Truck & trailer loaded to work

[haF.AST]

Here's a pic of my "fleet" loaded to go to a job. The only thing I'm missing is some gravel and pipe in the dump!

[cat320]

That is a sweet set up , Have you been getting alot of work for the equipment? Looks like if you had your name in the right places they would keep working non stop.

[CascadeScaper]

While running big equipment is fun, sometimes it's more profitable to run the small stuff. Nice setup!

[John Banks]

Looks good. Not sure about the buckets on top of the roof though :eek:

[haF.AST]

Thanks for the compliments. Hope to upgrade the truck to a 2008 super duty F-350 xtra cab with a stainless bed in the next year or so. Nice to haul everything in 1 trip.

Work is a little slow lately...most people have digging out of their minds for the winter. Not much snow plowing here either. I have been very busy all year though. Lots of homeowner work, less work for contractors

No worries about the buckets... one weighs 87lbs and the other about 150lbs. Both are over top of a 2X6 wall. They are in the building now...

[jazak]

Nice little setup. I'd love to play with those in my backyard.:bouncegri :yup

[Countryboy]

I just can't get over the built in hammer feature. :yup Thats a nice setup.

[itsgottobegreen]

If your getting another dump truck. Get a F-450, its the same as a F-350 size wize. I have a F-350 dump and never again. Never enought weight capacity. Its like your truck because its also running central hydraulics.

Anyways thats such a slick set up.

[Ford LT-9000]

The buckets on the roof is the security system a theif tries to break in the buckets fall on the crook :D

If you are going with a bigger dump truck with with a F-450 and F-550 because a F-350 has no payload by the time you add the dump body.

A F-450 will easily carry 8000lbs of gravel and a F-550 will carry 10,000lbs a F-350 is maxed out with 6000lbs.

[jazak]

The buckets on the roof is the security system a theif tries to break in the buckets fall on the crook :D

If you are going with a bigger dump truck with with a F-450 and F-550 because a F-350 has no payload by the time you add the dump body.

A F-450 will easily carry 8000lbs of gravel and a F-550 will carry 10,000lbs a F-350 is maxed out with 6000lbs.

Yah a F-350 dump is just about worthless now because how small the payload is. I would jump to a F-450 or F-550 like Ford said. The nice thing is to that boths of these trucks are about the same size as the F-350!!!!

[haF.AST]

:eek: guess I shouldn't be hauling 5 ton in my 3500...

[cat320]

But for the samll jobs this truck package does I would think that the payload would not be as much a factor to be paying more for a slightly bigger truck, anything more you can hire out or have delivered.

But if the everyday job that was being done needed alot of stock moved on and off site then I would really bypass the smaller stuff and go right into a big 6 or ten wheeler.

[Ford LT-9000]

All it takes is one accident with your overloaded 1 ton and you may loose everything you own. I used to haul with a overloaded 1 ton but no more I bought a F-Superduty (F-450) about 6 years ago and haven't gone back to a 1 ton truck since.

A truck with a 15,000lb gvw doesn't ride any different its a little firmer but they ride better than my F-350s ever did especially loaded. No more wallowing all over the road it feels safer.

People have to realize the days are gone where you use a 1 ton cab and chassis truck. Most Ford dealers don't have any on the lots just F-450 and F-550 trucks you want a F-350 cab and chassis it has to be special ordered.

[cat320]

My ford dealer has alot of both 350,450,550,and a few 650. last time i was in the lot when they had a supply i think there where more 350's than anything else

[jazak]

Oh btw a little of topic but your website is still down. Now back to topic; I'd sell that 3500 and buy a F-450/F-550 by spring. Like Ford said they ride just as nice and when loaded you don't even feel it. Example I used a 2004 F-550 auto, 4x4, diesel, 9' dump pulling 6,500lb.s UP A HILL AND PASSED A GUY IN A 2001+ CHEVY 1500......I will swear on the Bible or anything else you throw before me......we looked over and the guy was soo supprised it was so funny.

[Steve Frazier]

Nice looking equipment you've got!

On the truck debate, I can't understand why anyone would opt for a F-450 over a F-550. The cost difference is only $1500 and you gain 4000 lbs capacity in the 2 wheel drive version, 2500 with the 4x4. Even a 550 is marginal in load capacity, I can only carry 3 tons on mine legally.

