Buying a Dump Truck

Discussion in 'Tanker, Bulk and Dump Trucking Forum' started by MacDawg, Dec 17, 2018.

  1. MacDawg

    MacDawg Bobtail Member

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    Hi, I'm new here, I'm grain farmer, but I also drive for a few guys in my off season times, and am looking for advice on buying a dump truck. I've been driving part time for a local guy, he have 5 trucking and I fill in when a driver is sick or takes a day off. Last time I drove for him he was talking to me about buying my own truck. I would run with him and he said I'd be getting $85-95 an hour and $105-110 for a truck/pup combo.

    I've been doing research and looking at trucks online. I am looking for trucks I should stay away from and trucks that would be a good truck to start with. I will be looking at used at the moment and am open to anything.

    I know I want a truck with a tag axle and a 16'+ box. I've driven all of his trucks (Mack with auto, Pete, Freight and International with 8LL's). Any and all advise/help will be appreciated.

    1 truck I'm going to go look at this week is a 99 Mack RD688S, truck as a 8LL trans and 340k miles on it and 400hp, looks great in pictures and they are asking $56,000 for it, any advise on this truck or anything problem areas I should look at? My buddy will go with me before making a purchase.

    Thanks in advance.
     
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  3. DYLAN_131

    DYLAN_131 Light Load Member

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    Be wary of pre-DEF trucks. Reason being is current, upcoming/future emissions regulations. Pre-DEF trucks are starting to get phased out.

    As for the truck you mentioned; I recommend having a full inspection done bumper to bumper as well as having someone hook up to the truck and perform a diagnosis including checking/running all codes if any. Try to stay away from cheap scan tools, as they often miss codes or misinterpret codes. Feel free to ask questions.

    Happy Holidays!
     
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  4. MacDawg

    MacDawg Bobtail Member

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    Thanks for the reply Dylan! The truck looks to be extremely clean in the pictures. I was planning on havin a full inspection on it. I'll let ya know how it looks we I see it in person.

    Any other trucks I should maybe being looking at?
     
  5. DYLAN_131

    DYLAN_131 Light Load Member

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    You are welcome. I have a few ideas for trucks to look at. But ill need more info.

    What are you going to be hauling? What do you want vs. don't want? I will only suggest and discuss trucks I have experience with in order to better assist you.
     
  6. MacDawg

    MacDawg Bobtail Member

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    I'll be hauling rock/lime/concrete/dirt etc. I want atleast 1 tag axle, manual or auto trans(doesn't matter) steel box. I have all the major brands(Pete, KW, International, Mack, Volvo and Freight) dealer within 20 miles of me, so not picky on brand. I'm looking to spend around $70-75,000 max for a truck.
     
  7. DYLAN_131

    DYLAN_131 Light Load Member

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    Once I get back to my office and do some research I'll write back.
     
    MacDawg Thanks this.
  8. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    Welcome aboard, you came to the right place. I did lot's of dump truck work, drove them all, and I have one 4 letter word for you. MACK!!! I don't know about the 8LL, the 8LL's, if the same one I used were junk. Ford made a good truck with the Louisvilles, not as tough as the Mack, but a bit more civilized, stay away from the others, except KW. I had the 2nd best luck with KW, and there's a bunch around. Mack 1st, KW 2nd. Western Star a good truck too, but may be pricey. Good luck.
     
  9. I glide 47

    I glide 47 Road Train Member

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    I disagree always buy pre def. Don't worry about the trucks getting phased out ,ain't gonna happen
     
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  10. MacDawg

    MacDawg Bobtail Member

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    Thanks for the reply "semi", which model Mack would you recommend? The 2 Macks I have driven for the local buddy are both 2015 Granite GU713's? with auto trans. His other 3 trucks have 8LL trans and they seem to be fine, and easy to drive
     
  11. DYLAN_131

    DYLAN_131 Light Load Member

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    It is up to the buyer. I personally like pre-def trucks the most. However, its hard to be able to accurately predict what the future holds with emissions. I hope pre-def trucks don't get phased out. I like to throw caution to the wind, especially with someone buying their first truck, i think its a safe business move to buy current emissions trucks due to the fact you never know.
     
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