why the big ISUSU landscape truck boom in the east coast?

[Ramairfreak98ss]

first off theyre god awful ugly goofy mobiles.. but for work ability, why does it seem every low and high end company is getting them? As far as i can tell, they dont pull as much as your average gm/ford/dodge diesel Truck. I see older ones and brand new 4 door ones, why dont these guys just get a F550 or 3500 HD Chevy? or Kodiak truck ?

[dbear]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I personally think the Kodiak is one ugly mother.

[jsaunders]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I personally think the Kodiak is one ugly mother.
Ditto- The isuzu i believe is also a 4 cyl? Better mpg and saves the need for a trailer.

[Tadams]

Sounds like somebody is a little jealoussssss!:o Go ahead and admit it- Hello my name is Ramairfreak98ss, and I am an NPR addict!

[Lawnworks]

You know what is really stupid? Working out of 45k '06 F250! You look like every mowjoe out there! Isuzus are purpose built trucks... they are more efficient, more durable, easier to manuever, and all around better truck for landscaping and maintenance.

The idea is... you don't need to pull anything... no trailers. Lets admit it... trailers are a complete hassle and an added liability w/ employees. I have 2 NPRs and one FRR for hauling my skid and mini. It just doesn't get any easier for getting equipment to the jobsite or around town doing maintenance.

[HenryB]

The big three have dropped the ball. And guess who recovered the fumble???????????????????? Isuzu and Toyota.

[TWUllc]

You know what is really stupid? Working out of 45k '06 F250! You look like every mowjoe out there! Isuzus are purpose built trucks... they are more efficient, more durable, easier to manuever, and all around better truck for landscaping and maintenance.

The idea is... you don't need to pull anything... no trailers. Lets admit it... trailers are a complete hassle and an added liability w/ employees. I have 2 NPRs and one FRR for hauling my skid and mini. It just doesn't get any easier for getting equipment to the jobsite or around town doing maintenance.

There is your answer.

[RedMax Man]

I'd like to see a chassis-cab truck with one of those open landscapers bodies or a super lawn truck body.

[Tadams]

O.K. I'll admit it. I used my truck and trailer a couple of weeks ago. Wanna know why? My NPR was in the shop having the brakes worked on! We will probably be adding another NPR next year and run another crew. Might go with an open bed instead of a box. I would think that the open beds would be a little easier for an employee to learn on and get some experience before I let them take out a box truck.

[Lawnworks]

O.K. I'll admit it. I used my truck and trailer a couple of weeks ago. Wanna know why? My NPR was in the shop having the brakes worked on! We will probably be adding another NPR next year and run another crew. Might go with an open bed instead of a box. I would think that the open beds would be a little easier for an employee to learn on and get some experience before I let them take out a box truck.

I just added an open body isuzu. I think I like it more than my box truck. It is even easier to drive around town, and you can easily load pallets(one side folds down) and haul alot of debris. It is also auto which is much nicer to drive than the 5 speed.

[packey]

Isuzu npr's are a reasonable metroplitan landscape truck for the fact that you increase manuverability and get rid of a trailer. I just looked at a Dodge sprinter with landscape body? It was nice maybe nicer than an npr. I think you will see these truck popularity gorw as people realize their advantages

[Ramairfreak98ss]

Tadams, how am i jealous of the goofy things? lol, if theyre cheaper, means i could have bought one easier than my new truck if i really wanted that ugly thing. whats npr mean anyway?

I think most of us, unless we have many trucks to use, prefer something we can use for more purposes than just ONE. Such as, i take my fancy truck to the race track with the trailer. Id feel like a real tool pulling some trailer to the track with that goofy isusu thing. My girlfriend can take it to work, advertise too while she drives and not stick out like hahaha, look at that hot chick driving that goofy arse import npr truck lol.

do yo have NPR trucks? lol show us your fleet :p

Lawnworks, how is an 06 F350 stupid? What do you drive thats so much better? Maybe i should have bought a 95 F250 with 150k on it already to maximize profit? Im gonna have this truck for at least 10 years, ive only put 20k on it this year. I also have two other F150s already, and if your next question is why didnt i buy a F550 or something, im somewhat picky, wanted power options, nice paint, fancy wheels, and most ALL of the f550 dumps locally used or 90% of them were new, were all plain XLs, i am NOT rolling up my own windows and checking 4 door locks every day when im done. Im im paying 50-60k for a truck like that, it had better be an xlt with step rails, non plastic front grill, normal wheels, not painted ones etc.

I also have a lot of work that isnt duty intensive, meaning the F150s serve just fine for any work that isnt pulling huge loads or picking up heavy supplies.

I do however want to get a F550 4 door next year though, but again, i want an xlt only.

My 06 truck definitly grabs attention unlike the other two. Lots of guys have new plain trucks or older trucks, whatever works for you, but i do get a lot of people stop to ask about a lawn quote when im in the new truck, i guess because its so shiny usually :)

Trailers are a hassle, but at the same time, if i dont need that trailer for something, why do i want a box van, npr truck/van or one witha built on trailer? I like the flexibility to switch off trailers left and right.

I also dont have any employees that drive the trucks that i dont fully trust. One of my best friends and my brother are the only other two drivers or my girlfriend.

If i wasnt confident the guys could meanuver a trailer around, i probably wouldnt have them driving 1 mainly due to insurance costs and my trucks, i plan to keep them around... or you could have them pull smaller trailers only until they become familiar with them.

My next question, is that if these isuzu npr trucks can have open beds on the back, why cant you have an extended wheelbase F550 with the same thing and a v8 diesel?

How is a NPR truck more efficient than an F150/250/350/550 dually dump etc? Fuel economy or what?

