Rear Tip Tracked Dumper Training

A57C: Wheeled rear tipping dumpers—faster on firm ground, better for hard surfaces and road work

A57D: Tracked rear tipping dumpers—superior on soft ground, mud, steep slopes, and challenging terrain where wheels would spin or sink

If you're working on groundworks, drainage, wet sites, or anywhere wheeled machines struggle, A57D is what you need. The tracks distribute weight and provide traction in conditions where wheeled dumpers become useless.

Complete beginners: 3 days (full training + testing)

Experienced operators: 2 days (assumes dumper experience, focusing on tracked operation and rear tipping)

Renewals: 1 day (re-testing and regulatory updates). If you're unsure which applies, contact us—we can assess your experience and advise honestly.

No. Complete beginners are welcome on the 3-day course. If you've operated wheeled dumpers or have site experience with tracked machines, we can shorten the training to 2 days.

A09B (Forward Tip): Tips from the front—better visibility during tipping, more precise material placement, ideal for trenches and confined spaces

A57D (Rear Tip): Tips from the rear—higher capacity, better for bulk material transport, more common on large earthworks projects

Both are tracked, but the tipping direction affects how you position the machine and where you can safely discharge loads. Many operators hold both qualifications for maximum versatility.

Yes. The CPCS Red Card is valid for site work as soon as you receive it. It's recognised across UK construction and civil engineering sites.

However, you must upgrade to Blue Card (via NVQ Level 2) within the two-year validity period.

You need to complete NVQ Level 2 in Plant Operations while working on site. This typically takes 6-12 months and is assessed based on your real-world competence, not another exam.

The process:

1. Pass A57D and get Red Card (valid 2 years)
2. Work on site, logging hours and building portfolio
3. Complete NVQ Level 2 with assessor (6-12 months)
4. Apply to CPCS for Blue Card (valid 5 years, renewable)

We can connect you to NVQ providers and help you explore funding options.

Physics. Tracks excel where wheels fail:

• Lower ground pressure: Weight spreads over wider area, preventing sinking into mud or clay
• Superior traction: More surface contact means grip on slippery, waterlogged terrain
• Continuous contact: Tracks maintain traction where wheels spin uselessly
• Slope capability: Better grip on steep gradients, safer when loaded
• Environmental: Less ground damage on sensitive or soft surfaces

However, they're slower than wheeled dumpers on hard surfaces and more complex to maintain. Choose based on your typical site conditions.

First, we'll debrief you on what went wrong—whether it's theory knowledge, track steering technique, or safety awareness. Then we'll discuss the best way to get you retested.

This might be more practice time, another day of training, or just booking a retest. Failing isn't the end of the world, but it's better to go in properly prepared first time.

No. A57C (wheeled) and A57D (tracked) are separate qualifications. You need to pass both if you want to operate both types. Many operators do both courses to maximise their versatility on site.

You'll train on rear tip tracked dumpers suitable for typical construction and earthworks projects. These are well-maintained machines from our own fleet (not hired-in kit), giving you realistic experience of what you'll encounter on site.

Because track steering is fundamentally different from wheeled steering:

• Differential steering: You control left and right tracks independently, not a steering wheel
• Zero-radius capability: Can spin on the spot, creating different spatial awareness requirements
• Ground damage risk: Incorrect turning technique can tear up ground or damage tracks
• Slope operation: Track orientation on slopes affects stability in ways wheels don't
• Reversing challenges: Limited rear visibility requires specific techniques

The A57D proves you understand these differences and can operate safely in challenging conditions.

Two years. Within that time, you need to complete your NVQ Level 2 and upgrade to a Blue Card. If you don't, your Red Card expires and you'll need to retest.

No, a CSCS card isn't required for CPCS training. However, if you have one, bring it—it's useful to have for general site access.

Funding options depend on your employment status:

• Employers: CITB grants may be available (if levy-paying). Eligible companies can receive substantial funding.
• Self-employed: Typically self-funded, but it's an investment in your qualification and earning potential

Contact us to check eligibility and discuss options.

It depends on the work:

• Rear tip (A57D): Better for high-volume bulk transport, loading from excavators, large earthworks projects. Higher capacities available.
• Forward tip (A09B): Better for precise placement, trenches, confined spaces, backfilling operations where you need to see exactly where material goes.

Many contractors own both types and operators with both qualifications are more valuable. Check what your employer or typical sites require.