What is a “Mine-Ready” Work Truck?
Rangefront Wheels differs from many work truck rental companies because we have particular expertise in mine-ready work trucks. With a background in the mining industry, we know what it takes to have a vehicle that meets the standards and protocols for a mine.
Common Safety Inspection Requirements for Pickup Trucks on Mine Sites
General Truck Condition. The general condition of the following should be good with no defects that affect safety:
Seatbelts should be present with no cuts, frays, or defects
Horn must be in working order. Horns are used for communication in a mine site for signaling when a vehicle is about to start moving from a stopped position, to signal movement into an area of low visibility or blind spots, or around traffic or other hazards.
Headlights, taillights, marker lights, and brake lights should all be in working order. All installed lights must work high and low beams.
Service brakes must all work, and parking brakes must hold the vehicle.
Windshield wipers and glass should be clean and in good condition.
No oil, grease, or other combustibles are allowed to accumulate, as this can cause potential fire hazards.
Fire Extinguisher. A fire extinguisher with a metal tag and 6 mo. inspection is typically required.
Towing. Towing packages must contain proper lighting and safety chains and be adequate for the load being towed.
Wheel chocks. Many mine sites will require all wheels to be chocked when parked, though some sites may have different requirements.
What to Look for in a Rental Mine-Ready Truck
Mine-ready trucks require certain features, such as a fire extinguisher for safety purposes. Other features, such as a toolbox or all-terrain tires, are not required but can be useful at a mine site. Below are 6 features to look for in a mine-ready rental pickup truck.
Trucks in good, working condition. Before renting a work truck for a mine site, be sure to get to know the rental company to ensure the truck will be in good working condition. Features such as seatbelts, windshields and windshield wipers, and lighting should all be up to the proper standards and functionality.
Proper towing equipment. If you are going to tow equipment at any point during your work, you must make sure the towing capabilities of the rental work truck are within your needs, and that safety standards such as lights and safety chains are present.
Fire extinguisher. Unless you regularly drive around with a fire extinguisher that has been inspected in the last 6 months, it can be helpful to find a mine truck rental company that equips the truck with a fire extinguisher for you. This way, you won’t face complications if your fire extinguisher hasn’t been inspected recently or isn’t up to code.
All-terrain tires. While this isn’t an official requirement for mine-ready trucks, it is a great benefit to look for rental trucks that offer all-terrain tires to increase safety and functionality in the rugged conditions that often accompany mine sites.
Spare tire. Spare tires are also rarely part of a mine site inspection, but are a wise inclusion for work trucks that will face rugged terrain on a mine site. If possible, ensure this spare tire is a high-quality all-terrain tire.
Truck Bed Toolbox. As with all-terrain tires, a toolbox is rarely an official requirement for mine sites. However, it is typically a requirement that all materials be properly stowed. Having a bed toolbox means you have a safe and secure space to store your tools and other on-the-field needs.
Ask a Question
Are you renting a truck for a mine site for the first time, or do you have questions about the process or recommendations for a truck rental? Reach out! Our work truck experts will be happy to answer any questions you may have.