Best Value in Roll off Truck

[AndrewKing]

HI All,



I am looking into buying a used roll off truck because it seems to be the most versatile truck one can buy (can switch bodies for different uses)..... My needs are somewhat basic for now (basically I want to tow my Case 680 Backhoe (approx 17000 lbs) as needed, and I want to be able to mount a 1500 Gallon Hydroseeder on the truck also as needed (I will use a modified Roll off container or setup so I can swap off bodies as needed)..... Otherwise, the truck may be used as a mulch/trash hauler, or maybe even a moving truck at times if outfitted with an enclosed container..... or maybe even be used as an actual roll off truck for renting dumpsters... . Hmmmm imagine that!



Anyways, I don't want to spend a lot of $$ on the unit itself (probably less than 20 K)... . I don't mind an older truck but mechanically it must be good.



I have read and read but I was wondering what you would recommend in terms of truck brand and equipment the truck would be outfitted with.



I am thinking Manual transmission is a must (probably at least 6 speeds... . prefer not to have to mess with the trouble prone 2 speed rear), budds instead of 5 spokes, air brakes, AC would be a plus, debating about GVWR... . I am thinking heavy single axle would be OK but live tandems may be better BUT am a little concerned about the added tire wear (is it like wearing the rear tires on a tandem trailer when turning?... maybe an air lift pony axle but haven't seen too many roll off trucks with this ... . the thought of wearing tires out quickly makes me a little paranoid about tandems... ... Debating about engine choice... . probably bigger is better (obviously diesel)... Saw a truck with an L10

Is that good?... not too familiar with the bigger diesels... . Basically probably Cummins or Cat huh?



Basically I want a workhorse of a truck that is reliable and relatively inexpensive to repair.



Thanks for any ideas and opinions on this... . Go crazy with suggestions on how I can accomplish my goals!



Thanks again!

 

[TFucili]

Mack has always been pretty big in the refuse business. I've known several people with RD Macks that had electrical problems, and there is a lot of talk of camshaft failures in newer Macks. They do have a reputation for a stout chassis, though. I don't think the L10 is that highly regarded in the world of Cummins. I'm sure someone who knows more will chime in.

 

[oneshotkyle]

tandem drive axles would be a plus for the versatility of hauling different boxes and having diff lock for off road circumstances. i have been around mack's, L10 and 8. 3 cummin's and even some volvo's all around the 250-300hp range and either one will do fine for what you are looking for. i would also consider looking for an 8,9 or 10 speed with one of these small engines. you may consider looking at your local refuse or closest auction yard cause 5 years is about all the longer big companies keep their equipment before buying newer ones.

 

[PToombs]

For what you are doing, a tandem axle is a must. A 680 is a tall heavy beast. I'm not sure the boom will go down enough to be on a truck bed. Same with a hydroseeder. If either of these get swaying, you won't like it. I drove a 6 wheel septic truck, C70 Chevy, 38k gross loaded. It was a scary thing. It didn't stop good either.

The idea of the roll-off is good though, swap bodies and go.

The reason trailer tires wear is they get dragged around short corners. The tandems won't scuff as much because it turns longer. I have seen roll-offs with an air lift axle. It helps on weight capability.

 

[AndrewKing]

Thanks for the help guys... . good info... . As far as the back hoe, I was planning on trailering it... . I'll have to see how far under the rails the hitch will have to go tho... . Hate for it to tuck too far under and cause me worry about making sharp turns.



Thanks

Andrew

 

[PToombs]

Andrew, build a receiver for it. My cousin has liftgates on his trucks. On his IH he built a 2 tube receiver for the tagalong. There is a tube mounted under each frame rail, and a " [ " shaped hitch with the pintle on it. It works pretty good.

 

[AndrewKing]

I am now looking at a 1990 International Paystar 5000... . It has a Cummins 855 engine (any opinions on this one?... . I can't recall seeing this engine very much so I hope it isn't an oddball one), 8 LL trans (is this enough gears?), Hendrickson rear (live tandems) and a 3rd pony axle. Seems like a nice truck... . Any opinions on Internationals?... . This is a double frame with 18K float front... . Seems real HD and in good condition... . 185K miles, with tarp system..... Any idea on what you think it is worth?

Thanks again.

Andrew

 

[NIsaacs]

The 855 Cummins started life in the early 60's as a 250 hp naturally asperated engine. The development and use continued for 30 plus years, with millions sold, in all types of equipment. It is an awesome powerplant, with HP ratings to 440 plus.



The Paystar models of IHC are the heavy duty, on/off highway class 8 trucks. They are used in Mixers, Log trucks, Dumps, Refuse and Snowplows.





"NICK"

 

[Bill Stockard]

Andrew,



The International Paystar 5000 you are looking at sounds like a commonly rigged out roll off truck. I sold several of these rigged with hydraulic roll off: Double C-channel frames with and inverted L full length frame reinforcement, 18,000 lb capacity front axle, 44,000lb capacity tandem driive rear axle with 46,000 lb capacity Hendrickson spring suspension, Cummins 300-350 HP 855 CID engine, Fuller 8LL transmission... this is a good transmission for a roll off truck, dump truck or a ready-mix truck LL has a very low first gear forward and reverse for loading and unloading and should have a top overdrive gear for running on the highway. The Paystar cab should be all aluminum with riveted aluminum exterior panels which eliminates the cab rust problems and is easy to repair.



I didn't add any "pony" or air lift axles on any of the trucks I sold since at the required wheelbases, they don't help with the CA type bridge law weight regulations. Depemding on the size of roll off conatiners you will be carrying, they will transfer quite a bit of the load to the front axle. Check for dual power steering units on the font axle to assist in turning with the high floatation tires in soft ground when heavily loaded.



As the previous post wrote, the Cummins 855 engine has been around for many years and milions were sold. They are solid, reliable, and economical, easy and relatively inexpensive to overhaul, and have plenty of low end torque.



If the truck is in good condition, it should make a strong reliable roll off truck.



Bill