Choosing the Right Dump Truck for Your Needs
Posted on: 11 March 2020
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A dump truck is a versatile piece of equipment for construction companies, farms, landscapers, and so many other industries. Like the industries they are used in, dump trucks come in many sizes and with many options to fit your needs. Choosing the one that best fits your needs is only a matter of determining how you will use it.
Truck Size and Capacity
One of the most essential things to consider when you are looking at dump trucks is how much capacity you need in the dump body. If you are running a small landscaping company and you don't haul a lot of material but want to be able to move gravel, rocks, or soil in your dump truck, you may only need a small truck. A dump truck built on a one-ton truck chassis is often well suited to these situations, and they are large enough to support a snowplow and salt spreader if you live in an area that sees winter weather. For many small businesses that can not operate in the winter weather, the addition of the plow and spreader could add a secondary income source during the winter months.
Larger dump trucks are a better fit for construction jobs or companies hauling a lot of material. The chassis is much more durable, and the weight capacity is much higher, but the cost of the truck and operating expenses are higher as well. Selecting the right size truck for your operation is a critical first step for anyone considering buying a dump truck.
New or Used Trucks
When you start looking at dump trucks for your business, you may want to consider buying a used truck. While you need to check the truck over very well, if the truck is in good condition, the lower price and the fact that it may have already depreciated is good for your company.
The tax implications of buying a used truck can be much easier to deal with and can save you money as well. You do run the risk that the truck could break down, but even new trucks can have problems, so make sure you know what you are buying and get a mechanic to look the truck over if you have any concerns.
Service Costs
One more thing to consider when looking at dump trucks is the cost of servicing the vehicle. A smaller one-ton truck uses smaller tires, more common oil and air filters, and is going to be far cheaper to maintain than a large truck with air breaks, massive tires, and multiple oil filters on the engine.
Buying a larger truck when you don't need it could cost you money in service and repair costs that can be avoided with a smaller truck if it works for your situation.
For more information on dump trucks, contact a company like Hoelscher Bobby Trucking Inc.