Dumptrucks - Buying v/s Converting a Flatbed

[herdfan]

I've been searching for a 1 ton, 4x4 dumptruck for my farm. I need to stay below the CDL limit and need something that is road-worthy to make it to the gravel pit and landfill (15 miles one-way).
Oh - and I also wanted to stay under $6-7,000.
No luck finding this setup so far. It seems that lots of folks want this same truck as well. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
I have found some 4x4 1 ton trucks with dual wheels that have a flatbed with staked sides. I've seen those hoist kits at Northern Tools and Pierce, but would it make sense to throw down an extra $2-3,000 on top of the cost of a flatbed truck to get a dumper?
I have also run across a 14 foot steel dump bed and hoist system that was off of an old dumptruck (C-60 or 70?) for $1,000. Could this be fitted onto a Chevy 3500 or F-350 for a reasonable amount?
Any words of wisdom are appreciated.
Eric

 

[BRUSHTAMERS]

I guess first things first, do you have a running truck frame to start with? If not, you'll have to probably cut down that available hoist/deck combo to fit whatever frame you get. Biggest issue is the CDL requirments. If you can find a 4-5 yd dump truck with mechanical, rather than air brakes, your're in 'em. License it at the minimum weight, and if there is a scale between you and your destination, avoid it like the plague if there is an official car around. Sunday morning is a good bet, day old doughnuts are 1/2 off or better. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Is 4x4 necessary, or just would be handy? My current work rig is a 1980 Chev 1 Ton with a hydraulic/electric hoist and 12' foot deck.I'm the third owner, and it has been locally owned since brand new as custom ordered by a concrete contractor, sold to a paving contractor, sold to me for $3500. Too much? Probably, but I'll by God get my moneys worth out of it. I'll run the truck till it's last gasp, scrap it, and keep the hoist and deck frame, which in good shape we know we can get at least $1000 for. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[herdfan]

BRUSHTAMERS

Thanks for the quick response. It's nice to know that there are other "night owls" out there.
4WD may or may not be necessary. I have a 3/4 mile long driveway with 4 slips that I'm trying to haul away. I've been loading the mud/dirt onto a 5 ton trailer and pulling it uphill to the dumpsite (no other good place to dump), which is about a 7% grade. My tractor ('72 Ford 2000 - 2WD) gets a little reluctant to make the trip a time or two (or three) and I wind up having to help it along with my newer tractor (the only one with a loader). I don't really think that a 2WD dumptruck would have the same problem since these would be 2 totally different loading situations, not to mention the power differences, but I would hate to get into my work and start having traction problems. In your experience, is this much of a problem on those grades? The loaded gravel trucks don't have any trouble at all, but there is a lot more weight over those drive wheels.

As far as the flatbed frame, I think that I could just get the hoist kit installed (for $2K) as there is a structural frame under the bed that is bracketed onto the truck's chassis. The issue with this scenario, though is that the total cost would be $6,500 for a 1985 gas F-350 4X4 with the flatbed dump. The $1,000 steel dump bed and hoist would make more sense if it would work, since I may be able to sell the old flatbed and recoup the cost of installation of the other dump bed (maybe?).

I'm gonna go check out a '76 F-600 with dump bed in the AM. It's going a notch up from the 1 tons, but is still underweight for any special licensing down here, and may actually be a better fit for what I need.

Of course, I'm relatively new to all this, so my logic may not hold much water and I will certainly take no offense to being nudged in the right direction. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[herdfan]

Oh - almost forgot.
A logical solution would be to rent a dumptruck, but I only found 2 places that rent them and they all require a CDL license. Also, they require a special insurance policy for a cool Mill in liability which is not covered on my homeowner's policy.
A usable dumptruck would always come in handy and would be nice to have around in case it's needed. Also, it may even help generate a little cash flow with some odd jobs around the neighborhood.

 

[Moon]

I just heard about a dump truck for sale. Its a 1979 one ton dually (no 4x4). My boy works at the place that has it for sale and I only glanced at it as we drove by. From afar it looked pretty good. My boy said the inside of it was in pretty bad shape, but it does run good. It is sitting just outside of Belpre Ohio, which is just across the river from Parkersburg WV. They have it priced at 3500. I'd be glad to snap a few pictures of it if you think you'd be interested.
Moon of Ohio

 

[jmc]

Herdfan,

I went thru that same thought process and ended up with a dump trailer because I didn't want another vehicle to maintain, insure, and license. picture attached. I also wanted to haul my tractor in it. Traction was not an issue as with yours. But I don't see why a 7% grade would be a problem though unless it was loaded too far back to have serious tongue weight.

