dump, hook, dumpster truck ... opinions and advice needed

[imjustdave]

I curently own a dodge 1 ton and have voed to never get a bigger truck, and or get into the hauling buisness but I might .......

I do a lot of landscaping and hauling away of debris, + hauling of my own equipment + topsoil, and gravel delivery. Curently haul a tracked skid steer + rental equipment mainly a mini- Ex mainly. But realasticly my truck is small, I hire trucks all the time to haul stuff for me and Im at the point where I might want to buy a mini-EX 5 ton range and Im thinking of getting a hook style of roll off dumpster. If I get a big enough dumpster I could drive and haul my skid steer in and or a mini Ex, around + I could haul my own stuff and recoop some money as well as, renting out dupsters to other people keeping the truck and a driver bussy. So am I crazy? Can 1 truck with say 3-10 dumpsters make $$, should I get a dump truck instead? what is the best setup for a roll off box- dumpster? brands of trucks and dumpster boxes? Advice please

Thanks

[Ford LT-9000]

It depends on what size of truck your after I looked into it and the price of the truck makes it cost probhibitive. If your looking at a hooklift on a F-550 sized truck then your looking at 70 grand or more that doesn't even include bins. If you are going with a 5 ton excavator then your going to need minimum 33,000lb gvw single axle if your doing that you might aswell try find a used tandem conventional rolloff truck then your going into big trucks big money.

You might be better off sticking with a F-550 or Chev 5500 with a mason dump on it. To make a mini bin service work you will need a large customer base you will never make it with 3 bins your going to need a fleet of bins.

It all depends on how much money you want to spend and how much you may loose :crying

[jazak]

1. You will want a truck thats under CDL. So that you or your workers can drive it. Something around the GVW 20-23,000lb. range.
2. A hooklift or roll-off is great because you can leave a body at the job to fill with the mini-ex while the truck is getting some supplies or dumping a second body. So its like have several trucks in one.
3. Since you will have several bodies you could also get into removal or stuff like that if you wanted to. Like you said yourself you could rent the bodies out to other contracters, ext.
4. You can put your tracked skid in the back like you suggested. Since its a roll-off or hooklift body it work like flatbed tow truck so you can put just about anything in the back of the truck with no problem except the weight limit.
5. I would get 2x solid sided boxes & 1x solid sided box but one thats like a rack body in that you can take the sides of to make it a flatbed.
6. Here is a great picture of a guy who has two rolloff/hooklift trucks that he loves. If you would like to get into contact with him to ask some questions I could probobly get you his phone#.

[imjustdave]

Well I was thinking tandom axel maybe even tandom with a drop. I ues a local company curently they drop me a 40 yard box all the time and its nice, they do have a few smaller trucks and I have gotten 1 smal bin once and the truck couldn't lift it, so I had to transfer some assphault out and split between two boxes. so I dont' think small is worth it plus im looking for something that can handle my curent and future equipment with out to much issue. I assume I could pull a nice sized equipment trailer with a hook truck

[imjustdave]

1. You will want a truck thats under CDL. So that you or your workers can drive it. Something around the GVW 20-23,000lb. range.
2. A hooklift or roll-off is great because you can leave a body at the job to fill with the mini-ex while the truck is getting some supplies or dumping a second body. So its like have several trucks in one.
3. Since you will have several bodies you could also get into removal or stuff like that if you wanted to. Like you said yourself you could rent the bodies out to other contracters, ext.
4. You can put your tracked skid in the back like you suggested. Since its a roll-off or hooklift body it work like flatbed tow truck so you can put just about anything in the back of the truck with no problem except the weight limit.
5. I would get 2x solid sided boxes & 1x solid sided box but one thats like a rack body in that you can take the sides of to make it a flatbed.
6. Here is a great picture of a guy who has two rolloff/hooklift trucks that he loves. If you would like to get into contact with him to ask some questions I could probobly get you his phone#.

My skidsteer weighs in at almost 12K lbs and the Ex I want is about the same so I need a larger truck, I have a class A so I'm not worried aobut that, curently im just under 26K with my 1 ton dodge and 14K trailer, the issues is my trailer is always at 14K or higher and its only a matter of time before it fails, I have looked into a goosneck trailer, 20K capasity, but Im looking at another 10K in a trailer, nice option but maybe a better one is a hook truck with a second line of work,

I think the bigest Q are
How hard will it be to keep a truck bussy?
How much in real life does a truck cost per HR to operate?
Fuel, ins, driver, maintainance.. etc
How much work is there? Seattle area
How many containers will I need to make it worth wild?
Which truck is right? hook, dump, tilt, tandom, ETC
Is it worth the trouble? :)

[jazak]

