I'm back looking to upgrade my dump truck situation, having a hard time deciding which direction to go. I currently have a 1980 F600 gas 429, 5+2 with a 10' dump (23K gwvr) and a 1988 F700 7.8 diesel 5+2 10' dump (30K gvwr). Would like to sell one or both of those trucks and upgrade to something newer and in better condition.
I'm looking at either buying or building a nice single axle dump (33K gvwr) and sell both current trucks, or buy a tandem and keep one s/a dump for small jobs. I don't need a tandem for a lot of jobs, but sometimes it would be nice. Previously I had never considered a tandem because there are(were?) a lot of guys around with them that hauled pretty cheap. I'm not sure why, but it's gone from having to wait a day or two to get material hauled to waiting a week or two, which sometimes throws a wrench in my project plans.
I'm primarily looking at trucks made between 1995-2003, with IH being my first pick, but may consider Ford/Chevy although the parts situation isn't as good. I'm not particularity interest in the 'high end' brands and the premium prices they bring, I just don't use it enough to justify the cost. Budget is $25K, but may stretch it to 30K if I have to. I've been casually looking for a couple years and it's very hard to find exactly what I want.
For a single axle the ideal truck would be a 4700-4900 IH, DT466, MT653 or 7-speed, 33K, air brakes, deep gears and 10-12' gravel bed, PTO driven pump, pintle hitch, air ride seat, A/C, cruise, all the options, etc. Tandem I'm looking for something fairly short wheelbase, 14-15' gravel bed with shorter sides(sometimes load with a mini or ctl), barn door tailgate, 300+hp, 8LL, walking beam tandems, prefer full lockup on the drives, etc. I'd tag it at 54K and haul whatever was legal. I know I'm giving up weight capacity (due to bridge law) with a shorter truck, but maneuverability is also very important for the work I do.
I'm fairly well versed on the medium duty trucks, but not as much on the tandems. What engines should I look for or stay away from in that vintage IH/Ford/Chevy? Seen some with L10 cummins, IH DT530, 3116 Cat, etc. I know these were all lower end engine, what miles/hours is too much? Not looking to burn up the road, but do need reliable and economical to operate. What about transmissions? 8LL is my preference, but also finding some with 9spd road ranger, 10spd Eaton, etc. My main concern is having a deep enough first and reverse for tough off-road conditions.
Any advice on the general situation of tandem vs single axle? I would probably use the single axle more and I could buy/build a nicer one for the money. However, my time is also worth something and making half the number of trips is appealing. My biggest concern with a tandem is lack of maneuverability, high sides on the bed, and increased cost of ownership. Thanks in advance for any advice.
I'm looking at either buying or building a nice single axle dump (33K gvwr) and sell both current trucks, or buy a tandem and keep one s/a dump for small jobs. I don't need a tandem for a lot of jobs, but sometimes it would be nice. Previously I had never considered a tandem because there are(were?) a lot of guys around with them that hauled pretty cheap. I'm not sure why, but it's gone from having to wait a day or two to get material hauled to waiting a week or two, which sometimes throws a wrench in my project plans.
I'm primarily looking at trucks made between 1995-2003, with IH being my first pick, but may consider Ford/Chevy although the parts situation isn't as good. I'm not particularity interest in the 'high end' brands and the premium prices they bring, I just don't use it enough to justify the cost. Budget is $25K, but may stretch it to 30K if I have to. I've been casually looking for a couple years and it's very hard to find exactly what I want.
For a single axle the ideal truck would be a 4700-4900 IH, DT466, MT653 or 7-speed, 33K, air brakes, deep gears and 10-12' gravel bed, PTO driven pump, pintle hitch, air ride seat, A/C, cruise, all the options, etc. Tandem I'm looking for something fairly short wheelbase, 14-15' gravel bed with shorter sides(sometimes load with a mini or ctl), barn door tailgate, 300+hp, 8LL, walking beam tandems, prefer full lockup on the drives, etc. I'd tag it at 54K and haul whatever was legal. I know I'm giving up weight capacity (due to bridge law) with a shorter truck, but maneuverability is also very important for the work I do.
I'm fairly well versed on the medium duty trucks, but not as much on the tandems. What engines should I look for or stay away from in that vintage IH/Ford/Chevy? Seen some with L10 cummins, IH DT530, 3116 Cat, etc. I know these were all lower end engine, what miles/hours is too much? Not looking to burn up the road, but do need reliable and economical to operate. What about transmissions? 8LL is my preference, but also finding some with 9spd road ranger, 10spd Eaton, etc. My main concern is having a deep enough first and reverse for tough off-road conditions.
Any advice on the general situation of tandem vs single axle? I would probably use the single axle more and I could buy/build a nicer one for the money. However, my time is also worth something and making half the number of trips is appealing. My biggest concern with a tandem is lack of maneuverability, high sides on the bed, and increased cost of ownership. Thanks in advance for any advice.