Single axle tow capacities

Sometimes I really hate the search function here.......

Anyway, I know I've seen threads such as "I have a 25 ton ex I'd like to tow with a S/A International...." kind of thing. Often it's an answer of "too much, for too small a truck".

What I'm curious about, is what sort of weight one could tow behind a single axle dump? I realize that it will vary a lot depending on the drive train of the truck for power, but most are still a 12K front axle and 20K rear. Locally there's a couple pulling 20 ton tags, but most I've ever seen on them was either a 310 JD hoe, or a 450 JD dozer, no 18 ton ex's or anything.

we have an F800 with the 7.8L diesel in it and a 5/2 splitter....the most it has ever hauled has been a Liehberr 621 (about the same size as a 953)...it doesn't like it, the only reason we do is if we have to get into a tight job where a tandem can't go...The heaviest machine we pull on a regular basis is a 943, but most commonly it pulls around a Case 580 superM (17,000lbs)

Any guess on the weights of the Liehberr or the 943?

Beyond that, anyone know the actual (or legal) tow limits for a truck this size?

the 621 is probably around 31,000lbs and the 943 is around 27,000lbs.

I have a 2001 Ford F 750, 33,000 GVW and it has a GCWR of 60,000#. Tow a 20 ton tag with a Cat 311CU at 28,000+ lbs. Has a 250 HP, 670 ft lb Cat 3126B Engine.

What kind of transmission does that truck have?

our F800 has a 5 speed with splitter

erthmover said:

What kind of transmission does that truck have?

Click to expand...

6 speed manual, Eaton Fuller, fully synchronized, like driving a pickup truck.

What do you guys think of towing with an automatic dump? I've been looking for a dump and found one I like its a 1996 International 4900 with dt466e and allison auto. and there's another one with 1987 l8000 with a 7.8l ford diesel with a 6 spd. I really need it to tow a backhoe and dozer. do you think the auto will do or go for the 6spd?

i have never driven an auto truck...

but my dad works for Ryder trucks...he told me a lot of companies now are leasing auto/auto shift trucks because of fuel economy, etc...

he says their straight trucks are all autos but their tractors and anything that tows is an auto-shift...so that is what one of the largest truck leasing companies in the world does anyway if that makes a difference...

but to be honest i would think a manual would be better..especially if the auto you are buying already has miles on it


also...we have an L8000 with the 6speed in it and a tank body on it and a Cummins under the hood (not sure of the HP)...when that thing is fully loaded it handles the weight pretty well, you shouldn't have too big a problem towing with it, obviously you wouldn't want to do any long trips but ours runs strong and the 6 speed is just like driving a little sports car...its one of my more favorite trucks to drive....besides our Pete with an 8LL haha:drinkup

Have a F800 with cummins 260hp and 8LL trans. 33,000 gvw, 50,000 gcvw. 20 ton tag with a cat 941 is the most we pull around. i belive its around 12 ton or so. But on average we bull a Case 580 Super M.

I cant believe you put that much weight on a 750 we have a 650 and man it is a tough truck. Its bad because its hard to tell when to stop adding weight. Do you have the exhaust brake on yours? If your getting a truck for towing id say get a stick 1. more power on the take off any truck ive drivin that size with an auto is a slug. 2. down shift ability helps with the stopping much more on a stick truck than an auto. Id also look for a jake or exhaust brake on the truck to help with the stopping.

I had an International 4900 with a DT466 and a 10 speed. It was a tough truck and I towed my equipment almost every day. I live in a hilly area. It wasn't the fastest truck up the hills, but it did OK. What I didn't like was the downhills. It didn't have a jake or exhaust break. In my opinion, it would be dangerous, with an automatic and very much weight, when going down hills. Whenever the weight of what your towing exceeds the weight of a single axle tow vehicle, there can be problems if you have to brake suddenlly, especially on downhills. Good downhill driving is important on long downhills so your brakes don't get overheated and become ineffective.

No exhaust brake, but the trailer brakes are rated for a 20 T load, only have 14 T on the deck, truck brakes rated for 33K, truck empty is 8T. Plenty of brake capacity and they are air brakes. Just drive with room in front of you, like you should driving any truck. I do not live in the mountains of NH, but along the relatively flat seacoast.