Buying a Quad Axle and have a couple questions for the pro's...

Recently we made the initial investment to grow our construction business and added a Komatsu 210 excavator, D6 Cat dozer, Kubota 95 track loader.
We now realize we have so many shovels but not a wheel barrow .
My questions are few but important so any wisdom out there would be super.

1. We are looking to spend around $70,000 for a decent quad axle dump truck. What brand is good one to consider for being a used rig with 500,000 +/-? Also, looking for a truck with 450 HP or higher.
2. I am better off buying a truck equipped with brakes and a pintle hitch to provide the ability to haul my machines or better off buying a lowboy?
3. We have been in the construction business for 20+ years, mainly residential and commercial but the need for exaction and site work in our is rapidly growing. That said even though we don't have a client list for specific dump truck work, I feel that will grow plus.. we will see a need for 200 hours plus of dump truck work on our own sites? Does dump truck work and it's business/request grow at a steady rate or once it is known you have a good machine and qualified driver, work comes in at a faster rate? I ask this to decide if we may need to hire on a future full time driver?
Thank you in advance for your time and answers.

 

I would seriously look at an tractor and end dump. Then you could find a used rgn to move your equipment. Or a belly dump or side dumper. A tractor gives you more flexibility to keep it working. You could also rent trailers as needed for dirt hauling, so many more options than a quad axle in my opinion.

 

Depending on the exact model you have it could weigh up to 52k for the excavator. 45k for the newer model. You would be better off getting a tractor and lowboy to move this. Not to mention the height is 9'7" so if your state is 13'6" you will need permits to move it if it is not on a lowboy.

Based on your own numbers of 200 hours of work, that is not enough to justify your own truck yet. If I were you, I would find a good local hauler in your area that can move the equipment. In addition to that I would also talk to local owner operators about performing the dump truck work that you need. All the expenses are deductible as business expenses as you know.

You also have to consider the expense of operating a truck and the liability that goes along with it. A lot of people in your situation think they are saving money but when you factor in the cost of the truck and associated expenses along with the liability aspect they really are not. One accident with the truck and you could lose it all.

 

One of the best answers I've ever read concerning expansion. You've completely covered the entire realm of possibilities. The original poster may not accept your advice, sometimes the ego interferes with good, sane business decisions. Grow the business till it's bursting at the seams, and then go get the equipment to absorb the growth.

You'll learn that there will always be a supply of haulers. Treat them right, and they'll be there when you need them the most.