The question of how many cubes a “chip” can hold often arises among those who plan to purchase building materials or are engaged in soil removal. Under this popular name lies the legendary Soviet truck ZIL-130, which has remained a workhorse on construction sites and in utilities for decades. Understanding the actual body volume is critical for accurate costing and logistics.
However, the simple answer “5 cubes” does not always reflect reality, since much depends on the modification of the body and the type of cargo. Drivers often use their own measurements, which may differ from the factory’s passport data. Actual capacity varies depending on the presence of extension sides and the method of loading the material.
In this article, we will analyze the technical characteristics in detail, consider the effect of material density on weight, and learn how to quickly convert tons to cubic meters. This will help to avoid overpayments when ordering equipment or under-loading when planning work. Let's figure out what volume you can count on in real operation.
Historical background and technical features of ZIL-130
Car ZIL-130 was developed in the late 1950s as a replacement for the obsolete ZIS-5. The car turned out to be so successful that it was produced for more than 40 years, and its popular nickname “trick” became a household name. The body structure was originally designed for the transportation of various cargoes, including bulk materials, which predetermined its widespread use in construction.
The standard dump truck body had a volume of about 5 cubic meters. However, engineers provided for the possibility of installing extension sides, which made it possible to increase the useful volume for transporting light but bulky cargo. The engine and transmission were designed to operate under overload, although this reduced the life of the components.
It is important to note that the term “trick” in a professional environment can also refer to other modifications based on ZIL, for example, flatbed trucks with an awning. But in the context of the question “how many cubes” we are talking specifically about dump trucks. They are used for transporting sand, crushed stone, black soil and construction waste.
Standard body volume: passport data and reality
If we rely on the technical documentation of the manufacturer, then the standard volume of the ZIL-130 dump truck body is exactly 5 cubic meters. This is the basic figure from which calculations are based. However, in practice, drivers rarely carry cargo “zero” on board, if the weight category allows it.
The actual volume that can be loaded into a car often depends on the condition of the body itself. Over time, the metal becomes deformed, the sides can be overcooked or replaced with artisanal analogues of greater height. Therefore, when ordering equipment, it is always worth checking with the contractor exactly what volume he plans to bring.
There is a common misconception that a “chip” always includes strictly 5 cubes. In fact, if you load material with a slide, the volume can reach 6 or even 7 cubic meters, but here the limitation on lifting capacity. ZIL-130 is not intended for transporting light but bulky cargo beyond measure without the risk of damaging the frame or suspension.
When ordering sand or crushed stone, always check whether the stated volume includes the “hill” or whether only the volume up to the top edge of the sides is considered. This can change the amount of material brought by 10-15%.
Effect of extension sides on capacity
To increase the efficiency of transporting light materials such as sawdust, snow or peat, additional wooden or metal sides are often installed on a standard body. This allows you to significantly increase volume without a critical increase in weight. In such modifications, the question “how many cubes are in a chip” receives an answer in the range from 6 to 7.5 cubic meters.
The use of extension sides requires caution. The center of gravity of a loaded vehicle shifts upward, increasing the risk of rollover when turning or making sharp maneuvers. Drivers should take this into account and slow down when cornering.
Often such sides are made removable. This allows you to adapt the machine to different tasks: today you are transporting bulky but light garbage, and tomorrow you are transporting heavy bricks. Versatility The design of the ZIL-130 is largely due to this flexibility in the body configuration.
Why can’t the body with sides be overloaded?
Overloading a body with high sides is dangerous not only for the suspension, but also for stability. When braking, the inertia of the upper layer of the load can shift the center of gravity, which will lead to the car skidding or overturning, especially on slippery roads.
Weight and volume: correspondence table for different materials
Understanding the difference between volume and weight is key to proper logistics. Five cubes of sand weigh significantly more than five cubes of snow. Therefore, often the limiting factor becomes not the volume of the body, but lifting capacity car, which for the ZIL-130 is about 6 tons (although the passport size may be less).