How are they more durable? they look very plain and theres not much to them, does that make them more durable?

How do they pull trailers? What companies can eliminate the use of trailers with these trucks?

[cet]

I have a 2003 GMC/Isuzu. It is very long. I have an open back with cabinets on one side. I can easily load a 6' rider, 5' rider and WB. I take the back off for the winter and put a 4.5 cubic yard salter on. These trucks turn on a dime. They have great vision and a economical 4 cyc. diesel. The GVW is 18,000 lbs. This truck is close to $10,000 cheaper then a F550 Ford and GM and Dodge don't have a 18,000 GVW with out going to a mid size. I also have a 3500HD Chev. The Chev eats brakes compared to the Isuzu.

There are more and more of these trucks around because of the maneuverability. Also if you compare a 11' dump box on this truck compared to a F550 it will be a lot shorter.

You are looking for a Personal/Work truck. The people with Cabovers are using these as dedicated work trucks. I would buy another Isuzu before I bought a C5500 unless I needed 4x4.

[Lawnworks]

Isuzus are made for work... not playing around. No power window, cruise... or any of that stupid crap. That is just one more thing to break. Like I said Isuzus are purpose built trucks. I have dedicated trucks for maintenance and dedicated trucks for landscaping. No useless pick-ups w/ 8' beds.

I would never work out of truck as nice as yours. It is just stupid. Pay 45k for the truck new... and in 5 years its worth 15k. That is a hell of a loss. And I don't think anyone would notice your truck around here... its just an ordinary pick-up truck... no company color... nothing that even catches the eye.

[lawn king]

My isuzu npr hd diesel plows ( 9' sno-way), dumps (11000 # venco hoist-9 cubic yard knapeheide landscape body) hauls my trailer with 2 ride ons & a kubota B3030 hsdc. Has a huge knapeheide knapack tool box, has a legal payload of 6200 #, turns on a dime, gets 15 mpg around town and never breaks down. You must be a rookie to start a thread that is so foolish?

[HenryB]

Not to ruffle any feathers here but honestly comparing an Isuzu/Mitsu to the big three is like comparing a Scag to a Sears Craftsman.

[mike lane lawn care]

don't the NPR's have 4x4? i could swear that there was an import low cab forward truck with 4 wheel drive.

[RedMax Man]

Anyone have one of the new International or Ford LCFs?
Those could carry a landscape body right?

[lawn king]

Not to ruffle any feathers here but honestly comparing an Isuzu/Mitsu to the big three is like comparing a Scag to a Sears Craftsman.
You are correct henry, a cabover is a real truck.

[greenscapes,inc.]

The NPR's are build to work and that is it. I have two F-350 Crew Cab Lariats that I used before I bought my NPR... I will never go back. Employee's dont always have alot of experience with a trailer and it puts added stress on me. The NPR is much easier to drive. I still have my fords but I drive one and a forman drives the other. The bottom line is who cares what they look like, they are build to work and make money period.

[Down2EarthLawns]

Well Ramair, I don't think your going to win this battle of personal preference. I don't have a NPR. I drag around a 16' trailer with a F150 right now and can't wait to grow enough with crews running NPR's. I understand your need for versatility. When I don't have to drive around in my work truck, I will definitely be adding a NPR for those purposes. But I'm glad that you are comfortable with your personal setup. That is what is important.

[RedMax Man]

Anybody have a Ford LCF like this? Are these much different then the NPR's?

[Canon Landscaping]

The npr's have more usable frame or CA you can put a longer body on a npr than a regular truck with the same wheelbase.

We have one isuzu FRR and one NPR great trucks.

[cet]

The Fuso is made in 4X4 and you can get them in automatic also.

[hosejockey2002]

Anybody have a Ford LCF like this? Are these much different then the NPR's?

They are very similar to the Isuzu N-series. They have nearly identical power specs. The N-series is available in a wider GVWR range (12,000-19,500), can be had in gas or diesel and with manual (diesel only) or automatic. The LCF is available with diesel and automatic only.

[Gravel Rat]

The little Cabovers are designed for one purpose and it is work. If your doing Intercity Interurban driving they are good they definatly are not desiged for whistling along the freeway. The bad thing about cab overs is you are the first person on the accident scene :laugh:

I would probably consider the LCF because most Ford dealers can work on it.

[mower&more1986]

Isuzu npr's are a reasonable metroplitan landscape truck for the fact that you increase manuverability and get rid of a trailer. I just looked at a Dodge sprinter with landscape body? It was nice maybe nicer than an npr. I think you will see these truck popularity gorw as people realize their advantages

that dodge sprinter sounds like a great idea.

[DBL]

i cant speak for the landscape body isuzu's but we have a 00 v8 dump and that thing is an awesome truck. we have 5 other trucks and buying a cab over was never ever in my plans but my brother talked me into it and i love it

[Tim Wright]

This was COLD man! :laugh:

Tim

Sounds like somebody is a little jealoussssss!:o Go ahead and admit it- Hello my name is Ramairfreak98ss, and I am an NPR addict!

[Dirty Water]

I would probably consider the LCF because most Ford dealers can work on it.

Any chevy dealer can work on a NPR. They sell them under the GMC badge as well.

[YardPro]

LOL,

NPR's and thier counterparts (fuso's, etc...) are purpose built work trucks. they have a much tighter turning radius than any regular truck. they have much better visibility that a standard truck. Service on them could not be any simpler.. the whole cab tilts up, and you can have unobstructed access to the entire drivetrain.

ours has am/fm/cd power windows, and locks, automatic and ac....

what more could you possibly need????

now the real question you should be asking is why are you not generating enough profit for you to be able to afford an npr for work , AND your $50K playtoy for racing, girlfriend, etc......

not understanding the advantages of these trucks show a shortsightedness that will cripple your ability to grow your business.

