Hopper, Dump O/O's & Drivers

I have financial backing from a family member to buy a truck and trailer. My father in law also owns a two truck operation hauling grain and chicken manure in a side dump.

 

How do you guys feel about the KW T660s?

 

That's a emissions truck so if your operation doesn't require a truck that new I wouldn't recommend it but there not bad trucks. I'm glad you have financing but unless you were given a blank check it still doesn't say what kind of setup you can afford. To me for just hauling grain I and the sleeper size would depend on how often I stay in the truck over nite. I would go for a glider 389 flat top with a 70in bunk 500 cat with 3.55 rears 13 or 18 spd Eaton tranny 24.5 rubber disc brakes 275 or 280 wheel base and a 42 foot cornhusker trailer should keep you under 30k empty might have to play with a half a tank but should easily be able to haul 50k

 

But a t600 is the same as a 660 without the def crap as long as you like the truck and its less than 18k weight it would be fine for hauling grain some load outs don't like tall stacks or sleepers so I would make sure it's a mid roof or flattop

 

How far back do I have to go to get a truck without emissions and what is the drawbacks of having one with emissions

 

Emissions started in 04 but in my opinion you can find a decent truck up too 2007 after that in my opinion it's a crap shoot if you buy used. I also believe the added maintenance for a single truck operation isn't worth the headache. Weather you go with a dpf system or def system you have a extra filter that must be maintained. If you go with def you must keep fluid in it that's a extra cost. Not to mention the added sensors that can can and usually go bad that you must keep maintained. My last issue is any of those three issues go bad it can derate the truck. If a parked regen doesn't fix or a shop is close by now you need a tow. Not to mention the time it takes to diagnose whatever caused you derate why you are at a shop. To me as long as gliders or pre 2008 trucks are available I would go with one of those options but it's your business to run as you see fit search the forum there are plenty of guys and gals discussing the specific issues of the 08 till now trucks whatever you choose good luck

 

What are your guys favorite trailers for hauling beans and corn? I should mention i would probably get a day cab truck and haul local.

 

Don't have a favorite but we use timpte and Wilson

 

Wow it went from quiet to down right dead hopefully that means everyone is out making money and to busy to rant

 

Well I am back anyway. Moved away from hopper and went to pneumatic and cement. Pay is far less. 3 hopper jobs and all were bad decisions. Last one was good up to a point. So I do not need trailer advice I guess !