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Tips for Loading Dump Trucks with Wheel Loaders

The effectiveness of loading dump trucks depends heavily on the wheel loader operator and the specifications of your specific machines. Your loaders spend a lot of time traveling across the jobsite, transporting materials from point A to point B. To help you make this process more efficient and ensure each cycle counts, we’ve put together several key tips for your wheel loader operator that will help them increase productivity.

Optimize the loading pattern

Enhancing the efficiency of your wheel loaders involves minimizing travel distance and reducing the number of turns and maneuvers. One highly effective method for loading dump trucks is employing the Y or V pattern. This approach positions the dump trucks with the rear of the vehicle just off the edge of the pile. The wheel loader operator initiates the cycle at a 45 degree angle to the dirt pile and the truck, moving forward in a curve to the right to fill the bucket. After reversing to the starting position, the operator then moves forward, curving to the left to unload into the truck before reversing back to the 45 degree angle for the next cycle. The resulting path resembles a Y or V, from which the pattern derives its name.

Maintaining a consistent position for the dump trucks is crucial for ensuring the Y cycle remains the right size. Sufficient maneuvering space for the wheel loaders is necessary, but it can’t be too large, or you’ll end up wasting fuel and time.

Select wheel loaders with advanced features

Aside from your loading pattern, the efficiency of filling dump trucks depends on using machines equipped with the right features, such as boom kickout, return to dig, and auto leveling capabilities.

  • Boom kickout stops the boom at a predetermined height during lifting, beneficial for consistent loading at the same height.
  • Return to dig stops the boom at a predetermined point during lowering, ensuring the bucket starts each cycle in the same position.
  • Auto leveling automatically returns the wheel loader bucket from a dump or dig to a carrying position.

These features minimize guesswork for the wheel loader operator, reducing time consuming mistakes and corrections.

Match the bucket to your loader and dump trucks

Before beginning on a significant loading or material handling project, determine the appropriate bucket size for your wheel loader. Consider the capacity of the dump trucks, the number of loads to move daily, and consult your wheel loader operator manual for maximum capacities and tipping loads. Choose a bucket that helps you fill the trucks in as few cycles as possible without exceeding machine limits.

If you have any questions about wheel loader operator tips, filling dump trucks, or wheel loaders in general, contact our team today.

© Luby Equipment. All Rights Reserved.
Created by Winsby Inc.


    Crawler Dozers

    Model Net HP Operating Weight Pad Width Blade Width Day Week 4 Weeks
    650M 68 HP 15,803 lb 24" 90" $400 $1,330 $3,600
    750M 92 HP 20,040 lb 28" 96" $500 $1,650 $4,500
    850M 112 HP 21,980 lb 28" 104" $600 $2,000 $5,400
    1150M 127 HP 31,134 lb 30" 120" $725 $2,175 $6,525
    1650M 150 HP 37,756 lb 34" 130" $825 $2,675 $7,425
    2050M 214 HP 45,414 lb 36" 135" $1,100 $3,650 $9,900

    Extra long track, wide track, and low ground pressure models available.

    Skid Steer Loaders
    Model Net HP Operating Weight Rated Operating Capacity* Available Bucket Widths Day Week 4 Weeks
    SR130 49 HP 5,070 lb 1,300 lb 66" - 84" $185 $550 $1,650
    SR160 60 HP 5,510 lb 1,600 lb 66" - 84" $185 $550 $1,650
    SR175 67 HP 6,270 lb 1,750 lb 66" - 84" $185 $550 $1,650
    SR175 HF 67 HP 6,270 lb 1,750 lb 66" - 84" $200 $600 $1,800
    SV185 60 HP 6,570 lb 1,850 lb 66" - 84" $215 $725 $1,950
    SV185 HF 60 HP 6,570 lb 1,850 lb 66" - 84" $225 $675 $2,025
    SR210 74 HP 6,970 lb 2,100 lb 66" - 84" $275 $970 $2,475
    SR210 HF 74 HP 6,970 lb 2,100 lb 66" - 84" $300 $1,050 $2,700
    SR240 74 HP 7,400 lb 2,400 lb 66" - 84" $285 $1,000 $2,495
    SR240 HF 74 HP 7,400 lb 2,400 lb 66" - 84" $310 $1,125 $2,775
    SR270 90 HP 8,117 lb 2,700 lb 70" - 84" $295 $1,050 $2,495
    SR270 HF 90 HP 8,117 lb 2,700 lb 70" - 84" $325 $1,150 $2,760
    SV280 74 HP 8,090 lb 2,800 lb 70" - 84" $295 $1,050 $2,495
    SV280 HF 74 HP 8,090 lb 2,800 lb 70" - 84" $325 $1,150 $2,775
    SV340 90 HP 9,100 lb 3,400 lb 70" - 84" $310 $1,050 $2,525
    SV340 HF 90 HP 9,100 lb 3,400 lb 70" - 84" $335 $1,150 $2,795