[YardPro]

Any chevy dealer can work on a NPR. They sell them under the GMC badge as well.

not anymore.

chevy and isuzu have ended their alliance.

[RedMax Man]

This International has a unique landscape body>>>
It looks practicaly theft proof and also protects the equipment from the element a little.

[Gravel Rat]

GM dealers won't even work on 4500-5500 Trucks unless the dealer is a medium duty truck dealer. Its is that way in B.C. a GM dealer that sells P/U trucks won't work on 4500 and 5500 trucks they are classed as medium duty.

Where as with Ford they will work on trucks up to 750s at a regular dealer if they have a the equipment to do so.

The problem with the older Isuzu/GMC they used to run 16 inch rubber and the tires are constantly overloaded. One thing about the LCF it runs 225-19.5 rubber far far better. You don't want the 17.5 rubber thats hard and expensive to find.

The GMC W series trucks were popular here the W4500 and W5500 the problem with them is the cab rots off of them from the road salt. The trucks themselves go for ever the Isuzu engine is reliable low on power but run and run. The exhaust brake holds well so the brakes last a long time on the truck.

Rear suspension is pretty tough the one problem the guys around here experience is bushings wearing out which is from being overloaded.

The best manufacture got out of the cabover business which is the Hino.

[huskres]

You do not want a Sprinter. They are junk, they eat tires every 10,000 or so miles and just dont hold up that well. Im a driver at one of the big delivery places by the way. Also Hinos are made by Toyota.

[Chilehead]

Here's my take on it: Down here in Atlanta, everyone uses cab-overs. When I lived in Cleveland, OH everyone used truck-trailer rigs. I personally use a truck-trailer rig, and here is why......First off, cost efficiency. A new full size pickup with V8 power and a 6 x 12 trailer combined can cost you up to $10K less than a cab-over w/16' dovetail when both options are purchased brand new. Second, versatility. When it's time to expand, a truck-trailer rig can grow in smaller increments vs. purchasing a whole new cab-over with a larger or specialized body. I'd much rather save some cash, and just get another trailer w/equipment(mowing rig, compact utility loader, enclosed plant rack). Third, I like how one has a place for clippings with a pickup truck--a cumbersome option with a cab-over. Fourth, practicality. Yes, I know there are some of you that would swear that a cab-over is perfectly practical for work--and you're right. But what about after work? What if the truck you own has to serve for work and family? Think about it. My next rig(as I am currently outgrowing my current one) will be a Nissan Titan w/ 6 x 12 trailer. With the $9K I'll be saving vs. a cab-over, I plan on investing it in some marketing and new mowing/spraying equipment.

[YardPro]

chilehead...

i would say you not accurate on your costs.
we just bought a npr cabover with an enclosed box and dovetail and paid $31K out the door...

a new 4500 truck, and a decent enclosed trailer would cost more than that.

the fuel mileage is better with the npr than the truck. we know because our fuel cards require us o enter odometer readings on every fill up. On our statement we get a per vehicle MPG between fill-ups.

next the NPR is way cheaper on tires than a truck/trailer setup. The tandem trailers have severe wear on one set of tires because of the torsional flex caused by tight turns. You are replacing 8 tires instead of 6.

also you have to maintain more lights/brakes, etc......

if you have cannot afford two trucks, then buy a new truck for you to use after work, and a used NPR for work. If you can't afford this, then you are either not charging enough or your overhead is too high.

[SiteSolutions]

The only cabovers I've seen up close look like they would be great for lawn care, but for dirt work, not so much. I filled one about a quarter full of dirt; we had to get in the bed with shovels to dump it out. The thing did not have the guts to pick up a few tons, and it wouldn't pick it up straight; it was trying to lay over.

Is this impression characteristic of the whole class? I currently run an F-350 to pull my loader around; trailer + loader probably weighs 9,000. The truck weighs another 9,000 and it does drink the diesel. I use it as a personal conveyance, to look at jobs, to carry kids around, etc. I also have an older GMC 7500 dump truck which tows well and will dump anything I can fit in the bed. I have a receipt from the crusher for 11 tons of crushed limestone that I carried up a hill and dumped out. That was an awful lot of weight and I don't think I will ever repeat that adventure on purpose, but still... I don't think a cabover would have even made it to the scales if it was overloaded like that. That same dump can tote 5 tons in the bed and still pull my loader around behind... saves a trip.

So I am not trying to bash anybody's truck by any means but I am wondering if the cabovers are really built to handle the heavier applications.

[Chilehead]

chilehead...

i would say you not accurate on your costs.
we just bought a npr cabover with an enclosed box and dovetail and paid $31K out the door...

a new 4500 truck, and a decent enclosed trailer would cost more than that.

the fuel mileage is better with the npr than the truck. we know because our fuel cards require us o enter odometer readings on every fill up. On our statement we get a per vehicle MPG between fill-ups.

next the NPR is way cheaper on tires than a truck/trailer setup. The tandem trailers have severe wear on one set of tires because of the torsional flex caused by tight turns. You are replacing 8 tires instead of 6.

also you have to maintain more lights/brakes, etc......

if you have cannot afford two trucks, then buy a new truck for you to use after work, and a used NPR for work. If you can't afford this, then you are either not charging enough or your overhead is too high.

You're wrong, and that's partly my fault. I never clarified that I was referring to half-ton pickups. A 4500 series would be more expensive.

[dbear]

The only cabovers I've seen up close look like they would be great for lawn care, but for dirt work, not so much. I filled one about a quarter full of dirt; we had to get in the bed with shovels to dump it out. The thing did not have the guts to pick up a few tons, and it wouldn't pick it up straight; it was trying to lay over.

