Whether it’s hauling gravel from a quarry, clearing demolition waste, or shifting grain between paddocks, tipping trucks are the backbone of Australia’s transport and construction industries. Behind every smooth tip is a smart pneumatic system doing the work of control, coordination, and safety.
Pneumatics play a crucial role in managing the tipping function — cutting down manual labour, speeding up turnaround times, and offering precision in tough environments. Depending on the hinge setup (rear-tip, side-tip, or belly-dump), a well-integrated pneumatic and hydraulic system keeps everything running reliably, even in the harshest Aussie conditions.
1. Engaging the Power Take-Off (PTO)
The process starts with engaging the Power Take-Off (PTO) unit, which links the truck’s engine or transmission to the hydraulic pump.
This step is usually powered pneumatically:
- The driver activates a cab-mounted valve.
- Compressed air is sent to an actuator on the PTO unit.
- The actuator shifts the PTO gears, engaging the hydraulic pump and pressurising the hydraulic system.
2. Actuating the Tipping Valve
Once the PTO is running, the driver uses a pneumatic control — typically a 3-position solenoid valve — to manage the hydraulic flow.
- The valve (often a MAC 3/2 Dual Voltage Valve – DVV-181) receives an air signal from the cab control.
- Air pressure moves an internal spool inside the tipping valve, diverting hydraulic oil to the cylinder (to raise the tray) or back to the tank (to lower it).
This pneumatic piloting setup allows precise and reliable tipping, keeping hydraulic oil out of the cab and making operation safer and cleaner.
3. End-of-Stroke Protection
To prevent overextension, many systems use a pneumatic knock-off or tilt limit valve.
- When the hydraulic cylinder reaches full extension, a switch or valve is triggered.
- This sends a pneumatic signal back to the control valve, automatically returning it to neutral.
The result? A smooth, safe stop every time — protecting both the cylinder and the truck from unnecessary stress.
4. System Overview
In a standard tipping truck, the pneumatic components function as the “brains” of the tipping operation, while the hydraulics provide the “brawn” (force).
|
Component |
Function |
Medium |
|
Pneumatic Control Valve |
The driver’s manual interface (lever) in the cab. |
Air |
|
PTO Actuator |
Engages the hydraulic pump mechanically. |
Air |
|
Hydraulic Tipping Valve |
Directs high-pressure oil to the cylinder. |
Controlled by Air |
|
Hydraulic Pump |
Generates the high pressure needed to lift the load. |
Oil |
|
Hydraulic Cylinder (Ram) |
Performs the actual lifting and tipping of the bed. |
Oil |
Why Pneumatics — and Why MAC Valves
Pneumatic control systems are the smart choice for tipping applications — clean, safe, and simple to maintain, without the risk of hydraulic leaks in the cab. MAC Valves are trusted across Australian transport fleets for their durability, repeatability, and precision, even in the harshest operating conditions.
And when it comes to specifying or troubleshooting your setup, Pneutech’s team has decades of experience working with pneumatic and hydraulic tipping systems. Whether you’re upgrading components, diagnosing a control fault, or simply wanting to improve performance, we can help you find the right MAC solution to keep your trucks tipping reliably and safely — every time.