With the service (poor) I've had from my SuperDutys, I'd look at the GM 4500 and 5500 trucks instead. You're a GM guy anyway! The GM chassis are lighter to start with, and from what I've heard from guys that own them, are more reliable than my Fords.

[cat320]

some i found

[cat320]

more

[jazak]

Nice looking equipment you've got!

On the truck debate, I can't understand why anyone would opt for a F-450 over a F-550. The cost difference is only $1500 and you gain 4000 lbs capacity in the 2 wheel drive version, 2500 with the 4x4. Even a 550 is marginal in load capacity, I can only carry 3 tons on mine legally.

With the service (poor) I've had from my SuperDutys, I'd look at the GM 4500 and 5500 trucks instead. You're a GM guy anyway! The GM chassis are lighter to start with, and from what I've heard from guys that own them, are more reliable than my Fords.

That maybe true BUT the 4500/5500 is a MUCH larger truck then the F-450/F-550.... you WILL NOT be able to go in the same tight places with the GMC series as the Fords can. The Chevy's also cost more $$$$$. Here they are $10K more!!!!!:eek:

[wyldman]

The bigger GM's are more nimble than the F450\550.Much tighter turning radius.

The newer F450\550's got the fatboy D60,which does tighten it up some,but still not as good as the GM's.

[haF.AST]

:cussing had lots of problems with my gmc...tranny(3 times), brakes, manifolds, steering.

I have a friend with the bigger chevy and I really don't like it and it is huge (for me)

I plow with it and do a ton (no pun intended) of "in yard" deliveries and need the smallest big truck I can get and it must have 4X4.

the 450 seems like a better choice and I love the 08's. Not sure about the diesel though(extra $$$ and ###)

to be totally honest, I'd be the first in line for a Honda dump truck...I'm sure I'll hear it for that one!:usa

[Electra_Glide]

If your getting another dump truck. Get a F-450, its the same as a F-350 size wize. I have a F-350 dump and never again. Never enought weight capacity. Its like your truck because its also running central hydraulics.

Just keep in mind that depending on the GVW of your trailer, anything bigger than a 1-ton could put you into CDL terrritory.

Joe

[cat320]

honda makes a real truck ? or is this something that will be comming out in the future?

[2004F550]

Cat whered you find those trucks? really nice looking rigs

[cat320]

found them on the other site some one posted them in the dot pics so i saved them nice set ups .

The blue 2wd was one on ebay near me that seamed like a steal what they got for that. I have got to say they haul a good load i will post one that i used to haul stuff with one time .

[cat320]

http://www.letstalksnow.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=11737&stc=1&d=1150419288
http://www.letstalksnow.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=11738&stc=1&d=1150419288

[Ford LT-9000]

Those 4500 and 5500s from GM stand out too much and are too large. How are you supposed to use one of those as a daily driver/work truck.

One of the big benefits of the 450 and 550 is they look like a normal P/U truck so you can sneak by the DOT when they have road side checks. You can park in neighbourhoods that don't allow big trucks.

Getting away from the DOT is the biggest thing you don't want them picking on you. Less you have to deal with those SOBs the better. You get one of them on a bad day they will start looking for things wrong with your truck. Also if your slightly overloaded you don't want the DOT putting the portable scales on you.

Take for instance in B.C. your legally supposed to stop at highway scales and brake checks with a F-450 550 sized truck because its in the gvw class.

The DOT can spot one of those Chevy/GMCs a mile away you pretty much got the "Hey DOT look at me" truck so if your running slightly over weight or your truck is sporting couple bald tires or you have a burnt out tail light your going to get nailed for it.

[CascadeScaper]

The newer trucks, whether it be Ford, Chevy, or Dodge, all suck, IMO. We've had good luck with the Ford 7.3's, our F350 has 170K with no problems, except we did just recently replace the torque converter and had the tranny rebuilt. Truck still drove fine, just didn't want to risk getting stuck somewhere. I'm extremely leary of Ford's 6.0's, especially now with the '07 regulations. I'm waiting for Toyota to release a 1 ton truck that isn't a cabover.