A tandem axle is WAY overkill. Go look at a Peterbilt 335 or Kenworth T300. There is no way you need a tandem axle truck to just carry a skid and mini-ex. I would like I said go with 3 boxes. Plus a tandem axles is a pain to drive in residentail areas. Talk to SCAG48 about work over there, last I heard there is tons of it. The truck is only worth it if you want to grow, if you want to stay a small one or two man operation then keep the dodge and just keep contracting trucks out, but thats only if you want to stay at the size you're at now. Go with a double pivot hooklift so the truck act like a roll-off and, a dump truck & a flatbed tow truck. Also the truck will stay as busy as you are now if not more. Just because its a bigger truck doesn't mean that it won't stay busy; HOW MUCH IT STAYS BUSY IS HOW MUCH YOU WANT IT TO STAY BUSY. What I mean is by that is if you don't advertise, ext the truck will sit along with the rest of your equipment now if you advertise and maybe add a few services that truck will stay busy because work will always be coming.

[T Red]

I looked at this a while back. Mainly a F550. But the problem was payload. I think you need a 33,000 lb truck to do much.
Truck wt 10,000
lift 4000
container 3000 just guessing on the container

end up with 17,000 tare wt

if you used a 33,000 lb truck you would have 16,000 lb payload.

If you used a 23,000 lb truck you would have only 6000 lb payload.

Also some contractors fill those containers with alot of wt. especially drywall or demo work. Better be sure it will pick up about anything. Don't limit yourself make it profitable.

[Ford LT-9000]

I never noticed it the first time that you were from the Pacific Nortwest area.

I would go with a tandem you will find more used tandems you can buy to get your foot in the door than a single axle.

The benefits of a tandem axle rolloff is you can use the truck for a dump truck that will haul 15 ton of gravel, you can have some 40 yard bins for brush hauling. You can build a set of logging bunks on a set of rails for hauling short wood logs a flatdeck for hauling general freight.

A tandem axle with a conventional rail hoist is handy to have I would have one but there is already 3 companies in the area competing the the work.

If you go with a single axle rolloff your payload isn't that great plus most demolition contractors want 30-40 yard bins. Also if you get jobs clearing brush you really need a big bin because it is light but bulky material.

[Wawrecker]

Hi Dave, I am in Wa st and just put a T800 hooklift on the road and have no regrets. GO WITH THE BIG DOG!!! I use my truck for our own demolition but have also been helping the local recycle guys with hooklifts when there truck goes down at $105 hr. I put a Trailmax 30 ton tilt behind it and then roll a can on backwards and I can roll down the road legal with 26 tons in the cans. I just helped a buddy that was doing some concrete demo in Wenachee get all his scrap rebar back to Seattle. I did it for 50% of what the load paid, well with 2 cans of steel and 8 hours port to port the truck grossed $1000.00 for the day or around $125 hr. These are opertunitys that will not present themselves in a F-550. Buy a truck with no less that 425 HP, 13SPD 15 or 18spd, walking beam type suspension, 40k plus axles a 16k plus upfront and go with a Stellar bed. Having just spent $228,000.00 on a 07 Kenworth and 8 cans I can help you cut some cost due to hindsight being 20/20. Send me a private mail and I can help you out.

[Ford LT-9000]

Thats good to hear your getting lost of work with your T-800 Wawrecker :thumbsup

To keep cost down for a first time starter a conventional rail hoist truck would be cheaper especially for a used truck. Once you see there is a market then go for the new truck.

[earthmoverv]

Buy a rollback wrecker style truck go in the wrecker service on the side no epa to deal with no dump fees and you can choose which one you take or not . dumpsters are a 24 hr turn around usallly always over loaded never small enough to put where they want it etc wrecker truck big enough to haul your equip AND BUILD SIDE PANNELS for it and triple your debrie cap.;);)

[90plow]

The dumpster buisness is not one I would want to be in. My friend does it and between the insurance, drivers, and breakdowns theyre lucky to break even at the end of the day. Even if you made $150 an hour if you blow a rear you've spent a weeks pay between down time and repair costs. I don't know how you could really make any money with one truck unless your using it for yourself. The amount of cans you need to move to turn profit is rediculous. This is only my opinion there are guys making good money at it but is cut throat.

[Dwan Hall]

this is a three year old thread. Which way did he go?

I make a fair profit with my hook lift, but it is not my only means of support.

[deer3245]

How do you unload debris from an auto wrecker rollback?

[Dwan Hall]

good question Most don't dump steep enough. Suppose one could load a skid steer on first then load your scrap behind it then push it off. Ha Ha

Here is one of my Stellar shuttles on a F350 without the bed. This one will dump at about 53 degrees.

[deer3245]

Have you ever seen the lift hook system on a trailer for a p/u? I imagine you can tow more that you can carry?

