Tips for Bench Loading Trucks

When loading a haul truck from a bench, using proper techniques is crucial for ensuring safety and efficiency throughout the project. These techniques involve various factors, including the positioning of the excavator, the angle of the haul truck bed, and the distribution of the loaded material.

Employing best practices helps prevent accidents like spills or rollovers by ensuring the truck has an even load within its capacity limits. The correct techniques also help maximize the amount of material the haul truck can safely handle by ensuring material is properly distributed. This reduces the number of trips needed and improves cycle time.

Besides keeping everyone safe on your jobsite, following best practices during bench loading helps get the most out of each haul, making the whole operation more productive and cost-effective.

What Is Bench Loading?

During mass excavation, bench loading refers to creating steps or ledges in the vertical face of a cut or stockpile. This process allows workers to create a stair-like structure in the soil or rock, reducing the risk of cave-ins and making it easier to work at different depth levels. Benches provide a stable platform for both workers and equipment to operate safely.

Proper Bench Loading Tips

When moving dirt, achieving the correct bench height for your excavator is critical. The bench height should be equal to the rail height of your haul truck’s bed. Another way to determine bench height is by measuring the distance from the stick pin to the bucket pin.

Making your swing distance as short as possible helps minimize your cycle times. Also, digging from the top down and working your way across in layers enables you to maximize efficiency. Targeting the bottom of the dirt pile wastes movement and adds time to each cycle.

The haul truck should be parallel to the bench with a 50- to 60-degree bed angle. This positioning is optimal for efficient loading while maintaining stability and minimizing the risk of spills or accidents. The angle allows for proper distribution of the dirt or rock, ensuring that the load is evenly spread and does not shift during transport.

Additional Truck Loading Strategies for Your Excavator

Several more tips to consider when bench loading a haul truck:

• Minimize movement by not raising the bucket too high as you swing the stick over the truck bed.
• Ensure an even, balanced load across the haul truck’s bed.
• Keep your excavator stable and position the tracks toward your digging area.
• Avoid hitting the excavator’s track with the bucket during retraction.

Learn More About Basic Truck Loading Techniques With Morgan Corp.

At Morgan Corp., we understand that each jobsite is different and can present unique challenges. We leverage decades of combined construction and excavation experience, a diverse equipment fleet, and innovative processes to meet the needs of all project types.