Medium duty dump truck

JDgreen227 · Feb 13, 2005

We had a gas motor (370 4 barrel) Ford F600 in the mid-80's and it was nothing but problems with the engine. Another model we used was the Chevy C65 with the 366 gas engine, they were a smaller version of the 427 big block and extremely durable. Our IH trucks used all diesels but you would pay a BIG premium for an oil burner engine.

Check out this site...www.autorv.com

They have a big trucks and buses section in the printed newspaper version.

Rowski · Jun 2, 2005

I've got my eye on a locally owned 1977ish F600. Its got a straight six gas engine, single speed rear, standard shift gear box. In the last 10 years its supposed to have had new dump body, brake gone through including new master cylinder and vacuum booster, front end rebuilt. Has some rust but inspectable. Its supposed to have a taller tire option. I haven't had a chance to inspect it close up only from about 75 yards away. Its tied up with family right now. They finally decided to sell but price is still an issue. I Think they are asking (as of yesterday) $2k.

Seems like a fair price??

I'll keep you posted

GeneD14 · Jun 2, 2005

I found this one in mint condition. Under CDL, 1971 so I can use an antique plate ($108 for 10 years), it used to be a farm truck and was always shedded and has low miles.

EddieWalker · Jun 2, 2005

I spent quite a few months looking for a small dump truck also. Brand wasn't important to me, just price and something in decent shape. I decided I wanted gas over diesel due to the gas trucks being much, much cheaper. I also wanted hydraulic brakes. I'm not gonna tow anything, and getting the air brake endorsement is something I wanted to avoid on a non-CDL truck.

I ended up buying an 83 F-650 for $3,250. GVW is just under 24,000 lbs. No complaints, it's a nice truck that will haul 6 yards of dirt with 10 inch sideboards around my land. Napa has all the parts I've needed for it, which they have in stock.

I looked in the truckpaper, traderonline and ebay for anything that would meet my requirements, but not be so far away it would cost thousands of dollars to get it here. I also did just what your doing on this webstite, I asked around. Just about everyone I came into contact with, I asked if they new of a dump truck for sale. I got some good leads, but just not what I wanted.

Ebay was probably the most bizarre for trying to get a fix on prices and finding something fairly close. People would get into a bidding war five days before the auction was to end driving the price way up. Then the last second bidders would also come in with crazy bids. If you watch the site for awhile, you'll also notice that some of those trucks come right back on again with the crazy bidders not paying for the truck.

Of course, buying a truck unseen is crazy from the beginning, but I found it helpful in feeling out the market.

American Classified, or the free local classifieds ads are a really good source for fair priced items found locally. I called on quite a few in my area, only to be too late.

There really is a huge demand for small dump trucks right now.

In the end, I was coming home from looking at a dump truck in the Dallas area and decided to take the scenic route. About half an hour from my place I spotted my truck sitting on the side of the road with a for sale sign.

Hambone · Jun 2, 2005

"Are the internationals better?"

My experience is yes. I have worked on trucks for 20 years. I have worked for some pretty big companies, and the small guy. I think they are the best bang for the buck.
Air brakes are lots better if you can get away without the license. It seems foggy in this area. I am told as long as you are plated under the 26,000 you can have air brakes with no CDL.

DKinWA · Jun 2, 2005

( I am told as long as you are plated under the 26,000 you can have air brakes with no CDL. )

I asked the question of our local commercial vehicle enforcement officer earlier this year. His response was, "you don't need an air brake endorsement for trucks rated less than 26,001".

Rowski · Jun 26, 2005

I got to start it up this week. Runs very well engine is very quite. Over all the truck is in good shape. Running gear, frame, and dump body are in very good shape. The body is in o.k. shape. There is rust but nothing to serious. All the body mounts are very solid. Truck will pass a safety inspection.

1977 Ford F600 2wd
300 cid straight 6 cylinder
4 speed manual trans
single speed rear end
22.5" wheels non split rim

So the man who owns it is on vacation for a week. Hopefully when he gets back we can close the deal.

Some questions:

Where can you get parts that NAPA has no listing for? Dealer?

Where can you get body parts, inner fenders, radiator supports, etc?

Is it possible to swap engine, like put a diesel in?

Switch rear ends, like put a 2 speed rear?

Thanks for your input!

Durbob · Jun 26, 2005

(
I am told as long as you are plated under the 26,000 you can have air brakes with no CDL. )

I drive an under 26,000gvw box truck with air brakes. I have been thru inspections and have been told that i don't need an air brake endorsement or cdl for under 26,000 gvw. I have been driving this same truck for 6 years now.

Dur

Jagmandave · Jun 26, 2005

Why would you buy an old truck like this then spend thousands of dollars and hours modifying it? It is supposed to be a work truck, right? If you want a diesel with a 2 spd diff, seems like it would be smarter and cheaper as well as faster to just go buy one..........also, I can't see spending a bunch of money on body parts, fix what needs to be fixed for structural support, and don't worry about the rest.
Unless you bought this to be a fix up project, and you derive pleasure from resurrecting it.........if so, go for it!

Hambone · Jun 28, 2005

I agree with Jagman.
But if you insist, here is a decent source for used parts
Truck Parts of Ohio800-488-8886
They have a web site but could not find it right now. I will look it up if interested. They send me a flyer monthly.