Is this impression characteristic of the whole class? I currently run an F-350 to pull my loader around; trailer + loader probably weighs 9,000. The truck weighs another 9,000 and it does drink the diesel. I use it as a personal conveyance, to look at jobs, to carry kids around, etc. I also have an older GMC 7500 dump truck which tows well and will dump anything I can fit in the bed. I have a receipt from the crusher for 11 tons of crushed limestone that I carried up a hill and dumped out. That was an awful lot of weight and I don't think I will ever repeat that adventure on purpose, but still... I don't think a cabover would have even made it to the scales if it was overloaded like that. That same dump can tote 5 tons in the bed and still pull my loader around behind... saves a trip.

So I am not trying to bash anybody's truck by any means but I am wondering if the cabovers are really built to handle the heavier applications.

Seems like this would be a function of the particular hoist used and not a problem with the truck itself.

[YardPro]

Anybody here have one and want to switch back to a truck????

[YardPro]

You're wrong, and that's partly my fault. I never clarified that I was referring to half-ton pickups. A 4500 series would be more expensive.

a new 1/2 ton and new trailer is still almost as much
the truck is mid $20's and a trailer is $6K

[LB1234]

The Fuso is made in 4X4 and you can get them in automatic also.


According to my dealership (we are looking to add either a Mits or Isuzu next year) if you want 4x4 you have to settle for manual transmission. This was about 2-3 months ago BTW. This is why we gave up on a cabover and a 4x4 combo. Our plan is to keep the two pickups that have 4x4 that we use for plowing and use the cabover 2wd for towing. This will give a little improved fuel consumption as well as a little more towing power (when comparing 4x4 to 2x4).

FYI, I asked about why no auto trans w/4x4 and he said something about mits having trouble matching the power of the 4x4 to an automatic trans. Says they tried it and couldn't get it to work reliablly enough.

[cutedge]

Redmax man, I think those pics may be of the absolute best piece of equipment I could add to my business. That is the neateast thing I have ever seen on Lawnsite!

[cutedge]

Ramairfreak98ss has the work truck my guys make fun of daily. The 50k work trucks with tint & leather!

[YardPro]

we know... kinda why i said what i did....he started the thread. he does not get the added profitability that a npr adds, and still insist that mowing out of a $50K "personlal" truck

[Down2EarthLawns]

we know... kinda why i said what i did....he started the thread. he does not get the added profitability that a npr adds, and still insist that mowing out of a $50K "personlal" truck

Well....I guess his truck wouldn't have to cost 50k if he could stand to get one without power and leather.

[YardPro]

i could never work out of a truck that nice.

I would kill any employee that scratched it.

[haybaler]

I would love to find a good used one of these for my mowing crew and buy a new tacoma for fun and keep my two deisel 4x4's for plowing and landscaping. at least half of the people you will hire to mow can't back up a trailer.

[Ramairfreak98ss]

Ramairfreak98ss has the work truck my guys make fun of daily. The 50k work trucks with tint & leather!

lol, none of the guys around here are laughing, but laugh away if it makes em feel any better :)

[Ramairfreak98ss]

i could never work out of a truck that nice.

I would kill any employee that scratched it.

Only myself or my brother or father ever drive it. We did put one small paint chip nearly the size of a pencil eraser near the back bed though :cry:

Im not sure why its so hard to use this truck as a work truck. I have trailers for everything. a 14k dump trailer so i dont have to put any heavy supplies in the truck besides block or something on a pallet.

And of course, the first pallet of block i had put into the back, one of the nurseries used a forklift and not the bigger machine to put a 3300lb pallet in the back of the truck and went too far, basically mashing the top of the tailgate when it is down. Its enough to dent out the inner side of the gate, but this would happen to any pickup type truck or anything that wasnt a heavy duty dump body :/

If i had an F550 dump body etc. anyway, i wouldnt have taken it to pickup that single pallet though so it still would have happened.

[cutedge]

That's the point of a work truck, to not worry if something happens to it. Why tow around a trailer for everything you need to do? What a waste of time "LOL"

[Lawnworks]

Only myself or my brother or father ever drive it. We did put one small paint chip nearly the size of a pencil eraser near the back bed though :cry:

Im not sure why its so hard to use this truck as a work truck. I have trailers for everything. a 14k dump trailer so i dont have to put any heavy supplies in the truck besides block or something on a pallet.

And of course, the first pallet of block i had put into the back, one of the nurseries used a forklift and not the bigger machine to put a 3300lb pallet in the back of the truck and went too far, basically mashing the top of the tailgate when it is down. Its enough to dent out the inner side of the gate, but this would happen to any pickup type truck or anything that wasnt a heavy duty dump body :/

If i had an F550 dump body etc. anyway, i wouldnt have taken it to pickup that single pallet though so it still would have happened.

Maybe when you grow and run more than one crew you will see the light. If I were you, I would keep my 45k in the garage and buy a 10k-15k used isuzu to work in.

[Tadams]

Anybody here have one and want to switch back to a truck????

Not for a mowing crew. A regular truck still has it's place but not for a mowing crew. If we drove anything like that I would have a cow if someone got any grass, dirt, mud, or spilled food in it!

[haybaler]

What's the mpg and gvw ratings on these trucks? I had a chance to buy a used one a couple years ago with no body for $1000, but the guy said it would cost $3000 to rebuild the motor. I was going to pick up an older 1500 v8 in the spring to haul the mowers, but am considering one of these instead.