    SR = Radial Lift, SV = Vertical Lift, HF = High Flow • Machines equipped with smooth or tooth bucket • See page 7 for attachments

    Compact Excavators
    Model Operating Net HP Weight Max Dig Depth Day Week 4 weeks
    CX15EV 21 HP 3,186 lb 6' 9" $200 $580 $1,685
    CX17C 16.8 HP 3,910 lb 7' 3" $200 $580 $1,685
    CX26C 24.8 HP 5,520 lb 7' 11" $220 $605 $1,750
    CX30C 24.8 HP 6,020 lb 8' 2" $225 $650 $1,895
    CX33C 24.4 HP 7,110 lb 9' 11" $235 $685 $1,975
    CX37C 24.4 HP 7,990 lb 10' 3" $250 $750 $2,250
    CX57C 66.9 HP 12,050 lb 12' 6" $270 $785 $2,275
    CX60C 64.7 HP 12,940 lb 11' 9" $280 $815 $2,355
    CX75C SR 55.2 HP 16,200 lb 13' 7" $375 $1,150 $3,495
    CX80C 55.2 HP 18,800 lb 13' 9" $400 $1,200 $3,600
    Model Net HP Operating Weight Max Dig Depth Day Week 4 weeks
    TB210R 11.7 HP 2,535 lb 5' 9” $200 $710 $1,800
    TB216 15 HP 3,902 lb 7' 10” $220 $725 $1,915
    TB230 24.4 HP 6,360 lb 9' 3” $225 $650 $1,895
    TB235-2 29.8 HP 7,650 lb 11' 2” $245 $700 $2,060
    TB240 35.8 HP 8,570 lb 11' 4” $260 $775 $2,250
    TB250-2 39 HP 11,288 lb 12' 5” $270 $795 $2,300
    TB260 47.6 HP 12,645 lb 12' 9” $280 $815 $2,355
    TB290 69.2 HP 18,630 lb 15' $400 $1,200 $3,600

    Zero tail swing
    TB280FR 69.2 HP 18,810 lb 14' 11” $400 $1,200 $5,600

    Tracked Excavators

    Model Net HP Operating Weight Max Dig Depth Day Week 4 Weeks
    CX130D 102 HP 29,131 lb 18' 3" $585 $1,705 $4,945
    CX145D SR 102 HP 52,100 lb 18' 1” $605 $1,750 $5,075
    CX160D 112 HP 38,400 lb 19' 11" $615 $1,775 $5,155
    CX210D 160 HP 48,859 lb 20' 1" $675 $1,975 $5,695
    CX210D LR 160 HP 48,973 lb 39' 4" $1,425 $4,150 $12,000
    CX245D SR 160 HP 56,900 lb 20' 1" $725 $2,100 $6,095
    CX250D 177 HP 56,909 lb 22' 8" $750 $2,185 $6,350
    CX250D LR 177 HP 63,523 lb 47' 9" $1,625 $4,700 $13,625
    CX300D 207 HP 67,271 lb 22' 9" $1,025 $2,965 $8,595
    CX300D LR 207 HP 67,271 lb 24' 5" $1,835 $5,325 $15,450
    CX350D 268 HP 82,485 lb 24’ 1" $1,150 $3,350 $9,725
    CX365E SR 205 HP 78,600 lb 21' 1" $1,150 $3,350 $9,725
    CX490D 362 HP 109,300 lb 25’ 4" $1,625 $4,700 $13,650

    SR = Short Radius, RT = Rubber Track, LR = Long Reach • Additional bucket rental add 15% of rate Available with hydraulic couplers or thumbs add 15%

