucks might struggle.
• Lower ground pressure. Compared to some rigid-frame trucks, ADTs often have a lower ground pressure due to their wider tire configurations and weight distribution. This helps minimize damage to haul roads and allows them to operate in softer ground conditions.
Articulated haulers versus on-road dump trucks
On-road dump trucks are primarily designed and built for transporting materials on paved surfaces and public roads. They adhere to regulations regarding size, weight and safety features for highway use.
Articulated haulers, on the other hand, are specifically engineered for off-road use in demanding environments like quarries and construction sites. They typically feature a more robust construction to withstand rugged conditions, all-wheel drive for better traction on loose or uneven surfaces, and a greater hauling capacity relative to their size.
Think of it this way: An on-road dump truck is like a delivery van built for city streets, while an articulated dump truck is a specialized all-terrain vehicle built to move heavy loads across rough landscapes.
Final thoughts
Articulated haulers are essential for the efficient operation of modern quarries, offering a blend of maneuverability and off-road capability that makes them ideal for the unique challenges of material transport in these environments.
Understanding their purpose and advantages demonstrates why they’re such a common and valuable piece of equipment for the industry.
More from the P&Q University Handbook: Loadout & Weighing | P&Q University Handbook
Tyler Smith is product manager of articulated haulers at Volvo Construction Equipment.