[Rons Rightway Lawncare]

There is pros and cons to these trucks. I work by myself and no matter what kind of truck I am driving, I CAN keep them clean inside and out and dent and ding free. I blow myself off after each lawn, I park across the street from the jobs I am doing ( I NEVER park right in front of the lawn I am doing, what a easy way to ruin your truck!!! :hammerhead: ) I don't use the truck to plow snow or haul rocks in the bed either.

I have used the following trucks for work over the years

1993 Toyota pick up - 4 cylinder, 5 speed - 5x10 trailer

1994 Nissan pick up - 4 cylinder, automatic - 5x10 trailer

1972 Ford F-100 pick up - 302 V8, automatic - 6x 16 trailer

1996 GMC 1500 Sierra - 4.3 V6, automatic - 6 x 16 trailer

1999 Dodge Ram 2500 - 5.9 Cummins - 6x16 trailer

2000 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 - 5.9 Cummins - 8x20 enclosed trailer, then 7x16 enclosed

2001 Chevy 1500 silverado - 4.8 V8 - 6x12 trailer

2003 Chevy 1500 Avalanche 4x4 - 5.3 V8 - 7x16 trailer

2005 Chevy 1500 Silverado W/T - 4.8 V8 - 7x16 trailer

and now......

2006 Isuzu NPR, 6.0 V8 - no more trailer!!!!




All of my trucks over the years looked as good as new when I sold them, all were bought brand new - except for the Ford - and were sold or traded in when I bought the next one.

All of the trucks - except for the Ford and the Isuzu - were my personal vehicle as well as my work vehicle. So when I wasn't working, I was using the truck to pull a boat to the lake, or to pull the trailer with Four wheelers or Motorcycles on it instead of mowers.... Or if I was going on a trip, I would be driving the truck.... It was my only vehicle other than a car or SUV of some sorts my wife drove.

Anyway, I finally bought a NPR last year and I like it. It is not perfect though.

1. It is loud inside - even compared to a basic pick up like my last Chevy

2. The seat does not recline nearly enough for me

3. the ride is harsher than in a 1/2 ton pickup truck


For work purposes most of the time, it beats a truck and trailer hands down. But for comfort for the driver and passengers it isn't as nice as a pick up truck.

I use my NPR as a personal truck when I go camping and on trips. I use it to pull a camper trailer and to haul my homebuild gyroplane to airshows. I needed a NPR to do this, as there is no way to fit my gyroplane in the back of a pick up truck and still be able to tow a camper trailer. Driving the NPR hundreds of miles on a trip sucks. I would much rather have a pick up truck than the NPR when going down a rough interstate at 70 mph.

But in town at 20 mph, making my way through neighborhoods as I am out cutting my route, I much prefer the NPR.

I guess like anything there is always a give and take.

I am averaging 9.5 mpg with my gas powered NPR. My last truck - the Chevy 1500 with the 16 foot trailer - got 13.5 mpg with the same payload on it. My truck before that - the Avalanche got 11.5 mpg with the same trailer and payload. My good friends 2004 Ram 2500 with Cummins, pulling my old 7x16 enclosed trailer is getting 9 mpg of diesel.

I paid 27,500$ out the door for my isuzu last October....

[Rons Rightway Lawncare]

When I am not working, I have a 1999 Toyota Avalon I use for personal use. I put a hitch on the Toyota and use it to tow the jet skis to the lake or my motorcycles around with, with a small light trailer I made to tow them on.

[Rons Rightway Lawncare]

Here is a shadow from the mirror of my NPR while towing the gyroplane and camper to a fly-in earlier this month.

Gyroplane is 9 foot tall, 6 feet wide, and 14 feet long. Rotorblades come apart and fit in a long wooden box for transport.

[Rons Rightway Lawncare]

Someone asked would I want to go back from the NPR to a truck and trailer combo....

Good question. I might, it depends on alot of factors though.

If I had crews, no. These NPRs are easy to drive, anyone could drive one with no problems. Trucks and trailers are tricky, and too easy to do damage.

I wouldn't mind another truck and trailer combo but it would be hard to get a truck and trailer combo that does as much as the NPR for the same money.

If I only wanted to own one vehicle for work and play, it would not be a NPR.

[LB1234]

Why tow around a trailer for everything you need to do? What a waste of time "LOL"

Where do you put your leaves? How about when I have to prune some shrubs or limb up a tree...where does that stuff go?

Would I like the convenience of one vehicle to do everything...absolutely.

However, for our business model its impossible to do. We have four trailers. One enclosed is a dedicated landscape/hardscape install trailer, one is an enclosed trailer setup with our lawn/property maintenance equipment, the third is a dump trailer that also acts as our heavy equipment hauler. The last one is a little single axle trailer that we will eventually turn into a pesticide trailer. So basically I just back the truck up to whatever trailer I need that day. The alternative would be to keep unloading and loading every bit of equipment depending on the day and/or week.

Also, by being able to drop the trailer off I can leave it at the job with my partner and any employees. They have everything they possiblly need while I go get additional supplies, go visit a prospective client, etc.

There is more than one way to skin a cat.:)

[Ramairfreak98ss]

Are there any bodies for the nprs, that have full top and sides but not enclosed? Kind of like a full frame, that say if it were to rain or you wanted to store the equipment at night without locking it up, could roll down the top/sides/back kind of like the soft size auto transport trailers? That would be kinda neat.

I get ~11mpg with the diesel pulling the 24' enclosed trailer weighing in at 4300lbs empty and about 2800lbs worth of equipment, if not more. If i was pulling around an open trailer like a 18ft landscape trailer it would probably get closer to 15mpg.. What do the diesel NPRs get for mpg? and do they offer anything bigger than like 3 liter 6 cylinders?