    Compact Wheel Loaders

    Model Net HP Operating weight Max Heaped Bucket Capacity Day Week 4 weeks
    21F 58 HP 11,272 lb 0.92 yd³ $300 $900 $2,700
    21F XT 58 HP 10,979 lb 0.92 yd³ $300 $900 $2,700
    121F 64 HP 11,618 lb 1.05 yd³ $300 $900 $2,700
    121F XT 64 HP 11,067 lb 1.05 yd³ $300 $900 $2,700
    221F 74 HP 12,547 lb 1.2 yd³ $350 $1,050 $3,150
    221F HS 74 HP 12,547 lb 1.2 yd³ $350 $1,050 $3,150
    321F 74 HP 13,303 lb 1.3 yd³ $350 $1,050 $3,150
    321F HS 74 HP 13,303 lb 1.3 yd³ $350 $1,050 $3,150

    XT = Tool Carrier, HS = High Speed

    Wheel Loaders
    Model Net HP Operating Weight Max Heaped Bucket Capacity Day Week 4 Weeks
    521G 142 HP 24,035 lb 2.3 yd³ $495 $1,435 $4,165
    521G XT 142 HP 25,384 lb 2.3 yd³ $495 $1,435 $4,165
    521G XR 142 HP 24,572 lb 2.3 yd³ $495 $1,435 $4,165
    621G 162 HP 27,695 lb 2.7 yd³ $540 $1,565 $4,540
    621G XT 162 HP 29,076 lb 2.7 yd³ $540 $1,565 $4,540
    621G XR 162 HP 28,483 lb 2.7 yd³ $540 $1,565 $4,540
    721G 195 HP 32,492 lb 3.50 yd³ $615 $1,785 $5,175
    721G XT 195 HP 33,392 lb 3.50 yd³ $615 $1,785 $5,175
    721G XR 195 HP 32,851 lb 3.50 yd³ $615 $1,785 $5,175
    821G 230 HP 40,057 lb 4.25 yd³ $690 $2,000 $5,800
    821G XR 230 HP 40,648 lb 4.25 yd³ $690 $2,000 $5,800
    921G 255 HP 45,071 lb 4.75 yd³ $980 $2,850 $8,250
    921G XR 255 HP 45,651 lb 4.75 yd³ $980 $2,850 $8,250
    1021G 320 HP 55,282 lb 5.50 yd³ $1,240 $3,500 $10,450
    1021G XR 320 HP 58,711 lb 5.50 yd³ $1,240 $3,500 $10,450
    1121G 347 HP 61,650 lb 6.25 yd³ $1,500 $4,325 $12,550
    1121G XR 347 HP 63,443 lb 6.25 yd³ $1,500 $4,325 $12,550
    Fork Attachment $50 $150 $450

    XT = Tool Carrier, XR= Extended Reach • Quick couplers available, add 15%

    Rough Terrain Forklifts
    Model Type Operating Weight Capacity Reach Day Week 4 Weeks
    586H Standard 13,682 lb 6,000 lb 15' $275 $800 $2,350
    588H Standard 16,102 lb 8,000 lb 15' $300 $900 $2,700

    Breakers
    Model Carry Weight Minimum Carry Weight Maximum Flow Supply Day Week 4 Weeks
    HP500 3,750 lb 14,300 lb 8 - 16 g/m $205 $680 $1,850
    HP750 6,650 lb 17,600 lb 14 - 22 g/m $220 $730 $1,980
    HP1000 7,750 lb 23,100 lb 14 - 24 g/m $350 $1,050 $3,150
    HP1100 8,850 lb 26,450 lb 16 - 27 g/m $350 $1,050 $3,150
    HP1250 11,050 lb 30,850 lb 19 - 28 g/m $390 $1,170 $3,500
    HP1500 14,400 lb 35,200 lb 19 - 29 g/m $450 $1,375 $4,150
    HP2000 26,500 lb 48,500 lb 23 - 25 g/m $550 $1,670 $4,500
    HP3000 33,000 lb 55,000 lb 30 - 40 g/m $750 $2,250 $6,800
    HP4000 35,500 lb 61,500 lb 34 - 43 g/m $835 $2,670 $7,900
    HP5000 42,000 lb 70,500 lb 39 - 48 g/m $950 $2,850 $8,600
    HP5500 46,500 lb 83,500 lb 43 - 53 g/m $1,025 $3,065 $9,200
    HP7500 51,000 lb 92,000 lb 48 - 61 g/m $1,200 $3,600 $10,800
    HP8000 60,000 lb 110,000 lb 51 - 71 g/m $1,200 $3,600 $10,800