[Steve Frazier]

LOL!! You guys honestly think that the DOT officers aren't aware of the F-450 and F-550 weight capacities??? And wasn't the point of moving to that size truck to be able to haul a legal load??? Around here, DOT pulls in all trucks when they're on the prowl. If I had half a day to type, I'd list all the problems I've had with my '01 F-350 and '02 F-550 and the treatment I've received by 6 different Ford dealers and Ford at the corporate level!! I won't own another!!

I'd never make a business decision on a truck purchase based on the "appearance" of a truck, the performance is much more important to me. If Dodge would bring out a chassis in this category with the Cummins, they'd corner the market.

[cat320]

Well Steve your right i thought was the point to haul a load leagal my friend had an '84 K30 with extra spring on it it and it hauled alot of weight was it leagal probably not.

The one i have pic with the load was probably pushing the envolope. it heald it fine had no problem dumping the load. truning radius was great i thought compared to the old style 450-550 and visability was great alot better than the ford with plenty of cab room and a nice cab entry step that also worked as a much scraper when getting in the truck. with that truck i would say an 11-12 body works well as that was what was on the one i posted.

[haF.AST]

honda makes a real truck ? or is this something that will be comming out in the future?

no I'm just hoping a dually ridgeline is around the corner...:rolleyes:

[cat320]

no I'm just hoping a dually ridgeline is around the corner...:rolleyes:

I think that's the problem with the foreign trucks they don't build them big enough and with a big enough payload for the us market. i think if they did they would probably take alot of it away from the top three .

The ridge line looks like a tou next to my 350

[haF.AST]

looks like a toy next to my 150!

[Ford LT-9000]

The DOT looks for commercial trucks they will stop one of those 4500-5500 trucks 99% of the time because they look so much like their larger brothers6500-8500.

The only way to tell a F-450 or F-550 from a distance is the 19.5 wheels usually they pass you through. Usually by the time they realize you are a over 5500kg gvw truck its too late they are not going to chase you.

See our rules here any truck over 5500kgs (12,000lb) gvw is fair game for the DOT a truck with a gvw of 5500kgs and less your not someone they can apply commercial truck fines too.

The DOT will stop any commercial looking because they associate the look of the truck to gvw. You have a F-550 with a mason dump on it can look like a F-350 with a mason dump box on it and you blend into the traffic and sneak on by.

I don't know what your DOT is like in the US for smaller gvw trucks but here we get grilled like a chunk of steak because the DOT knows there is always little minor problems with smaller trucks. All commercial regulations apply to 450 550 4500 5500 trucks you own one your a registered trucking company.

If the DOT wants to find something they will even a brandnew truck will get checked over.

Thinks the DOT can fine you for is burnt out lights,ripped driver seat, mud flaps that are too high off the ground, tires, your load your hauling,paper work. If your emergency brake doesn't hold thats a instant inspection notice you have to have your truck inspected. Once your truck is inspected by a licensed shop you take your proof to a police station where you pay the fines and get your truck taken off the computer.

If your pulling a trailer with a mini on it they will be looking to see if your machine is properly secured if not another fine. The first thing they look for is your cinches have a safety wire on them if not you have a fine.

If you have a bunch of multiple little fines you can end up 500 dollars poorer that sure ruins a day. What really ruins the day is if they find something wrong with your truck and condemn it on the spot and you have to be towed at your expense to a repair shop.

The big money grab is the CDL for trailers over 10,000lbs if your lucky you get a warning for the first offence. If its your second offence cha ching how much do you want to pay sir.

Usually for us the word spreads quick that the DOT is in the area and we don't go to work for the day. Its cheaper to stay home or try avoid them because they set up in a area where you can't get around them. Like I said if you have a brandnew truck your not safe they will still try find something usually its a fine for a dirty license plate.

[2004F550]

If the officer is any kind of officer they know what trucks are what and will pull your azz over. The DOT officers here pull pickups with trailers over 10k over regularly, they know the laws and enforce them. The look may make a difference in a neighborhood, but in terms of law enforcement forget it. Besides with the ford you won't even be able to get out on the road to be pulled over, you can break down in your driveway.:wink2

[jazak]

honda makes a real truck ? or is this something that will be comming out in the future?