[SpruceLandscape]

I've been looking for a used NPR or NQR with a dump bed on it so that I can use it for installs and leaf clean-ups. Plus, they look like they would be awesome to plow with, even if its only 2wd. Problem is that I can't find one with under 100k miles for less than $25k.:confused:

[Rons Rightway Lawncare]

From what I hear from owners of the Diesels is to expect about 10-12 mpg with them. They aren't that great.... you really have to work that engine as these are heavy trucks. I bought a gas one, same amount of torque, WAY more horsepower, almost the same mpg and alot cheaper to buy and service.

Unless your looking at bigger ( than a NPR ) Isuzu's, all the newer ones - from the late 90's on - all have four cylinder Diesels, not 6 cylinders. The newest ones are 5.2 liter, but still only four cylinders.

I think if your looking for mpg, and your willing to pay the extra amount to buy a Diesel, you should look at the Sprinter trucks at the Dodge or Freightliner dealerships. These get close to 30 mpg as a heavy van, and I would suspect high teens to low 20's as a dovetail landscape truck hauling a few mowers around. I looked at them, but they were 8 to 10 grand more than what I paid for my gas unit.... I did the math and the diesel did not seem worth the extra money for me.

[Ramairfreak98ss]

I've been looking for a used NPR or NQR with a dump bed on it so that I can use it for installs and leaf clean-ups. Plus, they look like they would be awesome to plow with, even if its only 2wd. Problem is that I can't find one with under 100k miles for less than $25k.:confused:

Didnt someone say above they were getting one out the door new for 27.5k? Or is that the most stripped down version with no body on the back yet?

[TXNSLighting]

why would you tow a trailer with an avalon...come on. the only one of these i would concider is the lcf cuz of the twin turbos! theres one at my dealer. solid green cab and bed. very nice. also the 4.5l powerstrokes are very fuel efficent. im hearing 15-17 highway.

[Lawnworks]

why would you tow a trailer with an avalon...come on. the only one of these i would concider is the lcf cuz of the twin turbos! theres one at my dealer. solid green cab and bed. very nice. also the 4.5l powerstrokes are very fuel efficent. im hearing 15-17 highway.

I doubt that gas mileage... probably 12 at best.

[Rons Rightway Lawncare]

I am the one who paid 27.5 for a new Isuzu. That was for the truck, the landscape body, a underbody tool box, a trailer hitch, taxes and tags, out the door!

It is a gas model with a 18 foot bed, has a/c, cruise control, automatic, power locks and windows, a CD player, and even a pair of cupholders!


As for towing with my Avalon.... I am not sure if I should take your comments seriously or not. I know after reading this forum for the last year or so that people here seem to think they need a Ford F-550 dump truck just to tow a 6x12 single axle trailer, and possibly a Peterbuilt to tow anything larger.... But I have had no problems towing things with my cars. I have a hitch on my wifes four cylinder Camry and a hitch on my Avalon. I have used them both to tow a 6x12 trailer to tote my gyroplane on, and also have used them both many times to tow a trailer with 3 jet skis on it to the lake all summer, and even used the Camry to tow my pop up camper once.

[Rons Rightway Lawncare]

I used the Avalon to tow my gyroplane on a converted single jet ski trailer from Charlotte NC to upper Indiana back in August, with no problems. These pics were taken when I got back. Got 22 mpg with this rig.

[Tadams]

Ron, I agree with you that small cars can pull more than you would think they can. I had a little Acura Integra when I was between trucks and used it to pull a trailer with dirtbikes and fourwheelers on. After that my girlfriend at the time had a Mitsubishi Eclipse that we used to pull 2 jetskis to the lake every weekend. Both of these were 4 cylinders. Acura was an auto & Eclipse was a stick.

[Scag48]

Ford LCF's sound like they're pretty legit. The 4.5 twin turbo Powerstroke is pretty ballsy according to my buddy who is a tech at a Ford dealership. He says the 4.5 is pretty easy to work on, should expect 15 MPG highway or so, and he says it has enough torque and horsepower to handle most towing applications. I haven't driven one, but he has, so I guess I'm at his word. Then again, this is the guy that also drvies tons of fairly quick cars on test drives, he was out driving a pretty juiced up Corvette last week that came in as a trade.

[mdlwn1]

I paid 28K with a 12' grain body..gas engine. 60K miles pulling a trailer with no trailer brakes, and the brakes finally went. I can go through the drive through at McDonalds and carry and dump just about anything I want. I can flip the cab up and the dump and work on just about anything that I need to. No special ford tools!

[SiteSolutions]

...people here seem to think they need a Ford F-550 dump truck just to tow a 6x12 single axle trailer, and possibly a Peterbuilt to tow anything larger....

I know I could pull a 10,000# loader & trailer with a half ton truck. I just wouldn't want to do it every day. I use a F-350 SRW right now, but wouldn't mind to go up a size or two.

I've pulled little utility trailers with a Nissan Maxima, I even pulled my first skid steer around with a half ton suburban. That wasn't really safe, though, even with trailer brakes. It got me to my first few jobs, but it certainly had an impact on the longevity of the truck.

[TXNSLighting]

I am the one who paid 27.5 for a new Isuzu. That was for the truck, the landscape body, a underbody tool box, a trailer hitch, taxes and tags, out the door!

It is a gas model with a 18 foot bed, has a/c, cruise control, automatic, power locks and windows, a CD player, and even a pair of cupholders!