    Attachments for SSLs & CTLs

    Loader Attachments Standard Flow

    Description Day Week 4 Weeks
    Breaker 500 ft lb $205 $680 $1,845
    Breaker 750 ft 1b $250 $750 $1,900
    Brush Hog 72" - 80" $250 $875 $2,250
    Bucket - Extra $50 $150 $450
    Dozer Blade 80" or 96" $150 $525 $1,350
    Drop Hammer Cyclone 3,500 lb $275 $963 $2,475
    Grapple Root 72" - 82" $90 $315 $810
    Pallet Fork $50 $150 $450
    PWR Power Rake $250 $825 $2,250
    Scrap Grapple 72" - 78" $90 $315 $810
    Soil Conditioner/Preparator $150 $525 $1,350
    Trencher - 6" or 8" W x 48" D $170 $570 $1,550
    Tree Puller $75 $250 $725

    Loader Attachments High Flow
    Cold Planer - 24" Drum $450 $1,500 $4,050
    Cold Planer - 40" Drum $560 $1,870 $5,040

    Augers
    Auger Drives with Bit up to 24" $100 $300 $900
    Auger Extra Bits up to 24" $50 $175 $450
    Auger Extra Bits 30" to 36" $75 $265 $675
    Auger Extension Range - 8" to 36" $20 $60 $180

    Brooms
    Broom, Angle 84" $225 $700 $2,025
    Broom, Pickup 72" $225 $700 $2,025

    Single Drum Rollers
    Model Rated HP Operating Weight Drum Width Day Week 4 Weeks
    SV208D 99 HP 15,830 lb 66” $515 $1,495 $4,325
    SV210D 99 HP 19,538 lb 66” $540 $1,550 $4,550
    SV212D 154 HP 24,520 lb 84” $550 $1,595 $4,650
    SV216D 154 HP 31,640 lb 84” $575 $1,675 $4,850

    Available with dozer blade add 10% • Shell kits available add 20%

    Double Drum Vibratory Rollers

    Model Rated HP Operating Weight Drum Width Day Week 4 Weeks
    DV209D 100 HP 21,080 lb 71” $505 $1,465 $4,250
    DV210D 100 HP 22,930 lb 71" $535 $1,550 $4,500

    Trench Roller
    Model Rated HP Operating Weight Capacity Drum Width Day Week 4 Weeks
    RTLx-SC3 16 HP 3,020 lb 2,400 lb 32.0" $225 $675 $2,200

    Mud Buggies
    Model Weight Volume Load Capacity Day Week 4 Weeks
    MB 1600 Tire 1,370 lb 16 ft³ 2,500 lb $75 $275 $725
    MBTX 2500 Track 1,640 lb 16 ft³ 2,500 lb $150 $525 $1,375

    Machine Control Systems
    Model Day Week 4 Weeks
    LMR240 $50 $75 $200
    LMR360 $100 $125 $375
    DM200 $100 $125 $375
    CoPiIot $150 $300 $500
    iCON Grade iGD2, 2D system $575 $1,450 $3,300
    iCON Grade iGD3, 3D system $625 $1,600 $3,600
    Base Station & Rover Jobsite Setup $750 $2,000 $4,000

    (one month minimum)

    Lasers

    104" Model Distance Day Week 4 Weeks
    Rugby Beam Laser 3,000' $80 $200 $600
    Rugby Grade Laser 2,500' $50 $150 $450

    Loader Backhoes
    Model Net HP Operating Weight Max Dig Depth Day Week 4 Weeks
    580EP 74 HP 15,795 lb 18'6" $300 $825 $2,275
    580N 90 HP 16,589 lb 18'3" $325 $895 $2,450
    580SN 97 HP 17,269 lb 17'11" $345 $950 $2,600
    580SN WT 97 HP 20,077 lb 18' $365 $1,000 $2,760
    590SN 110 HP 20,532 lb 19'6" $380 $1,045 $2,875

    All units equipped with cab heater and A/C, X-hoe, 4 wheel drive, ride control, manual quick coupler, and auxiliary hydraulics


