Unexpected Advantages of Cabbed Dumpers in Construction Projects.

It’s fair to say that the construction world is continually looking to develop ways to enhance safety and productivity across the board. One of its latest introductions is the release of cabbed dumpers to the market. No doubt, just like most, you will have questions. But what we’ve found has truly been eye-opening. That’s why we have put together this resource to explain the unearthed advantages of cabbed dumpers in the construction industry.

By the end of this resource, you should have a great understanding of the advantages of cabbed dumpers. Their functionality, key features, cost difference, manufacturers to look out for, and of course their advantages. Let’s get straight into it!

What is the function of a cabbed dumper?

Cabbed dumpers are earthmoving machines that have been designed to transport bulk materials or debris safely. They are commonly found on large building, road and house construction sites across the UK.

Their siblings, which have been used for decades, have always been a go-to option for large excavation projects. So, what has changed, and how have these new introductions come about?

Why have cabbed dumpers been introduced?

The introduction of cabbed dumpers is nothing new. In all honesty, fully enclosed cabs on dumpers have been around for a few years now. But the reason for their initial release was somewhat misunderstood. Most felt that they were just a luxury, meaning, we could all end the days of sitting frozen in an open-air machine. This also would come with a hefty price tag, either to hire or purchase.

But this could not be further from the truth. If you plan to operate a large dumper over 4.5 tonnes in 2025, the cabbed feature is going to be compulsory. New legislation, which is being introduced states that all site dumpers, with an unladen weight over 4.5 Tonne, must have a production-fitted cab, that is in line with level 2 ROPS and FOPS ISO 3471 & 3449.

60% of all fatalities on dumpers are caused by overturning, along with being involved in a third of all construction accidents. This means that before the introduction of cabbed dumpers, there was a significant chance of being involved in an accident if you were an operator. Hence the reason for the installation of additional safety systems.

In addition to the added protection these tipping dumpers offer, they still provide the same, if not more versatility than ever. But at what cost…?

The cost to hire cabbed dumper

Hiring an articulated dumper is very common when undertaking any earthmoving project. Most if not all building and construction sites across the UK will at some point require the use of one of these machines. There are many cost advantages of a cabbed dumpers that might just surprise you to worth noting.

6 Tonne cabbed dumpers start from around £260.00 + VAT per week. Before delivery and fuel chargers. This is around 13% more than a standard machine of the same size. There is no doubt that larger models will indeed follow a similar price increase compared to their forerunners. However this is significantly less than specialised machinery.

The cost to hire one of these machines is dependent on the supplier. Factors that encourage higher costs are:

• Manufacturers/ supplier costs
• Inhouse maintenance costs
• Road tax

Manufacturer/supplier costs

Some suppliers may charge more than others because of the initial purchase price of the equipment.

Inhouse maintenance costs

Suppliers may charge more than others due to the overheads of in-house staff that prepare, repair and maintain the machinery.

Road tax

Some cabbed dumpers may be road-taxed meaning that their rental cost may be slightly higher than others. Depending on your requirements may determine where you choose to hire from.

For more information on “how to choose the right equipment company near me” check out this resource from our vault. 

Types of articulated cabbed dumper in building construction

There are a few different types of articulated cabbed dumpers that are used in building construction. The most common ones are forward and swivel tip designs. Each has its own unique features whilst offering the same level of safety and comfort for operators. Let’s have a closer look.

Swivel skip on an articulated dumper

Swivel skips on an articulated cabbed dumper is a highly productive feature. In essence, the front skip can swivel through 180 degrees, allowing you to tip forward and either side of the machine. These features are ideal for smaller-spaced projects such as road maintenance and landscaping.

Forward tip skips

Forward tipping skips are generally found on the larger cabbed dumper designs. This is due to the large capacities that they can transport. For safety reasons, larger dumpers are only able to offload forward to prevent tipover. Nevertheless, they are highly productive and offer a large amount of versatility.   

Now that we’ve highlighted the types of articulated cabbed dumper used in building construction, let’s take a look at their features.

Key features of cabbed dumpers

Cabbed dumpers are loaded with lots of different features to improve safety, increase productivity and keep operators moving forward in the toughest of times. Here are the key features you can expect to find on a cabbed dumper.

Large skips

Cabbed dumpers are available on machines that have an unladen weight of more than 4.5 Tonnes. Therefore, they offer large capacities enabling them to be far for productive than smaller dumper designs.

All-terrain types

All-terrain tyres allow articulated cabbed dumpers to navigate through some of the roughest terrains.

Articulated

The articulated joint of a cabbed dumper allows the machine to manoeuvre in some of the tightest of spaces. These machines generally provide far better flexibility than rigid chassis.

Additional handrails

Cabbed dumpers are fitted with additional handrails to assist operators in entering and exiting the machine. These features are essential to always keep operators safe.

FOPS & ROPS Cabin

FOPS (Fall Object Protective Structure) & ROPS (Roll Over Protective Structure) cabin is the highlight of this plant equipment. These structures are tested and installed by manufacturers only. Offering the highest level of safety available to operators to date. 

Operating beacons

Operating beacons are housed on the roof of the machine’s cabin for maximum visibility. This not only shows that the machine is in operation but that the safety compliance of the equipment is being adhered to.