John

 

[RobS]

I did a little checking into the dump truck thing recently. I decided I would be money ahead by hiring the hauling I need. You might find a better deal in a bigger truck. You can find single axle medium trucks (Chev C60, International etc.) for $3000 and up. Still under CDL but much more truck than a one ton. I considered an 84 International for $2500. It ran and drove but needed some work. I figured the purchase price, gas, insurance, plates and some repair money. It was very close to being a wash with hiring it out but one or two unplanned repairs plus my own time put it in the red for me /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[DougM]

I like the looks of ur trailer ...
Now I have to go and look at them

DougM

 

[SteveH_CT]

That is one "kick a$$" trailer... please tell me what make is it? That thing would solve a lot of my log moving, rock moving, earth moving problems.

Thanks,

 

[RayH]

herdfan,
Where in WV are you? Im up near Martinsburg (eastern pan handle). If you are using it for farm use only, you can get by without a CDL. If you are using it for personal use (how this is enforced is beyond me) you dont need a CDL until you go over 26000lbs. Last year I bought a 97 F350, 4X4, Powerstroke, 5spd, dual rears, 8X7 dumpbed and am very happy with it. Its got a PTO dump. The PTO dumps are stronger but they are harder to find and have other drawbacks. It was extremely hard to find this combination in decent shape. I ended up paying $18000 for it w/a V-plow and only 56000 miles. I had to go to Manassas VA to get this one. I dont know exactly where you are located but there are a couple of lots around here that specialize in trucks and usually have something on the lot that may appeal to you.

 

[theboman]

Check Ebay. Usually a lot of 1 ton dumps there with several being within a few hunderd miles of the tri-state.
I know where a really nice one is here in Ashland! Been foaming at the mouth the past few days.

 

[R_squared]

RayH,

Martinsburg is sure growing!

 

[RayH]

No kidding.
This whole area is growing out of control. I do most of my shopping and traveling in Hagerstown (I actually live closer to Hagerstown) though.

 

[BRUSHTAMERS]

If you're leaning toward a 1 Ton sized setup, jmc offered the perfect solution. A 12,000 lb. trailer will handle anything a 1 Ton will do, and is a lot more versatile. Resale value will be much better too. Lots of used trucks, but just try to find one of these trailers used! In my neck of the woods these go for about $4500 new. jmc's trailer is a car hauler style, where the bed is between the tires, another style has the dump box over the tires for more ground clearance, which I prefer for off road. I don't own one yet, but have used them.

 

[herdfan]

RayH

I used to live in Martinsburg - still have all my "kin folk" up there off of Rt 45 near Gerrardstown. That area is busting at the seams! Its kinda sad seeing all the nice apple orchards being dozed down for new subdivisions /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

I went and looked at a '75 (thought it was a '76 at first) F-600 2WD this AM. Runs good and has a strong PTO hoist with no leaks, but the body is rough - kinda what I wanted. It's being delivered this afternoon for $2100. It needs some work to pass inspection here in WV (although I know this guy at the gas station . . . /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif), but I can certainly use it for a while right here on the homestead while I get her whipped into shape.

I think it's a pretty good deal. Even if I put a grand in it, I'll have a cool rig that will handle pretty much whatever I can throw at it. It's even set up for a salt spreader, snow plow, and has a 2 speed rear-end.

I'll send some pics prob in the AM.

 

[herdfan]

BRUSHTAMERS

I just bought a 1 1/2 ton dump, but I appreciate the info on the dump trailer. That one pic earlier in the thread is sweet!

I had considered the dump trailers, but backed off because I really don't have much to tow it with (just my tractors and my Suburban 1500). The way my vehicles struggled with the loaded equipment hauler, I thought a regular dump truck would be the way to go.

 

[SteveH_CT]

Sounds like a good deal - That's what I call a useful "beater"

 

[jmc]

DougM and Steve H,

Thanks. Its an E-Z Dumper, model EZ-6812LP. Link attached. 10,000 lb gross, 3300 lb empty. Made for skid steers, with dropped axle for low center of gravity. D rings for tie down in each corner. Welded on pockets to extend the wall height. Paid about $4500 in 1999 plus battery.

I may have to get a bigger one. Anyone care to guess what this one would bring? Probably has less than 600 miles on it.
E-Z Dumper trailers

John

 

[Darren]

Herd, if you can swing it, put an X plate (farm) on the dump. No inspection in WV.

 

[GerardC]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I did a little checking into the dump truck thing recently. I decided I would be money ahead by hiring the hauling I need. You might find a better deal in a bigger truck. You can find single axle medium trucks (Chev C60, International etc.) for $3000 and up. Still under CDL but much more truck than a one ton. I considered an 84 International for $2500. It ran and drove but needed some work. I figured the purchase price, gas, insurance, plates and some repair money. It was very close to being a wash with hiring it out but one or two unplanned repairs plus my own time put it in the red for me /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif )</font>

I like your logic. Herdfan should look at his situation just as you explained.