Does anyone know why dump trucks usually have that written on the back of them? Is there really that big of a problem with people pushing on the backs that they felt it necessary to post it there, or what?
I figured that there's probably some truck drivers here that could shed a little light.

 

I believe it's for if/when they get stuck. If another truck or piece of machinery pushes on the back, rather than pulling from the front, it can cause damage.

 

it causes damage to the bed of the truck.... usually if anything is gonna be pushing on them... its a dozer

 

The reason dump trucks have do not push on their tailgates is because when a trackhoe is loading them usually from the rear like when they are putting in a water line or sewer The trackhoe needs the truck to move as they dig so some operators will.. just push the truck ahead with the boom bending the tailgate of the truck so it doesn't seal tight , latch properly

 

^^^^ what he said.

 

x2

Also there is a chance of them tipping as well. I saw a dumptruck being pushed with a large Cat backhoe (using the actual hoe attachment), they pushed it about 5 or 10 feet, but he pushed it at the top and it tipped the dumptruck. Not good.

 

Thanks. I've been wondering about that for some time now. I feel like I finally have closure.

 

Because this is what happens when you fail to put Do Not Push on the back









Really though, it's more about damaging the tailgate. I spent years loading trucks with a front end loader. Most of the drivers had the sign too but if they really needed a push they would get out and line my bucket up to where they wanted it which is the bottom of the tailgate where the extra support is and contact is even all the way across. What they hate is when someone just flies up and puts a bucket smack in the middle and it dents it all up.
This was just where I worked. Other scenarios may have different answers.

 

Exactly my point.