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Tipper vs. Tipper Grab: Which Is Right for Your Construction Waste Job?

At a Glance

A tipper truck is best for large-scale projects with easy access and on-site loading machinery, offering greater carrying capacity and faster turnaround. A tipper grab suits smaller or domestic sites, limited access, or when no machinery is available, as its hydraulic arm allows self-loading and waste segregation. The choice depends on site conditions, load size, and efficiency needs.

Choosing Between a Tipper and a Tipper Grab

As a construction site manager, one of the fundamental ways to ensure that your construction site works smoothly is to find efficient ways to manage the waste. 

During a construction project, there’s a lot of waste accumulated, and sometimes having dedicated collection areas may not be sufficient. You should schedule regular waste pickup so that it does not interfere with actual work. 

Many facilities offer recycling of construction materials and debris so that they don’t end up in landfills. However, you still need to find a way to send your construction waste to these facilities. That’s where a tipper truck comes in. A tipper truck is perfect for transporting and unloading loose materials like gravel, sand, dirt, and construction waste.

At Storefield Aggregates, we work with contractors across Northamptonshire and stock two types of tipper trucks - a regular tipper and a grab tipper. You can contact our team for more details. 

Both types of tipper trucks have their own set of differences, and choosing the right one is a very important decision. In this guide, we will help you make that decision by answering what a tipper vehicle is and which tipper truck is best for your needs. 

What is a Tipper Vehicle and Tipper Grab Vehicle?

A standard tipper is a large lorry that gets loaded with construction waste or raw materials like aggregates. It’s known as a tipper because it can tip the load from the truck’s rear end by raising the body at an angle. 

A tipper grab is similar in size, but it comes with a hydraulic grab arm mounted on the back. A tipper grab can self-load waste using this arm, meaning you don’t need separate machinery to get materials into the lorry. Which tipper truck is best for you mainly depends on your site and requirements. That’s why it’s important to understand the differences between the two types of trucks.

Key Differences Between Tipper and Tipper Grab Trucks

There are a lot of factors to consider when you’re trying to decide whether to hire a tipper or a tipper grab. Understanding some key differences between the tipper and tipper grab trucks should give you a better idea of which tipper truck is the best for you.

Understanding the Carrying Capacity of Tipper Trucks

If your project involves a large amount of waste or rubble and you’ve already got a digger or loader on site, a standard tipper will be the more economical option. The carrying capacity of tipper trucks ranges from 32 tonnes to 44 tonnes. This means you can move more material per trip.

If your site doesn’t have its own loading equipment, or you’re working in tight spaces where machinery just won’t fit, the tipper grab is a much better option. Our grab lorry volume is about 16 tonnes, and the hydraulic grab arm functions like an on-site loader. Many of the smaller project managers and people working on domestic jobs prefer the tipper grab because of its convenience and reach. 

How A Tipper Grab Simplifies Waste Handling

Tipper grabs have a hydraulic arm, which makes it self-sufficient on a site that doesn’t have a lot of heavy machinery. Drivers can use a tipper grab to collect waste from specific piles, reach over fences, or even help in segregating loads.

This feature is especially useful if you’re dealing with things like topsoil and hardcore construction waste. Instead of dumping everything into one pile, the grab can place materials neatly in different spots. 

Contact Storefield for Construction Waste Solutions

Ultimately, a tipper is more useful if you need to clear a large construction site because you already have the machinery to load the tipper. However, if your access is narrow or obstructed by a wall, a tipper grab is a better fit. Figuring out which tipper truck is the best for your construction ultimately depends on the load size and flexibility.

We at Storefield have been supporting contractors and site managers with aggregates and waste management services for over 30 years. If you are still unsure about which tipper is the best for you, connect with our team of experts who will be happy to help you figure it out. 

From tipper trucks to tipper grabs, we support contractors across Northamptonshire with reliable, on-time hire services that keep jobs on track.

However, our services don’t just stop at waste removal. Our plant hire services include 360-degree excavators for digging and demolition, front-wheel loaders for shifting earth, crushers to break down rubble, and screeners to sort materials by grade. We also supply bowsers for water and fuel transport, and compaction equipment. Whatever stage your project is at, we have the fleet, materials, and team to support you.

To discuss your site’s needs, call us on 01536 418121 or email info@storefield.co.uk.