Improved visibility

Large, cabbed dumpers are fitted with an improved camera system to aid in the visibility in and around the machine. This is ideal for navigating in tight areas, as well as keeping pedestrians and other workers safe while moving.

Operator comforts

Well, there is no denying it, having a closed cabin on a large dumper has been welcomed with open arms by many. This also allows room for operators’ comforts such as a heater and circulatory fan. Something many users have only wished for in the winter months.

Now that we have highlighted all the key features. Let’s take a closer look at the advantages of cabbed dumpers.

Advantages of cabbed dumpers

Articulated dumpers have always been highly advantageous machines to use when it comes to any type of earthmoving project. However, these new cabbed designs hold their own unexpected benefits.

Safety

First and foremost, cabbed dumpers have been built around safety. Protecting the operator and people around the machinery. All level 2 ROPS & FOPS cabins are designed to protect the operator should the worst-case scenario occur. There is no doubt that the addition of these heavy-duty structures will save lives in the long run. Further, manufacturers have increased the visibility around these machines with the installation of rear and front view cameras.

Overall, these dump trucks are some of the safest on the market. Nevertheless, we would always recommend that all operators undertake training before using them.

Comfort

The next advantage is the comfort that these dumpers offer. Unlike their predecessors, these machines can keep operators out of the elements and therefore reduce potential accidents from happening. Full cabins have been used on other construction equipment for years for the same reason. Now manufacturers are bringing them to dumpers.

This means that dumper operators have less chance of being exposed to the cold conditions in winter. Resulting in fewer sick days and overall higher performance and productivity levels throughout the year. As a project manager, these advantages certainly are worth their small price difference.

Versatile

These large tipping dumpers are extremely versatile and can complete a wide range of tasks than just earthmoving. They are commonly used for moving all types of material handling in and around construction sites. Navigating uneven ground while transporting goods, along with offering precise control for working close to existing structures. 

Off-road capabilities

One of the most important aspects of a cabbed articulated dumper is its off-road capabilities. These machines are manufactured to go almost anywhere with the help of their 4 all-terrain tyres. Their deep tread and minimum ground pressure result in reduced surface damage, leading to smaller clean-up fees.

Their offroad capabilities are also enhanced by their turning circle. Articulated dumpers can traverse uneven terrain without tipping as the skip and cab are separate. This allows more flexibility between the two components resulting in smoother and safer journeys.

Now we have looked closely at the advantages of cabbed dumpers, let’s look how to choose the right one for your project.

Choosing the right cabbed dumper for your project

When it comes to choosing the right cabbed dumper for you, there are only a few additional questions you will need to consider compared to a standard-like machine. Let’s have a closer look at them.

Ground pressure

The ground pressure of your site is important and could be the difference between the size you choose. Always bear in mind, that the larger the machine, the more ground disruption it may cause. If your building construction project is taking place on sensitive ground, you may want to consider alternative equipment. Find out more about these types of dumpers here, “Best site dumpers for ground sensitive surfaces.” Please note that the unladen weight of a cabbed dumper is around 500kg more than a traditional model.

Skip requirements

Your skip type and load capabilities are essential to meeting your targets and deadlines. You must assess this feature correctly to enhance your ability when operating. For more detailed and small-spaced work, a 6T swivel tip cabbed dumper will be ideal. However, for larger bulk earthmoving, you may want to opt for 9T front tip design.

Entrance and exit points of the site

Knowing your entrance and exit point of a site is essential when hiring any type of machinery. One of the most common issues many operators have is ensuring the equipment safely fits beforehand. It is integral that you measure each of the transit areas to ensure the machinery can travel safely without causing damage to existing buildings or structures.

Road legal

It is important to note that not all cabbed dumpers are road-legal. Therefore, if you do require your machinery to go on the UK roads, you need to ensure that it is equipped to do so. To find out, you should contact your plant hire supplier directly.

Manufacturers of cabbed dumpers to look out for.

Thwaites Cabbed Dumpers

The Warwickshire based, family run business Thwaites dumpers holds the synonymous name of “best quality dumpers on the market”. The chance are that if you are hiring your machinery from a reputable supplier, then you may well end up with a Thwaites dumper.

“Thwaites advanced design and investment in tooling provide today’s customers with the very best products at the cutting edge of technology. This means more than just the strength and reliability you know you can expect from Thwaites; it means an increased focus on customer satisfaction, safety and ergonomics across the range.”

Originally an agricultural manufacturer, the journey of thwaites dumpers to the top has been one which spans nearly 90 years. Designing an innervating new and different ideas that makes them so popular throughout the construction industry. The machines themselves offer several features, such as power swivel and hip tip options to choose from. More recently, Thwaites have introduced cabbed dumpers fitted with level 2 ROPS & FOPS in line with the 2025 legislation coming into effect.

Where to hire a cabbed dumper for construction

Looking to benefit from the advantages of cabbed dumpers? Then WHC Hire Services can help. Our advanced articulated dumpers provide a safe and welcoming environment for operators to work from. For more information or to see specs of our 6T Swivel Tip & 9T Front Tip Thwaites Cabbed Dumpers then see our website for more. Alternatively, for the latest prices and rates, contact your local WHC Hire branch today at 01684377977.