Technical Foundation
What Is a Tilt Truck?
A tilt truck (also called a tilt cart or self-dumping hopper on wheels) is a mobile hopper mounted on a caster base, built with an off-center pivot point so that tipping the box forward dumps its contents without lifting. Steel-bodied units, typically 12- to 14-gauge welded construction, are rated for heavier or abrasive loads like metal scrap and machine chips, while rotationally-molded polyethylene units resist corrosion and are easier to hose out, making them the standard choice for food-grade, chemical, or high-moisture waste streams.
Capacity is specified in cubic yards (roughly 0.5 to 2 cu yd for most models) and rated load capacity in pounds, which do not scale together linearly — a poly truck rated for chips will carry far less by weight than a steel truck of the same volume rated for scrap metal. Caster selection matters as much as the hopper itself: swivel casters ease maneuvering in tight aisles, while larger-diameter wheels roll more easily over expansion joints and debris on shop floors.
Prefer a quick quote?
Get Tilt Trucks Pricing in Your Inbox
Skip the search — tell us the capacity, material (steel or poly) and caster type and we will come back with pricing.
| Spec | What It Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 0.5 to 2 cubic yards, typical | Match to the volume of scrap or waste generated between dump cycles, not just floor space |
| Body Material | 12-14 gauge steel vs. rotationally-molded polyethylene | Steel handles abrasive/heavy loads; poly resists corrosion and washes out for food or chemical use |
| Load Capacity | Rated in lbs, independent of volume rating | A full poly hopper of light chips may weigh far less than its steel equivalent rated for scrap |
| Caster Configuration | Swivel vs. rigid, wheel diameter 6-8 in typical | Swivel casters ease tight-aisle maneuvering; larger wheels roll over floor debris and joints |
| Dumping Mechanism | Manual tilt vs. hydraulic-assist tip | Hydraulic assist reduces operator strain on larger, heavier-loaded hoppers |
Shop Tilt Trucks
Browse Tilt Trucks Sub-Categories
Organised by frame material and dumping mechanism. Pick a sub-category, or describe the bulk material you're handling and let ChatMRO match the truck.
How it works
From Half-Remembered Part Number to PO, in Three Steps.
Ask
Type an MPN, paste a spec sheet, or describe the part in plain English. ChatMRO understands engineer-speak.
Compare
Side-by-side specs, cross-references, and equivalents from multiple sources — without the clutter of endless browser tabs.
Quote & Buy
Request a quote or add to cart. Volume discounts, VAT-aware pricing, and consolidated procurement — all in one place.
Applications
Where Tilt Trucks Get Used
Tilt trucks are specified anywhere bulk scrap, chips or waste needs to move from a generation point to a collection or disposal point without repeated manual lifting.
Metal Fabrication & Machining
Collecting and transporting steel chips, turnings and scrap from CNC and manual machining stations to a central bin.
Warehousing & Distribution
Moving packaging waste, damaged pallets and dunnage from receiving and pick areas to compactors.
Food Processing
Poly tilt trucks for transporting trim waste and byproduct where washdown and corrosion resistance are required.
Recycling Facilities
Sorting and transporting separated recyclable material streams between processing stations.
General Manufacturing
Housekeeping and scrap collection on shop floors, reducing manual lifting for waste disposal.
Janitorial & Facilities Maintenance
Bulk transport of trash and recyclables from multiple collection points to a central dumpster.
FAQ
Tilt Trucks Questions, Answered
Should I choose a steel or polyethylene tilt truck?
Steel tilt trucks suit heavier, abrasive loads like metal scrap and machine turnings, and generally carry a higher rated load capacity for a given size. Polyethylene tilt trucks resist corrosion, don't rust, and can be hosed out, making them the better choice for food processing, chemical residue, or any high-moisture washdown environment.
How is tilt truck capacity measured?
Capacity is usually given in cubic yards (volume) and separately as a rated load capacity in pounds. These don't scale together — a hopper rated for 1 cubic yard of lightweight chips will have a much lower usable weight capacity if loaded with dense scrap metal, so check both figures against your actual material.
What caster type should I choose for a tilt truck?
Swivel casters on all four corners give the tightest turning radius for maneuvering in narrow aisles; a mix of rigid rear and swivel front casters tracks straighter over longer runs. Larger-diameter wheels (6-8 inches) roll more easily over floor joints, dock plates, and debris common on shop floors.
Do tilt trucks need a hydraulic dumping mechanism?
Smaller and lighter-loaded units typically dump by manual tilt, using the frame's pivot point and the operator's body weight. Larger-capacity hoppers or those regularly loaded near their rated capacity often specify hydraulic-assist tipping to reduce operator strain and control the dump rate.
Can tilt trucks be used outdoors?
Polyethylene units tolerate outdoor exposure and moisture without rusting, making them suitable for exterior collection points. Steel units can be used outdoors but typically need a powder-coat or galvanized finish to resist corrosion from weather exposure over time.
Keep browsing
Related Categories
Explore More
Find Your Next Part Now.
Describe a part number, spec or what it does.