Starting a Dump Truck LLC

What is your gear ratio and transmission and axle ratings? Air ride or spring ride? 3 lift axles? What are you planning on loading tonnage wise?

 

So 5 axles total? Double frame?

I almost went this route too and probably still will some day...

 

I have been running a tandem and of course you can run just about any engine chassis combo. Although it is preference and I am going to catch grief for recommending something with a DD60 but this industry is about profit and costs, no engine uses less fuel than a 12.7 and If you are mainly going to pave, airbag suspension is fine (dump air bags if you are not paving and are off level when dropping load or my favorite Chalmers if you are going to encounter a lot of rough terrain, camelback is sturdy but your back will be destroyed. Stay away from Columbia's or any other Freightliner and other lighter chassis trucks if you are doing heavy dirt or quarry hauling . If you want to stand out and look sharp R series Macks and Ford 9000s are popular around here. I have been driving a 2017 International with a ISX 505 horse and she is surprisingly thirsty but nice. You could always get the best right away and get a KW! Although I have friends with nice Petes. I am going back on the road because owning my own truck is the only way I want to go and I can make so much more running a tractor trailer. I wish you the best of luck and prosperity. Plenty of naysayers to ignore.

 

LTL9000's are amazing looking IMO. Why O why did they quit making that truck!

Best dump I ever drove! (600HP Cummins Tri axle)

 

That truck will most likely be a slug unfortunately. Allison makes a good tranny but for pulling that kind of weight with only 315 HP you aren't going to win any races. Sounds like a poor spec for construction work. Spring ride with 400+ HP and a deep reduction manual transmission is a better way to go. Have you already bought the truck? Have you pulled any hills with 23.5 tons in the bed? Does it have a differential lock?

 

I wouldn't waste my time with that truck. A 335 is a wee little class 7 tractor. Specs are way too light. Probably only has a 1/4" frame too.

Personally I'd go with a decent class 8 truck with a heavy frame (like 3/8" or double frame), heavy steer axle, 46k rears, full lockers, 3.73 to 4.33 ratio and something with at least 400hp. I'm partial to a good air ride suspension myself but you can't beat a walking beam suspension for wheel travel.

 

23.5 tons is 47k pounds. Pulling that kind of weight in a semi should be 450+ HP. That truck was probably born with a van body on it. Someone bought it at auction, put the dump body and lift axles on it with a for sale sign. Buyer beware!

 

I legally load 28.5 tons for a gross of 88k with a 430hp c13....been 105k a few times when a scale wasn't available at load site