new or used,, first year on my own!

[AFCS]

I have been a foreman for three different companies in the last fifteen years.
not a great track record i admit, but it is what it is.
I have gone out on my own this year, and am considering the prucence of purchasing a 96 kw t800 with 46's, lockers, 15 spd, and 475 cat.,, only draw back is the 8 bag air suspension. truck has 561k on the odometer, this was backed up by the ecm. 40,000.00
or do i purchase the 2006 freightliner dump truck spec built 46 k lockers good tranny, 475 cat 410 ratio,, so what is the best bet here?

I believe it comes down to simple economics,, the area that i live in has 31 excavation operations, and a growth rate of 14% per year. that justifies the new truck!

[Jeff D.]

AFCS,I'm not a big fan of that 8 bag suspension either.They had issues with the airlines for transfering air,bag to bag,being too small,and seem to need to be rebuilt often.They did come out with some updates for larger air lines,though.

Other than that I haven't heard anything bad about Kenworths.They do seem to be quality stuff.

How does that price compare to other trucks in your area?I know Alaska can be much different than down here,price wise.

I would probably lean towards a good used one first.My thinking is that if it didn't work out you could dump a used truck easier than new.The new takes a few years before you get it paid down enough so it's worth more than you owe(assuming you'll be financing most of it) If it did work out like your hoping,then go with new later.

Also the new engines don't seem to have the bugs worked out of them yet,since the 2003 EPA thing.I've heard of some problems with the twin turbo set-up on the new Cats.Although a new one should be more dependable than a 96.

If you decide to go new,I've had good luck with Freightliners.They could use more insulation in the cab structure(so you won't freeze to death),and they've that "door won't close right" reputaton,but my doors never gave me trouble,so??

Good Luck on making your desicion!!