Below is a table to help you calculate how much material will fit in the body based on its density. The data is averaged, since humidity and fraction can make adjustments.
| Material | Density (kg/m³) | Weight 5 m³ (tons) | Max. volume in ZIL (m³)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sand dry | 1600 | 8.0 | 3.75 |
| Crushed granite | 1470 | 7.35 | 4.0 |
| Chernozem | 1400 | 7.0 | 4.2 |
| Dry sawdust | 300 | 1.5 | 7.5 (with sides) |
| Snow (wet) | 500 | 2.5 | 6.0 |
As can be seen from the table, it is physically impossible to load heavy materials like sand or crushed stone into the “chip” with a full volume of 5 cubic meters without violating the load capacity standards. Drivers usually load them “heaps”, but not to the brim, so as not to get a fine at the weight control or damage the axles.
For lightweight materials, on the contrary, the main limit is precisely the physical volume of the body. This is where they come in handy extension sides, allowing you to export more products in one trip, saving fuel and time.
☑️ How to check the honesty of the volume when accepting cargo
Calculation of the number of flights for transporting soil
When planning earthworks, for example, digging a pit for a foundation or leveling a site, it is important to know exactly how many flights of “chips” you will need to order. An error in calculations can lead to equipment downtime or, conversely, a lack of space for the soil to be removed.
To calculate, you need to know the area of the site and the depth of the excavation. Multiplying these values will give you the volume in cubic meters. However, you should remember loosening coefficient. Soil taken out of the ground occupies a larger volume than in a dense body.
For example, if you need to remove 50 cubes of dense soil, and the “chip” takes 5 cubes, it seems that 10 trips are needed. But due to loosening, the volume may increase by 20-30%, and 12-13 flights will be required. Always keep a small reserve.
⚠️ Attention: When ordering the removal of construction waste, keep in mind that brick and concrete have a high density. Do not try to load the full volume of the body with heavy fractions - this may lead to damage to the springs. It is better to make two flights underload than to repair the suspension.
It is also worth considering the distance to the unloading point. If the test site is far away, the driver may not physically have time to make the required number of trips per shift, even if the car is in good working order. Plan your time generously.
Comparison of ZIL-130 with modern technology
In the era of modern dump trucks KAMAZ and MAN the good old ZIL seems archaic. However, the “chip” has its own advantages that allow it to stay in the market. The main one is maneuverability and the ability to drive where large equipment gets stuck.
Modern dump trucks often have a body volume of 10-20 cubic meters, which is 2-4 times more than that of the ZIL-130. But for narrow country driveways, gates of private houses, or work in dense urban areas, they can be too cumbersome. Here compactness Zila comes to the fore.
In addition, the cost of renting a “chip” is significantly lower than that of large analogues. For small volumes of work, where calling a large dump truck is not economically feasible, the ZIL-130 remains the optimal choice. It allows you to bring exactly as much material as you need, without overpaying for downtime of large equipment.
The ZIL-130 is inferior to modern analogues in performance, but wins in maneuverability and accessibility for small construction sites.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to load 6 cubic meters of sand into a ZIL-130?
Technically, you can pour 6 cubes, especially with a slide, but doing this is strictly not recommended. The density of the sand is high, and the total weight will exceed the permissible load on the axles and frame, which can cause damage to the springs or brake system.
How is the “trick” different from a regular onboard ZIL?
A “trick” in a construction context is precisely a dump truck. In the flatbed version, the body has a flat bottom and sides; it does not rise for unloading. Their volume may be similar, but their functionality is similar.
What is the actual volume of black soil that fits into a car?
Chernozem is a medium-heavy material. A standard body without sides is usually loaded with about 4-4.5 cubic meters, so as not to exceed the carrying capacity. With extension sides you can transport up to 6 cubic meters if the soil is dry and loose.
Why do drivers say “5 cubic meters” but deliver less?
This is often due to shrinkage of the material during transportation or the fact that the loader did not fill the pile completely for fear of spilling on the road. The moisture content of the material can also have an effect - wet sand is heavier and is placed in less volume.
Is it profitable to order ZIL for snow removal?
Yes, this is one of the most popular options. The snow is light, so you can use a body with high sides, loading 6-7 cubic meters per trip. This allows you to quickly clean the area at minimal cost.