Belly Dumper Hire

A belly dumper is a specialised tipper truck designed to unload bulk materials quickly and efficiently using a trapdoor in the base of the tray. Instead of tipping the whole tray, the bottom opens to release material directly onto the ground, making it ideal for spreading materials on roads, construction sites, or large landscaping areas.

Belly dumpers are valued for their speed, control, and reduced risk of tipping, especially on uneven or confined sites.

Good question. Belly dumper hire rates in Australia can vary depending on the size of the dumper, location, and whether you’re using “wet hire” (with driver) or “dry hire” (just the vehicle). According to iSeekPlant:

• Dry hire (per day): ~ A$ 400 – 700
• Wet hire (per day): ~ A$ 700 – 900

Things that can affect the cost:

• Travel / float fees to get the belly dumper to your site
• Fuel costs, especially for frequent or long-distance hauls
• Insurance or damage waivers
• Minimum hire times (e.g. many companies require a minimum of 8 hours)

Belly dumpers in Australia typically have a payload capacity ranging from 8 t to 30 t, depending on the truck size and tray configuration. Smaller rigid trucks carry around 8–12 tonnes, while larger tri-axle or quad-axle units can handle 25–30 tonnes.

Capacity depends on the vehicle’s gross vehicle mass (GVM), tray size, and legal road limits. Always confirm the specific truck’s rated payload with the hire company before booking.

Yes — one of the key advantages of a belly dumper is that it can unload material while moving, unlike traditional tipper trucks that must stop and tilt. The bottom trapdoor opens to release material evenly, making it ideal for spreading gravel, sand, or soil on roads, driveways, or construction sites.

This capability makes belly dumpers highly efficient for civil works and large-scale landscaping, saving time and reducing the risk of overloading or tipping.

Belly dumpers are commonly used in civil construction, roadworks, and large-scale landscaping projects where bulk materials like gravel, sand, or soil need to be spread efficiently. They are especially useful on roads, highways, and embankments, where continuous unloading while moving speeds up work and ensures an even layer of material.

Their ability to discharge while moving and handle large payloads makes them a preferred choice for projects requiring speed, precision, and reduced manual labour.