As for towing with my Avalon.... I am not sure if I should take your comments seriously or not. I know after reading this forum for the last year or so that people here seem to think they need a Ford F-550 dump truck just to tow a 6x12 single axle trailer, and possibly a Peterbuilt to tow anything larger.... But I have had no problems towing things with my cars. I have a hitch on my wifes four cylinder Camry and a hitch on my Avalon. I have used them both to tow a 6x12 trailer to tote my gyroplane on, and also have used them both many times to tow a trailer with 3 jet skis on it to the lake all summer, and even used the Camry to tow my pop up camper once.

its just the look...when you see someone towing with thier car, its just odd.

[Rons Rightway Lawncare]

its just the look...when you see someone towing with thier car, its just odd.

I am only 35 years old. You must be much younger. Why would I say that? Because I remember as a kid, people used cars to tow stuff all the time. Mommys didn't drive Suburbans and Hummers, they drove station Wagons and Dad drove a sedan, and one of them had a hitch attached to the bumper!

Now a days, people have been brainwashed that if they want to tow even a small 4x8 folding trailer, they better run out and buy a Four wheel drive, V-8 powered SUV or pickup truck. Heck you don't even see many people towing with the smaller mini type pick up trucks.

Then look at other countries. I am sure you have seen those half sized mini Cabover trucks here and there. They aren't street legal here, but people are buying them to use as hunting vehicles and for driving around on the farm. In other countries where they are legal to drive on the road, these things get LOADED!!!! Far more than you might imagine..... and the kicker is, these things only have a 600cc engine. Smaller than most lawnmowers use these days.

If your going to tow a skid steer around, or a heavyduty trailer with 3 skids of paving stones, or a something else that heavy, then by all means.... YES go get you a 3/4 or even 1 ton truck. For that amount of weight being towed every day, this is the best choice. But if your towing just 4-5 thousand pounds 90 percent of the time, a 1/2 ton truck is perfect for the job. Just towing 1-2 thousand pounds.... A small pickup or even a car is ideal.

Before I had my Avalon I had a Toyota Echo... I had a hitch on it too, and I pulled the jet ski trailer to the lake with it. Had no problems.

[crazymike]

I guess I'm just lucky. I can have my expensive pickup truck for going out, quotes, driving to the shop/office in the morning, then drive my dump trucks around all day when I'm working. If it rains and I get muddy I don't care. If i'm loading debris, dirt, etc... in a hurry and smash my sides, I don't care.

If I'm parked at a construction site and some kid hits my truck with a machine I will get over it.

And at the end of the day, I can get back in my expensive pickup and drive it to the keg. Without once making on effort to keep it clean.

Sure I don't look as hip as the guys with their full loaded 2009 pickups that get washed twice a day, but I will survive. I guess it's a good thing I'm out there to make money not look cool :/

[lawn king]

Just a walk in the park for an npr!

[YardPro]

Didnt someone say above they were getting one out the door new for 27.5k? Or is that the most stripped down version with no body on the back yet?

we only paid $31K out the door with box, AC, am/fm/cd, power windows and locks, enclosed box and a split dovetail ramp with reese hitch and brake controls.

[YardPro]

I guess I'm just lucky. I can have my expensive pickup truck for going out, quotes, driving to the shop/office in the morning, then drive my dump trucks around all day when I'm working. If it rains and I get muddy I don't care. If i'm loading debris, dirt, etc... in a hurry and smash my sides, I don't care.

If I'm parked at a construction site and some kid hits my truck with a machine I will get over it.

And at the end of the day, I can get back in my expensive pickup and drive it to the keg. Without once making on effort to keep it clean.

Sure I don't look as hip as the guys with their full loaded 2009 pickups that get washed twice a day, but I will survive. I guess it's a good thing I'm out there to make money not look cool :/


this is my whole idea.... why have a nice truck that you HAVE to work out of....
nothing wrong with having a nice truck, but to work out of it is a sin.

[Rons Rightway Lawncare]

we only paid $31K out the door with box, AC, am/fm/cd, power windows and locks, enclosed box and a split dovetail ramp with reese hitch and brake controls.


Gas engine I assume? What has been your MPG? Mine has a little over 12000 miles on it now and the engine is almost fully broke in now. I am getting just under 10 mpg city using this truck on my route.

[DavisLawn]

this is my whole idea.... why have a nice truck that you HAVE to work out of....
nothing wrong with having a nice truck, but to work out of it is a sin.



exactly yardpro...these guys that work out of nice trucks just puzzle me.... i used to do it.... got knicks and dings in it from rocks.... got grass and dirt all in it.... (dont care if you blow off... still getting crap in it) and the worst thing of all.... SWEAT....get all that sweat in the interior of your car and its awful... and u cant get the sweat smell out of it... i dont care who says you can...NOT GONNA HAPPEN

[Lawnworks]

exactly yardpro...these guys that work out of nice trucks just puzzle me.... i used to do it.... got knicks and dings in it from rocks.... got grass and dirt all in it.... (dont care if you blow off... still getting crap in it) and the worst thing of all.... SWEAT....get all that sweat in the interior of your car and its awful... and u cant get the sweat smell out of it... i dont care who says you can...NOT GONNA HAPPEN

and what about on those rainy days... seats just don't recover from that damp sweaty smell! My work trucks smell terrible!

[JayD]

Isuzus are made for work... not playing around. No power window, cruise... or any of that stupid crap. That is just one more thing to break. Like I said Isuzus are purpose built trucks. I have dedicated trucks for maintenance and dedicated trucks for landscaping. No useless pick-ups w/ 8' beds.

I would never work out of truck as nice as yours. It is just stupid. Pay 45k for the truck new... and in 5 years its worth 15k. That is a hell of a loss. And I don't think anyone would notice your truck around here... its just an ordinary pick-up truck... no company color... nothing that even catches the eye.

How much does these trucks go for?

[JayD]

Someone asked would I want to go back from the NPR to a truck and trailer combo....