[Dwan Hall]

Stellar industeries mounts some of theres on trailers. It has been a long time sence I have seen one but they will adpot one to a trailer if you have enough money.

http://www.stellarindustries.com/pages/hooklifts.htm

[Deeretime]

I got 2 T330 kenworths bolth with swamp loaders and it has been the Best thing we have ever bought. I haul skidsteers in the dumpsters and also have a water truck deck, a genset on a deck, and a large deck with a fithwheel and a winch. they are by far the best trucks we have ever owned ill post some pictures of the decks and setups later if you are interested

[ScottAR]

I'd love to see pics of hook lifts. I'm in a thought exercise about
what trucks we'll need in the future. A hooklift/rolloff type truck
is looking attractive.

[CM1995]

ill post some pictures of the decks and setups later if you are interested

I would also like to see your set up. Hook-lifts are under utilized in NA, IMHO.

[Deeretime]

Ok ill take some tomorrow and post them

[PETE379]

All my guys love to drive this truck, I have a flat bed, an 8, 18 and a 10yd box with a two way gate. We mostly deliver materials with it, its a Very versatile truck.

[DiamondConcrete]

Very nice and clean truck. What does that truck weigh in at empty with that container on it??? And what the payload you can put in it with out being overloaded?

[PETE379]

THANKS, With that box the empty weight is about 17,000, so the payload is good for 8 tons. The hook is a swaploader 2418HD, its a heavier unit but its double pivot so it dumps like a dumptruck which is what we use it for most of the time. We might do 10 to 15 deliveries a day with it but only swap containers once or twice.

[ucallit]

I am currently looking for a international hook unit truck or just the unit as I own a truck but need another unit. If you know of one, please contact me at 6072836047 I live in NY. Need one as soon as possible. any suggestions. please let me know. thanks.

[PETE379]

I deal with Danisi Truck service in Deer Park N.Y. Kind of far for you but he deals in new and used units and used trucks also. Phone number is 631-667-9239 Good Luck!

[bonanno23]

All my guys love to drive this truck, I have a flat bed, an 8, 18 and a 10yd box with a two way gate. We mostly deliver materials with it, its a Very versatile truck.

What size motor does that thing have? Whats does something like that go for?


I used to work for Fred (long acre landscaping) Been a while since I was at your yard. See you guys have expanded. Thats great

[mitch504]

I got 2 T330 kenworths bolth with swamp loaders and it has been the Best thing we have ever bought. I haul skidsteers in the dumpsters and also have a water truck deck, a genset on a deck, and a large deck with a fithwheel and a winch. they are by far the best trucks we have ever owned ill post some pictures of the decks and setups later if you are interested

You have one with a fifth wheel and winch??!!! I didn't know they were attached well enough for that. please post pictures and info. Thanks, mitch

[ScottAR]

I would like to see the fifth wheel deck as well.

[ScottAR]

bump...

[Horns]

What do you guys think is would be better for my application, the steller, or swamploader. I plan on putting it on a 15,000GVWR truck and would like to use it as a dump truck also.

[Horns]

ttt

[CM1995]

Horns, welcome to the Forums.

If I were to chose, it would be a Swaploader. The SL105 would fit the bill for a 15K GVW chassis. I have some experience with a SL145 on a Hino 26K chassis and it's an excellent hook. 3 years of constant service and not a problem. I don't have any experience with a Stellar.

What will you be using this small hook lift for?

[Horns]

Horns, welcome to the Forums.

If I were to chose, it would be a Swaploader. The SL105 would fit the bill for a 15K GVW chassis. I have some experience with a SL145 on a Hino 26K chassis and it's an excellent hook. 3 years of constant service and not a problem. I don't have any experience with a Stellar.

What will you be using this small hook lift for?

I was just going to build a custom dump box for the truck but I really like the idea of being able to put any type of bed on it I want. The hooklift seems perfect.

[hss]

i am looking for a good used single axle hooklift truck. possibly some containers also. i would like the truck to have an auto trans and air or hyd. brakes. make of truck really isnt an issue. sorry for hijacking this thread.
thanks
guys

[barklee]

i am looking for a good used single axle hooklift truck. possibly some containers also. i would like the truck to have an auto trans and air or hyd. brakes. make of truck really isnt an issue. sorry for hijacking this thread.
thanks
guys

Does it have to be auto? We have two single axle trucks. One International with a 33000 hook, and a Ford with a 26,000 hook. The Ford has 10 14 yard containers. PM me if interested

[hss]

Does it have to be auto? We have two single axle trucks. One International with a 33000 hook, and a Ford with a 26,000 hook. The Ford has 10 14 yard containers. PM me if interested

yes i would prefer auto. thanks though.

