Flatbed tractor questions

Mine too.

Even in the mountains my truck does pretty well.

When I put a 13 in that will make a big difference.

 

Even though I like to kid the Peterbilt Folk.... 'cause they're Peterbilt Folk....

That is seriously a lot of money for a 1997 truck that there's probably no paperwork or records or anything.

And of course we all know that because of the name of the truck any parts that you buy for it are much more expensive than any other brand.... purely because of the name plate.

For half that price you can find a nice Freightliner that has been worked over. Or some other brand truck.

I think oilfield trucks probably take a lot of abuse also.

Even that auto car I would look at before that thing because the autocar has a new engine and new transmission.

And that auto car would turn more heads than the petrobilt...

 

No no no.

Mack Made Super heavy duty excellent dump trucks.

They also made uncomfortable cabs they were not created at all for driver comfort and Camelback suspension that will kill you.

Limit your search to a truck with air ride rears and air ride cab and something that is going to be comfortable because you're going to spend a lot of time in it.

 

is Hendrickson the one without Springs..? We called them Walking Beams...

is Hendrickson the one without springs ? We called them Walking Beams..

 

OP. Go around to your local mechanic shops and ask about experience.
Who works on which brand of trucks/motors. Availability of parts.

Those short runs eat a lot of time. Waiting to Load and unload. Sometimes quick, most times waiting.
If it's a 5-10 load project not much waiting. If it's a constant production. Longer wait times.

Moving equipment, usually quicker (less) wait time. Shingles or lumber more time waiting then loading.
Good luck

 

I own a truck with a rare motor, and I wouldn't suggest going that route. Parts can take longer to get in and are typically more expensive than the more common models. You also have to trust that whoever is working on that motor is familiar with it, or at least has proper instructions and knows how to follow them.

 

Not only do they work on the motor. Any one can turn a wrench, I'm living proof.
Do they have the specialty tools needed to get the job done.

Many mechanics on this website have posted tools they made or had to buy.

Without those tools and the wisdom to use them, the price of repairs can escalate quickly. Extra time for repairs and lost revenue