which truck to buy: used single screw, P&D truck

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by mugurpe, Sep 16, 2013.

  1. mugurpe

    mugurpe Medium Load Member

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    May 5, 2013
    Arlington, MA
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    Hello and thanks in advance for the advice. I'm looking for a single-axle day cab tractor to use for local work pulling a pup trailer. The trailer will generally be loaded pretty light, we're hauling household goods. We'll be doing a lot of urban driving and parking (drive 5 miles in the city, park it for 3 hours, drive 5 miles in the city, park it for 2 hours, back to terminal). We have a small fleet of straight trucks and this tractor will get similar use/mileage to them. Probably only 5K per year. We're located in Boston, so rust is an issue. We'll be using a different tractor for over the road purposes so this truck shouldn't end up with much miles or get seen by DOT on a regular basis. I'm looking for general suggestions or make and model, also advice on wheelbase, and any other specs you might suggest.

    I'm currently looking at 2 batches off trucks local dealers have for sale.

    one dealer has a bunch of '05/'06 international 8600s, cummins ISM, 10speed with 3-400K miles, but they're rusty beat new england trucks (http://www.truckpaper.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=4362165)
    another dealer has a bunch of '05/'06 Sterling A9500s with MBE400, 10spd with 3-400K miles, but they're super clean southern trucks. (http://www.truckpaper.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=4543113)

    I'd rather have an international as I already have one and have some rapport and experience with the local dealership, and I don't like the idea of having an orphaned truck with a semi-orphaned engine, but the condition makes a big difference. the prices between the two are pretty similar. There are also a variety of trucks available from penske & ryder at a higher price point, but given the short mileage I put on our local trucks, they generally rust out before I wear anything out. Any input is appreciated.

    thanks for your help.
     
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  3. Ezrider_48501

    Ezrider_48501 Road Train Member

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    Apr 2, 2011
    bismarck, nd
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    i think looking at the two listings id be leaning towards the sterling's. esp considering that you said your trucks normally rust out before you wear them out. the clean southern trucks will last you longer than the already rusty internationals
     
  4. ampm wayne

    ampm wayne Heavy Load Member

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    bloomington,in
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    I would go with the International with the Cummins. I feel that is a much better choice than the Mercedes motor in the Sterling.

    Since you already have an understanding of Internationals and a local shop I would go with what you are use to.
     
    cetanediesel Thanks this.
  5. luvtotruck

    luvtotruck Road Train Member

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    Jul 30, 2013
    Phoenix Arizona
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    I agree with him ^^^
    I would stay away from the MBE motor! They are troublesome! And if you have like he said a rep. with the international shop, why not have the international shop find you a good truck?
     
    ampm wayne Thanks this.
  6. ‘Olhand

    ‘Olhand Cantankerous Crusty

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    Jan 18, 2011
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    IMHO--I would look more at the previous application--since u r not gonna put a lot of miles or hard use--either motor will probably be fine w/decent maintence--As for the NE rust--is it surface rust or worse?
    But again what/how it was used would concern me more--was it also P&D--was it shared--was it linehaul only--combination--getting these answers should help make ur decision easier.....
    If equal I would lean towards the cummins--but again in your scenario the truck isn't going to be used hard and that gives u a lot of leeway--all things considered it might just come down to price---
    Good Luck
     
  7. mugurpe

    mugurpe Medium Load Member

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    May 5, 2013
    Arlington, MA
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    looking at the photos of both sets of trucks, the 8600s engine bay looks like a disaster. Honestly, they look rustier than more corroded than the 2002 trucks I already own. I know from experience that kind of crap can really kill you by a death of 1000 cuts (little fixed lines blowing, leaks that are hard to identify, you go to fix one thing, disturb some stuff, a bunch of crap breaks, rust/corrosion related electrical problems, etc). However having a truck sit for 6 weeks because you need some dumb widget shipped in from Bavaria doesn't sound appealing either or because it's an oddball piece of equipment and you end up going shop-to-shop trying to find someone who understands the #### thing and isn't just throwing the parts department at it.

    thanks for the advice on finding out who owned it previously, When I go look at them or go for a drive I'll find out.
     
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