What truck to get???? Grrrrrr.....

Not much of a bet, considering I already stated as much. Read much?

 

Allison fully Automatic transmission is the most popular option a tri axle dump in my area for many reasons.
Better off road for traction, reliability is better if they are serviced, don't have to worry about driver error "shifting or clutch abuse", faster and better on fuel.
Look on Truck Paper at the new Mack Tri Axles for sale, most are automatics.
A contractor in my area ordered a dozen Peterbilts with the allison set up with the 60 series 430 hp in the late 80's or early 90's, they went out of business but there are many still around today, they were tandems and were one of the first to use that setup, fastest loaded tandem off the line from a stop i have ever seen.

 

If I were spec'ing a new truck for a straight dump, it'd be a Granite with the MP8-505M engine, T310ME21 transmission, and SW65 Mack rears with full lockers on Raydan AirLink...but that's just me. For a tractor, I'd swap the transmission for the T31821 and probably downsize to the SW582 but keep the full lockers and AirLink.

Of course that's if I were going to be the one driving it. If I were planning to hire a driver, I'd want to idiot-proof it as much as possible, because there are far too many idiots driving trucks these days. Since I have an extremely low tolerance for idiocy, I doubt I'll ever expand my operation beyond the number of trucks I can drive myself...less headaches that way.

 

around here all dump drivers use KW's probably a Volvo once in a blue moon but the cat came and left like a onenight stand

 

Also depends upon parts availability. I'm surrounded by Mack dealers to the point where pretty much anywhere I go while I'm out hauling loads, I'm never more than an hour away from one. Even here at the house, I can drive 20 minutes South, 30 minutes north, or 60 minutes east and be at one...so it makes sense to buy a Mack. Peterbilt is an hour South or 2 hours north...but couldn't tell you where a KW dealer would be around here. Got 1 International dealer 20 minutes away, but Freightliner is all at least an hour's drive.

What I'm getting at is this: When you have to work on it, do you want to spend an entire day fetching parts? Or would you rather have a place a little closer to home so you could devote your time to actually turning the wrenches?

 

I read an article about a company involved in gas drilling in Colorado I think it was .They did heavy duty off-road and on road driving and did long term tests on all the major brands and the truck that held up the best was the
KW T-800. I don't remember the specs ,but overall it held up the best according to their tests. I just got out of a 2012 KW w900 heavy hauler tractor , 550 cummins,18spd,46k rears ,twin steering boxes etc. Aside from all the emissions and engine issues due to the DPF/DEF EGR issues the truck was solid. Hauling 102k lbs everyday on and off-road. No transmission or rear issues,tight steering up to 600k miles.
Just all the engine problems mostly attributed to the emissions. Cummins parts were expensive, $7000 for a new turbo .......

Like I mentioned earlier ,I wouldn't touch a truck with an engine past 2007. A new truck would have to be a glider with a pre emissions Cat or pre emissions Detroit 60.

 

I have to agree with @Pedigreed Bulldog

 

Don't limit yourself to Allison automatic, most companies offer auto shift manual trans also.
No clutch pedal, manual trans, usually 10 spd, electronically shifted.