Own vs contract means to transport?

[Builder]

Now I understand. thank you. that difference between maximum (legal) towing load and what is truly safe and/or comfortable towing load is totally understandable but awfully troubling to a guy like me who is out to get the smallest dump truck that will do the job. this isn't because i am cheap. it's because everything else i do around my property requires a relatively small dump truck with low sides and a low bed. I was originally out to get a larger cab tractor (before this equipment sharing partnership was formed), but that plan is now on the back burner. The larger cab tractor would have made it a lot easier dealing with a bigger dump truck like yours.

Theo

I would think the smallest rig that will pull a full size backhoe in a practical manner would be like an F-650, GMC 6500, FL60, etc. They can be had with hydraulic brakes and you could use an electric braked 10-ton bachoe trailer. However, IMO, that would be the bare minimum. An F-450 would be bent like a pretzel by the weight of a full size machine (although I've seen a few try it). Full size backhoes can vary quite a lot in weight. Mine is middle of the road at ~19,000lbs. However, bigger hoes can weigh well over 20,000lbs. Knowing the weight of your machine would be helpful. I would look for one with an allison auto if you go that route since you're an inexperienced driver. This will give you one less worry (shifting) while driving.

 

[tlbuser]

Just to clarify the point again, i already own an f450 dump truck and am merely planning to trade up to a somewhat larger, newer single axle dump truck just large enough to move at least two of the three items of equipment our partnership plans to buy. i understand that registration and insurance will cost me more, but only marginally. plus i will need a cdl which i don't consider a problem. the machines are mainly for use within the partnership but renting them out with or without operator is not out of the question. in fact, it could decrease our ownership costs rather substantially. there is no plan or intention to share my dump truck within the partnership or to rent it out or to use it on third party projects.

Theo

Then maybe you should have started the thread asking what is the smallest used single axle I can buy to tow x amount of weight. Instead, you asked for opinions/experience about transporting equipment then moved into dump truck stuff which is probably not the most practical way to move equipment.

 

[Reg]

Wow, whole list of "it depends' factors.
How long jobs last, i.e. 1/2 day vs 2 months ?
How local ?
Opportunity cost of the transporting rig vs more equipment on the ground making direct money.
How many pieces of equipment you have that can't reasonably be moved with pick-ups.
% idle time of the transporting rig (as $s "just sitting").

There are probably more questions than answers and of course the future is unpredictable.

Now, about the economic stimulus issue and re-investment in infrastructure...
How might that affect your biz ?

 

[JDeereman]

I would think the smallest rig that will pull a full size backhoe in a practical manner would be like an F-650, GMC 6500, FL60, etc. They can be had with hydraulic brakes and you could use an electric braked 10-ton bachoe trailer. However, IMO, that would be the bare minimum. An F-450 would be bent like a pretzel by the weight of a full size machine (although I've seen a few try it). Full size backhoes can vary quite a lot in weight. Mine is middle of the road at ~19,000lbs. However, bigger hoes can weigh well over 20,000lbs. Knowing the weight of your machine would be helpful. I would look for one with an allison auto if you go that route since you're an inexperienced driver. This will give you one less worry (shifting) while driving.

You are correct that my f450 wouldn't handle it safely or comfortably although i have seen some crazier things.

the way it is shaking out, we will likely be going with all cat equipment. the backhoe will likely be a 420d. should come in under 20,000 lbs most likely making the dozer (still our big issue of debate) the heavier weight to move with the new dump truck.

Theo

 

[JDeereman]

Wow, whole list of "it depends' factors.
How long jobs last, i.e. 1/2 day vs 2 months ?
How local ?
Opportunity cost of the transporting rig vs more equipment on the ground making direct money.
How many pieces of equipment you have that can't reasonably be moved with pick-ups.
% idle time of the transporting rig (as $s "just sitting").

There are probably more questions than answers and of course the future is unpredictable.

Now, about the economic stimulus issue and re-investment in infrastructure...
How might that affect your biz ?

Fortunately or unfortunately, i am not the business or legal brain that has to worry about the tax issues. my accountant and lawyer will take care of that.

to all: i've probably made this whole thing sound a lot more complicated than it is. it is not that complicated and i have great partners that i've known and worked with for years, albeit in other endeavors. sorry if some of my questions have confused or upset folks as this thing has wandered and evolved over the last month. at this point, my only critical concern is my truck and living up to my end of the bargain as it stands today to be able to move certain items of equipment when called upon to do so... but doing it with a truck that hopefully can still meet my own everyday needs.

Theo

 

[Builder]

If I could do it all over again, I would have bought a used 6 wheel road tractor and a lowboy trailer to haul my equipment around. Much nicer than using a dumptruck. You can pick up a used road tractor for peanuts compared to a newer dump. They're much nicer for backing into jobsites and visibility. The more you move equipment, the more a tractor/lowboy makes sense.

I guess for the limited times I move mine, it probably wasn't worth it.