Actually guys they do...... its called the HINO, I'm sure you guys have seen one around.:wink2

[Countryboy]

I hope all the anti-Ford folks voted in the "Chevy, Dodge or Ford" (http://www.heavyequipmentforums.com/Forum/showthread.php?t=2315) thread. :bouncegri

[Steve Frazier]

If the officer is any kind of officer they know what trucks are what and will pull your azz over. The DOT officers here pull pickups with trailers over 10k over regularly, they know the laws and enforce them. The look may make a difference in a neighborhood, but in terms of law enforcement forget it. Besides with the ford you won't even be able to get out on the road to be pulled over, you can break down in your driveway.:wink2

My point exactly!! I've been stopped in my F-350 SRW truck. Any truck with commercial plates is subject to DOT scrutiny here. I talked to one guy who got a ticket towing his pleasure boat with a Suburban, the boat was 6" overwidth. Our DOT cops know the laws and enforce them at will, trying to fool them with a bigger truck in disguise will not work.

And the driveway thing? You ain't lying! I went to go plowing in one event and when I started the F-550, smoke rolled out from under the rocker plate. The wiring harness runs under it and became chaffed and caught fire. I've owned Fords exclusively for over 20 years, but the latest ones I've had have been nothing but trouble and the dealers give me no help.

[Ford LT-9000]

You guys are worse off than we are if your DOT can pick on you for a p/u truck. Anything upto 12,000lbs your pretty safe but after that don't make the DOT man mad or your wallet is going to feel empty.

[RuskEnt]

The newer trucks, whether it be Ford, Chevy, or Dodge, all suck, IMO. We've had good luck with the Ford 7.3's, our F350 has 170K with no problems, except we did just recently replace the torque converter and had the tranny rebuilt. Truck still drove fine, just didn't want to risk getting stuck somewhere. I'm extremely leary of Ford's 6.0's, especially now with the '07 regulations. I'm waiting for Toyota to release a 1 ton truck that isn't a cabover.


Yep they all suck. Until they can all go 250k miles with no major proablems i won't be happy. I been running the numbers and i think i am just going to buy 26k gvw and up vehicles. Atleast i know a international will last!

[CM1995]

Actually guys they do...... its called the HINO, I'm sure you guys have seen one around.:wink2


Actually Hino is made by Toyota:nono We have one that is 25k GVW with a hooklift and it is a very well made truck. They need to make a 450-550 size conventional truck - in addition to the cabover size they currently make. They would dominate the market.

[Ford LT-9000]

Hino does make a 2 ton sized conventional cab truck they are sold here in Canada. I was looking at one and they are a well built truck just a tad underpowered.

[jhill]

I don't know if this is good or bad but if the American truck makers don't make better vehicles Toyota is gonna clean their clocks. I am a Ford guy so I am biased against Toyota but you can bet they have studied all the problems with the American trucks like weak auto trannies and have addressed them. You only have to look at their adds to see what they are doing. They are stressing 6 spd autos and bigger brakes. Next it will be more towing capacity.
Hopefully the Americans companies will start telling the financial types to take a walk and build stuff to have fewer problems.

[PSDF350]

I don't know if this is good or bad but if the American truck makers don't make better vehicles Toyota is gonna clean their clocks. I am a Ford guy so I am biased against Toyota but you can bet they have studied all the problems with the American trucks like weak auto trannies and have addressed them. You only have to look at their adds to see what they are doing. They are stressing 6 spd autos and bigger brakes. Next it will be more towing capacity.
Hopefully the Americans companies will start telling the financial types to take a walk and build stuff to have fewer problems.

Only way that will happen, is if it makes financial sense. The bean counters are very good at there jobs.:Pointhead

[DR RPM]

You guys are worse off than we are if your DOT can pick on you for a p/u truck. Anything upto 12,000lbs your pretty safe but after that don't make the DOT man mad or your wallet is going to feel empty.

Here in Alberta as of Jan 1 anything over 4500kg or 9900lbs has to run a log book as well. ( 1 tons, local P and D truck, local gravel haulers ) They took away the 160km or 100mile working from home exemption.:bash

[Ford LT-9000]

The rules and regulations are getting horrible I know the guys are complaining about the Hours of service regs. It is getting to the point now trucking is a money loosing proposition.