There is disclosed a method of operating a tipper comprising a tipper body pivotably moveable with respect to a frame with a hydraulic cylinder disposed therebetween and actuatable to pivot the tipper body. The method comprises receiving at least one lateral state parameter relating to at least one lateral state of the hydraulic cylinder; determining whether the lateral condition of the hydraulic cylinder is outside acceptable limits based on the at least one lateral state parameter; and generating an output if it is determined that the lateral condition of the hydraulic cylinder is outside acceptable limits.