If you have ever driven behind a big truck, you’ve noticed “DO NOT PUSH” written on the back. It makes one wonder who in their right mind would decide to push such a huge truck. Let’s explain why some trucks have a do not push sign and what it means.
Heavy trucks work in conditions where they may get stuck in mud or ice. The Do Not Push sign on these rucks means pushing its bed when stuck using another construction vehicle will ruin and likely damage its hinges and hydraulic hoist connecting the bed to the chassis.
Dump trucks and construction vehicles usually operate in muddy conditions. They also operate in snowy and icy conditions when it’s winter. So they are more likely to get stuck on the road. However, they need a stronger push from a stronger vehicle, not humans.
What Does Do Not Push Mean On A Truck?
Dump trucks have two main parts: the chassis, the truck part, and the bed for dumping. The connection between these parts is strong enough to support and lift the weight of the load. It’s not designed to withstand horizontal shear force, which may make it bend or break.
Two hinges and a hydraulic hoist secure the dump truck bed. It’s not made for pushing by a wheel loader bulldozer or other equipment when stuck. The aluminum bed may be crushed by the extra force imposed on the tailgate.
In the least-case scenario, the bed may be severely misaligned, making it hard to close securely. It encourages the load to leak and deposition on the road. A misaligned push may also bend the truck frame limiting its capacity for safe operation.
What Happens When You Push A Truck With A Do Not Push Sign?
Trucks with Do Not Push signs on the back are usually articulated vehicles, double trailers, semis, or trucks. When stuck and you push it from the rear, the front won’t move, and continuing to push will create a jackknife effect.
This may damage the truck or tractor, while the pushing vehicle may damage the rear of the truck or trailer. Most tailgate hinges and latches are made from aluminum, and pushing them to get the truck out of the mud leads to misalignment or bending.
Contact and movement when pushing the truck may damage its body, latches, door, and hydraulics. The transmissions on these trucks are extremely low-geared to accommodate heavy loads. They could easily get damaged from pushing and pulling by another vehicle.
How Do I Get The Truck Out Of Mud Without Pushing?
If a truck gets stuck in the mud, the appropriate way to get it free is to hop out of the front end and fix a tow chain to the front. Dump trucks are built with relatively thin metal to conserve weight and don’t resist pushing using earth-moving equipment without bending.
Pushing and pulling when the truck is stuck uses considerable force to move the truck is enough to cause misalignment of the vehicle’s hydraulics and frame. It takes a highly skilled driver to pull the truck out when stuck.
Alternatively, a skilled excavator operator can back into the truck when stuck, load, and push it out. It requires putting the bucket in the dirt. However, there’s still a risk of bending the rear door,
Tweaking the hinges on the box pivots and wrecking tires and brake components.
Other ways to get your truck out of mud include:
Add Traction
Give your truck more traction and firmness to help it get out of the mud. Add cat litter or sand, although placing a solid object is better. Some drivers are successful after putting down floor mats or wood pieces in front of the tires to drive on.
Another option is to use ground protection mats which are lightweight and portable. These are designed to create pathways over mud and flood areas. The mats are large and durable enough to optimize traction.
They have hand holds to allow easy placement in front of your tires to create firm traction. When your truck is free, you can remove the mats and clean them for future use.
Get a Tow Truck
You can also call a tow truck to unstuck our vehicle from the mud. The ideal tow truck must match the size of your vehicle. It must be positioned on firm ground. A professional operator will determine the best points on your truck to run the cables or chains.
Ground protection mats are also helpful when attempting to tow your truck away from the mud. These are positioned where your truck is expected to move along while being towed out. The mats create a stable surface minimizing the work of the tow truck.
Besides, the mats also work as a bridge that keeps the truck up and out of the mud until it reaches stable ground. Immediately getting your truck out of the mud is essential before it sinks too far, making it more challenging.
Final Thoughts
Some trucks come with a Do Not Push sign on the back. You can use earth-moving trucks to push it out of the mud when stuck. Doing so makes it prone to damage since these trucks are usually made from lightweight metal.
