Tipper trucks (also known as dump trucks) are used for transporting and unloading loose materials such as soil, gravel, sand, construction waste, and green waste. They’re especially suited to these applications because they feature a tray equipped with a hydraulic lifting system that tilts or raises the tray up at one end so that the load can be easily “tipped” out when required. For this reason, they’re essential across NZ’s civil, roading, landscaping, and construction industries.

The right size depends on your payload requirements, licence class, and the type of work you do. Smaller Class 1 tippers suit urban deliveries and landscaping, while larger tippers (Class 2 or 4) are ideal for heavier civil and construction tasks.

Most small tippers can be driven on a standard Class 1 (car) licence, while larger tippers may require a Class 2 or 4 licence. The classes represent a progression in vehicle size & weight capability and come with specific GVM restrictions that may affect payload capacity. Class 1 is for light vehicles up to 6 tonnes (GVM). Class 2 is for medium rigid vehicles up to 18 tonnes (GVM). For further information regarding tipper payload capacity see Question 7.

**Please Note:** Vehicles over 6 tonnes GVM (i.e. Class 2 or higher) may be subject to additional licencing requirements under NZ law, such as a Transport Service Licence (TSL). Please visit the NZ Transport Agency website for further information

Key features include a strong chassis, dependable braking systems, proven engine performance, stable tipping behaviour, and body options that match your workload. Many NZ buyers are partial to trucks with Cummins engines and Air Brake systems for added confidence.

Yes – a number of brands offer Job-Ready or factory‑built tipper trucks so you can get straight to work. These options often save cost and reduce downtime because you don’t need to wait (or pay!) for a body to be built locally. That makes them a popular choice for anyone after a fast, cost-effective solution.

Absolutely. Most tipper trucks can be fitted with towbars and certified load anchors (i.e. tie-down hooks or rails) at a bare minimum. Other accessories, like a mounted toolbox for extra storage or steel rail cappings for tray-side protection, can come as a standard feature on some tipper trucks, or be retrofitted for an additional cost, depending on the supplier. If you can’t find exactly what you want in a Job-Ready solution, then a custom body can often be built to your specific requirements and mounted onto a Cab Chassis instead.

Payload varies widely depending on the truck’s GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) and configuration. A light‑duty (class 1) tipper may carry around 2-3 tonnes, while a medium‑duty (class 2) tipper may carry around 4-6 tonnes. Choosing the right GVM for your tipper is important when determining payload potential because the GVM sets the maximum legal weight limit for the vehicle (including passengers, fuel and cargo). So, a Class 1 truck will often have a lower payload capacity than a Class 2 truck, because the maximum GVM for any Class 1 vehicle is 6 tonnes or less.

Yes – modern tippers are designed to handle tight metro sites as well as rugged rural terrain. Features like strong braking, balanced wheelbases, and reliable engines make them versatile across NZ conditions.

Regular servicing of the engine, brakes, hydraulics, and tipping gear is essential. Keeping the body clean and checking pivot points and rams helps extend the truck’s working life and ensures safe operation.

The Aumark S range offers several Job-Ready™ tipper solutions with proven Cummins engine power, full Air Brake systems, multiple wheelbases, and Class 1 & Class 2 GVM options, making it a practical, flexible option that’s ready to work for you.