Thinking about something new to me

[JESSE1]

I've been thinking about doing this for quite a while. I have a '15 F-450 that is paid for, also have an extended warranty good for the next three years. I've been on the lookout for a good farm truck that I could put a flatbed on, license it for farm use and keep it long term for my heavy hauling jobs. Problem is finding a good truck that hasn't been used up. Most likely and probably the best choice would be a pre-DPF International 4300 or 4400 with a DT 466 with at least 240hp. I'd prefer a seven speed manual trans but a five speed Allison would work. Seems to be quite a few tractors used to haul beverage trailers available. One that's come off lease would be best but they're higher in price.

 

[bdog]

Makes sense. Just be aware semis can get expensive in a hurry. I bought mine in late 2015 and have only put about 20k miles on it. I have had nothing major go wrong with it but have spent close to 7k in repairs for little things here and there - tires, air bags, replacing all coolant hoses, this that and the other.

The DT 466 is a good motor. I currently own two Internationals both 4800's. One has the 466 and the other the 7.3 powerstroke (444E I think?) Aside from these two I have also owned two other Internationals a 4300 with the 466 and another 4800 with the DT360. They are tanks and run and run but they are all dogs. I was pulling my backhoe on a pintle trailer behind my 4300 with the 466. On moderate hills that the cruise maintains 70 with my F-450 and the backhoe the international slowed to 40 MPH. Again it works but is miserable to drive. I actually traded that 4300 in on the peterbilt. 240 HP in a truck that weighs around 15k can't compete with a F-450 with twice the HP and 2/3 the weight.

 

[JESSE1]

My '15 F-450 has been the best truck I've ever had. With the extended warranty I have no reason to get rid of it any time soon. I'm not sure about keeping it past the warranty. I haven't had any problems with it in three years but if there's any major powertrain problems out of warranty they can be real expensive. I've been very satisfied with the power and the way it handles a trailer. Best alternative would be a pre-computer medium duty truck but most all of them are worn out by now.

 

[rustyshakelford]

I've been thinking about doing this for quite a while. I have a '15 F-450 that is paid for, also have an extended warranty good for the next three years. I've been on the lookout for a good farm truck that I could put a flatbed on, license it for farm use and keep it long term for my heavy hauling jobs. Problem is finding a good truck that hasn't been used up. Most likely and probably the best choice would be a pre-DPF International 4300 or 4400 with a DT 466 with at least 240hp. I'd prefer a seven speed manual trans but a five speed Allison would work. Seems to be quite a few tractors used to haul beverage trailers available. One that's come off lease would be best but they're higher in price.

I had the perfect truck and sold it to a buddy when he was in a bind. This was about 18 months ago. 01 F350 CCLB 6 speed 4x4 7.3 with 170k miles. Truck was nearly mint. I’m kicking myself. I could sell my 450 and pay cash for a big truck with some money set aside for repairs and not have any truck note. Live and learn but man I miss that truck. It was a unicorn and nearly immpossible to find. The 450 is great but I hate chaining stuff down and really hauling and only do it if I have too.

Makes sense. Just be aware semis can get expensive in a hurry. I bought mine in late 2015 and have only put about 20k miles on it. I have had nothing major go wrong with it but have spent close to 7k in repairs for little things here and there - tires, air bags, replacing all coolant hoses, this that and the other.

The DT 466 is a good motor. I currently own two Internationals both 4800's. One has the 466 and the other the 7.3 powerstroke (444E I think?) Aside from these two I have also owned two other Internationals a 4300 with the 466 and another 4800 with the DT360. They are tanks and run and run but they are all dogs. I was pulling my backhoe on a pintle trailer behind my 4300 with the 466. On moderate hills that the cruise maintains 70 with my F-450 and the backhoe the international slowed to 40 MPH. Again it works but is miserable to drive. I actually traded that 4300 in on the peterbilt. 240 HP in a truck that weighs around 15k can't compete with a F-450 with twice the HP and 2/3 the weight.

That’s what I’m worried about. I’m hoping a fleet maintained truck would be pretty solid and only sold because of years or miles and not impending doom! I honestly don’t know what to do. I guess I don’t have to do anything but hate driving this truck so much for no other reason than taking my boy to school. I would much rather put miles on something else that won’t kill the value

My '15 F-450 has been the best truck I've ever had. With the extended warranty I have no reason to get rid of it any time soon. I'm not sure about keeping it past the warranty. I haven't had any problems with it in three years but if there's any major powertrain problems out of warranty they can be real expensive. I've been very satisfied with the power and the way it handles a trailer. Best alternative would be a pre-computer medium duty truck but most all of them are worn out by now.

Repairs on just about anything out of warranty can be brutal!

Brett

 

[JESSE1]

This is the type of truck I'm thinking about. Just need to add a flatbed. Pull more than any pickup could and still be small enough to maneuver. http://www.vttrucks.com/inventory/?...national-4400-sba?dlr=1&pcid=2000835556&sfc=0

 

[rustyshakelford]

This is the type of truck I'm thinking about. Just need to add a flatbed. Pull more than any pickup could and still be small enough to maneuver. http://www.vttrucks.com/inventory/?...national-4400-sba?dlr=1&pcid=2000835556&sfc=0

Man that is sharp. Chrome wheels too! Have them toss on some new headlights and I think you’ll have something real nice. I need to check them out and see what else they have. Liability insurance only was quoted at 90per Month on a bigger Volvo and my Trailer. How would you register it? Farm use only?

Brett

 

[JESSE1]

I'd register it for farm use. I've seen those trucks pulling Coca Cola trailers delivering to stores. If my truck was closer to being out of warranty I'd definitely check it out.

 

[rustyshakelford]

I'd register it for farm use. I've seen those trucks pulling Coca Cola trailers delivering to stores. If my truck was closer to being out of warranty I'd definitely check it out.

Man you’ve really got me thinking. I was looking at wore out Volvo’s for 7-9k. For a little more money I could buy a real nice tractor from them

Brett