    Backhoe attachments

    Model Day Week 4 Weeks
    Additional Bucket Rental $50 $150 $450
    Auger and Bit $100 $300 $900
    Auger Extension $20 $60 $180
    Additional Auger Bit $50 $150 $450
    HP1100 Breaker $350 $1,050 $3,150
    HP1250 Breaker $390 $1,170 $3,500
    HP1500 Breaker $450 $1,350 $4,050
    Hydraulic Thumb $200 $600 $1,800

    Compact track loaders
    Model Net HP Operating Weight Rated Operating Capacity* Available Bucket Widths Day Week 4 Weeks
    TR270 74 HP 8,270 lb 2,700 lb 66" $275 $800 $2,300
    TR270 HF 74 HP 8,270 lb 2,700 lb 66" $315 $875 $2,525
    TR310 74 HP 8,880 lb 3,100 lb 72" $285 $825 $2,315
    TR310 HF 74 HP 8,880 lb 3,100 lb 72" $315 $915 $2,550
    TR340 90 HP 10,000 lb 3,400 lb 78" $320 $945 $2,825
    TR340 HF 90 HP 10,000 lb 3,400 lb 78" $345 $1,025 $3,050
    TV370 74 HP 9,630 lb 3,700 lb 78" $330 $975 $2,750
    TV370 HF 74 HP 9,630 lb 3,700 lb 78" $350 $1,015 $2,850
    TV380 90 HP 10,550 lb 3,800 lb 78" $360 $1,075 $2,875
    TV380 HF 90 HP 10,550 lb 3,800 lb 78" $375 $1,150 $2,900
    TV450 90 HP 10,610 lb 4,500 lb 78" $385 $1,200 $2,950
    TV450 HF 90 HP 10,610 lb 4,500 lb 78" $410 $1,275 $3,175
    TV620B 114 HP 16,000 lb 6,200 lb 84" $600 $1845 $4625

    TR = Radial Lift, TV = Vertical Lift, HF = High Flow • Machines equipped with smooth or tooth bucket

    Model Net HP Operating Weight Rated Operating Capacity* Available Bucket Widths Day Week 4 Weeks
    TL6 65 HP 7,780 lb 2,635 lb 60" - 80" $265 $795 $2,200
    TL8 74 HP 8,631 lb 3,010 lb 60" - 80" $285 $825 $2,315
    TL8 HF 74 HP 8,631 lb 3,010 lb 60" - 80" $315 $915 $2,550
    TL10V2 74 HP 10,270 lb 3,600 lb 70" - 90" $325 $950 $2,650
    TL10V2 HF 74 HP 10,270 lb 3,600 lb 70" - 90" $350 $1,015 $2,850
    TL12R2/V2 111 HP 12,590 lb 4,315 lb 76" - 90" $385 $1,200 $2,950
    TL12R2/V2 HF 111 HP 12,590 lb 4,315 lb 76" - 90" $410 $1,275 $3,175
    TB2150CL 114 HP 34,480 lb   18 ft $635 $1835 $5325

    HF = High Flow • Machines equipped with smooth or tooth bucket

    Small Double Drum Roller
    Model Rated HP Operating Weight Drum Width Day Week 4 Weeks
    DV23 35.5 HP 5,270 lb 39.4" $225 $650 $1,895
    DV26 31 HP 5,842 lb 47.2” $285 $825 $2,395
    DV36 43.5 HP 8,290 lb 51.2” $320 $925 $2,695
    DV45 40 HP 10,296 lb 54.3" $450 $1,305 $3,785
    Model Rated HP Operating Weight Drum Width Day Week 4 Weeks
    RD12A 16.6 HP 2,490 lb 35.4" $204 $595 $1,725

    Mulchers
    Model Overall Width Weight Flow Range Day Week 4 Weeks
    BH74SS 5 ft 1 in 2,626 lb 24 - 45 gpm $500 $1,700 $4,500

    Midi Excavator
    Model Operating Net HP Weight Max Dig Depth Day Week 4 weeks
    CX75C SR 55.2 HP 16,200 lb 13' 7" $375 $1,150 $3,495
    CX80C 55.2 HP 18,800 lb 13' 9" $400 $1,200 $3,600
    Model Operating Net HP Weight Max Dig Depth Day Week 4 weeks
    TB280FR 69.2 HP 18,810 lb 14' 11” $400 $1,200 $3,600
    TB290 69.2 HP 18,630 lb 15' $400 $1,200 $3,600
    TB2150 114 HP 34,480 lb 18"

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