[Mackmann]

Does it have to be auto? We have two single axle trucks. One International with a 33000 hook, and a Ford with a 26,000 hook. The Ford has 10 14 yard containers. PM me if interested

I cant PM for some reason. But if you still have any of these trucks for sale please email me at Bmartin271@hotmail.com. Thanks please send pics.

[jck252]

I am looking to start a bin business and am looking for all the tips I can get. any help would be appreciated. I already have a client base set up but am unsure of the rates to charge and am still deciding what truck to buy. Any feedback at all is appreciated. You can contact me at jasonkuettel@gmail.com

[imjustdave]

I am looking to start a bin business and am looking for all the tips I can get. any help would be appreciated. I already have a client base set up but am unsure of the rates to charge and am still deciding what truck to buy. Any feedback at all is appreciated. You can contact me at jasonkuettel@gmail.com

Well Rate wise

Disposal cost + what you want to make on disposal

Hauling per hr, per drop, per can?
Some people will want the can for a week. or longer and want it emptied so you have swap scenario.
Some people will want you to show up and they will fill it up and you leave
Some will want it for a 1 time deal.

Experience
I got a 5 axle truck, 3 cans. mostly for my own work but some rental. Then the economy tanked and so did the business.

What I learned.
Cans rental hauling is a business in itself, if your adding this to an already running business you really need to look at this as a 2nd one that can help your current work.
Cans are Expensive to buy $$
Cans are Expensive to repair when someone trashes one, even the minor stuff adds up.
Concrete gets heavy, and it will trash a can in a heart beat, so have dedicated concrete cans that are really small, nothing worse then not being able to pick up the can.
People will fill it up until no more will stay in, Have a lid, line on the side ETC.
I had my cans set to nest inside each other like the Russian wooden dolls, This helps when you need to haul 2 cans out somewhere, I still charged for delivery but I only had to make 1 trip :)
Try and get a system "Hook" like someone else in your area, so if your truck breaks down you have a way to hire out, helps them as well. you can also rent cans from each other incase you get a lot more work then cans available.
I wish I had an onboard scale, I had a 60K hook so I could pick it up but heaven knows I was way overloaded at times even with the 2 drop axles.
Chain setup sucks if your off pavement.
Hooks style you can grab with little issues, even at some crazy angles.
double rollers on the end if you plan on heavy loads.
Auto Tarp system.
You can haul lots of stuff, wood, dirt, debris, trash, recycle, Water tank, flat bed... I had lots of plans with my hook truck but the economy tanked like 4 months after I purchase it :( Oh well
That's all I can think of :)

[CM1995]

Welcome to the Forums jck252!:drinkup

Imjustdave gave some great advice.;)

[Reel hip]

Keeping this post alive. This was my 70 Ford roll off I built. hauled the machine and dirt or concrete. I set it up so I could fuel my equipment.

[TunaTime]

I curently own a dodge 1 ton and have voed to never get a bigger truck, and or get into the hauling buisness but I might .......

I do a lot of landscaping and hauling away of debris, + hauling of my own equipment + topsoil, and gravel delivery. Curently haul a tracked skid steer + rental equipment mainly a mini- Ex mainly. But realasticly my truck is small, I hire trucks all the time to haul stuff for me and Im at the point where I might want to buy a mini-EX 5 ton range and Im thinking of getting a hook style of roll off dumpster. If I get a big enough dumpster I could drive and haul my skid steer in and or a mini Ex, around + I could haul my own stuff and recoop some money as well as, renting out dupsters to other people keeping the truck and a driver bussy. So am I crazy? Can 1 truck with say 3-10 dumpsters make $$, should I get a dump truck instead? what is the best setup for a roll off box- dumpster? brands of trucks and dumpster boxes? Advice please

Thanks

Hi. Used Rolloff trucks are plentiful in California. Right now people are trying to sell the older rolloff trucks because they will not be able to register them in 2014, because of the tree hugger smog regulations. One guy called & had a 1998 KW dump truck that costed him $12,000.00 to retro fit the exhaust system for smog. Too much $$$$ on a old truck. Look in the Los Angeles area on craigslist or ebay for rolloffs. Hooklift trucks are okay except for the steep angle when loading the container onto the truck. Rolloffs do not have a severe angle when loading. I have worked on both kinds. There are pros & cons on both of them. Another thing is the inside width of the main rails under the boxes. West coast is 36" inside width. East coast is 37-1/2" width. Same as the rolloff truck frames. 34" west coast, 35-1/2" east coast outside frame measurement. People say hooklifts are better because you do not have to go outside to hook a cable on, but you still have to go outside to open the back doors on the boxes when you have to dump the load. Look under Rolloff trailers on this internet forum. California costs on trailers are approx $25.00 for 5yrs on registration. Trucks cost $2500.00 -$4500.00 each year, + all the rest of costs.