Why do most all Dump trucks say "Do not push" on back?

Question

I saw one that said "Don't get pushy","You push,you pay!"and simply, " DO NOT PUSH!". Be specific in your answer besides "it can damage the dump bed,ect"

Answer 1

its when the truck may get stuck if the loader or whatever tries do push it it damages the locking mechanism and then the box wont open.

Answer 2

To conserve weight dump beds are realtively thin sheet metal construction and will not resist pushing with earth-moving equipment loaders,dozer,compactors,shovels,excavat... trucks etc. without bending.  The usual occassion for pushing(or pulling) is when the truck is stuck,hence necessitating considerable force to move it----which is enough force to cause misalignment of the dump hydraulics,and even the frame itself.

Especially bottom dump trucks have this defficiency (more apt to get stuck while unloading) and so they very often have a "Push Block" at their rear to allow the force to be translated directly to the truck frame which often as not is reinforced for just such occassions.

Push block is easily recognized: they are heavy steel structures welded to the rear usually allowing 2 to 3 feet distance to the truck structure proper--they resemble the push block seen on scrapers but smaller.

Usually rear dumps afford little/no space for placement of push blocks.  They have to be pulled when they get stuck(not that often with a skilled driver !)

Rear dumps are apt to get stuck when loading more so than dumping---as it dumps it has to roll forward to escape the pile.  Loading by means of large excavator/shovel creates overflow and piles accumulate at point of loading, when a rear dump becomes enmired in such occassions the excavator operator(if he knows his stuff) can carefully (!!) push on the load of material in the loaded bed of the filled truck so that the immediate deformation from the force is taken up in the piled material not the truck's metal surface/frame/hydraulics, and the boost thus gained can allow the trucks engine/transmission to drive clear of the loose material creating the problem.   When this occurs the excavator operator is at fault for sloppy loading--he is required to keep the loading area clear of loose material !!!!

Answer 3

It might be due to the fact for a safety issue. They do not want the unfortunate event of the "gate" coming unlatched and dumping the load out.  Where the load could hurt something or someone. Just my educated guess.  I am sure someone who is a safety person would have the correct answer, or someone who drives those trucks would.

Answer 4

Pushing will damage the tail gate of the dump truck.  It can be damaged to the point where it no longer opens or locks closed.

Answer 5

It means don't ride my ***!

Answer 6

The locks could get bent or loose spilling the load onto your hood. The rear of the truck is actually weakest because it has that moving gate/door.

Answer 7

You have to keep safe distance.

Answer 8

the box is not strong enough to stand pushing a heavy truck.