Good question. I might, it depends on alot of factors though.

If I had crews, no. These NPRs are easy to drive, anyone could drive one with no problems. Trucks and trailers are tricky, and too easy to do damage.

I wouldn't mind another truck and trailer combo but it would be hard to get a truck and trailer combo that does as much as the NPR for the same money.

If I only wanted to own one vehicle for work and play, it would not be a NPR.

Nice looking car ports and concrete slab. Do the car ports keep weather off equipment?

[EJD Lawnpride]

I wish i could afford one. They make so much sense for the lawn cutting end. My last truck had two huge dents in the bed from employees jack knifing the truck.

[DavisLawn]

and what about on those rainy days... seats just don't recover from that damp sweaty smell! My work trucks smell terrible!

BINGO lawnworks.... why a man would want his personal vehicle smelling like this is beyond me..... to the guy that says his gf drives his truck to work...... what does she think about the nice smell of SWEATY B.O.???? Bet that turns her on :rolleyes:

[Rons Rightway Lawncare]

Leather seats don't soak up butt stink like cloth does! Just a tip if you want to buy a new fully loaded crew cab truck of some sort.

Jay D, Yes the carports really help. They keep the stuff dry for the most part and shaded most of the day. They were well worth the 2 grand I paid to have the two big ones put up in the driveway. They are 26 feet long by 18 feet wide each. They are also on taller than normal legs. The carport in my yard is a standard 21x18 at standard height, I paid 700$ for it installed.

[JayD]

The npr's have more usable frame or CA you can put a longer body on a npr than a regular truck with the same wheelbase.

We have one isuzu FRR and one NPR great trucks.

Canon.............What does FRR and NPR stand for?
Thanks

[JayD]

chilehead...

i would say you not accurate on your costs.
we just bought a npr cabover with an enclosed box and dovetail and paid $31K out the door...

a new 4500 truck, and a decent enclosed trailer would cost more than that.

the fuel mileage is better with the npr than the truck. we know because our fuel cards require us o enter odometer readings on every fill up. On our statement we get a per vehicle MPG between fill-ups.

next the NPR is way cheaper on tires than a truck/trailer setup. The tandem trailers have severe wear on one set of tires because of the torsional flex caused by tight turns. You are replacing 8 tires instead of 6.

also you have to maintain more lights/brakes, etc......

if you have cannot afford two trucks, then buy a new truck for you to use after work, and a used NPR for work. If you can't afford this, then you are either not charging enough or your overhead is too high.

Hey Chili,
What is a box truck with a dovetail? I think that I just saw one the other day. Is it like at the back part of the truck like maybe back 4' slanted down maybe 15-20 degrees?
If you have pics, it would be nice.
Also, why would one prefer a dovetail over like the one from super lawn truck?
Thanks,

[TomberLawn]

Ron, back in the day station wagons and sedans, like the Caprice, had big V8s. Have you ever considered the wear on your transmission from towing like that? I'm sure a decent sized car, like a Dodge Charger, could tow pretty well once in a while, but brakes would wear out quicker, and the tranny would probably have a few problems from the extra stress. I agree, it doesn't take a huge truck to tow stuff. I saw a guy hauling a couple of round hay bales with an S-10. Most Rangers and S-10s I've seen actually do more work than the F-250/2500 trucks because people spend $40k+ on those big trucks and don't want to mess them up, but they'll throw a couple thousand pounds on a cheap Ranger. Engines are overpowered here in America, and it all comes down to marketing against the competition. The Model T had 22 horsepower, and since bigger is better, the average V6 mid-size sedan now has 200-300 horsepower. True, new cars weigh more and go faster, but that much power is unnecessary. Most cars would actually be driveable with less than 100 horsepower if geared properly, but people want bragging rights.

[Rons Rightway Lawncare]

I got a wild hair up my butt and sold the Avalon and bought a Dodge Durango with a 4.7 liter V-8.

[TomberLawn]

Glad to hear it, Ron. I'm sure that's a lot safer for trailering.

[SouthernLandworks]

I want a truck built with tools not chopsticks!

[supercuts]

hell, i cant even back up my trailer and ive been doing it for years. my 18' enclosed was a week old when i backed it into my other truck. granted we were rushed, father in law really sick, parked my other truck infront of the garage so nobody could open the doors and i backed into my other truck. i was pissed. other than that ive had no issues, but one day you may be rushed with an emergency like me and oops.

i run truck/trailer combos because i plow and do not want another truck payment. sure, if all i did was mow, id be all over a cabover. but needing mulitple plow trucks, the truck trailer is more practicle for me. i can retire trucks out, or simply add more and not worry about bodies as much.

[supercuts]

I am the one who paid 27.5 for a new Isuzu. That was for the truck, the landscape body, a underbody tool box, a trailer hitch, taxes and tags, out the door!

It is a gas model with a 18 foot bed, has a/c, cruise control, automatic, power locks and windows, a CD player, and even a pair of cupholders!


As for towing with my Avalon.... I am not sure if I should take your comments seriously or not. I know after reading this forum for the last year or so that people here seem to think they need a Ford F-550 dump truck just to tow a 6x12 single axle trailer, and possibly a Peterbuilt to tow anything larger.... But I have had no problems towing things with my cars. I have a hitch on my wifes four cylinder Camry and a hitch on my Avalon. I have used them both to tow a 6x12 trailer to tote my gyroplane on, and also have used them both many times to tow a trailer with 3 jet skis on it to the lake all summer, and even used the Camry to tow my pop up camper once.

those cars should be able to tow those things all day long no problem. i agree about people thinking they need F550's and Peterbuilts for towing. som people love spending money. my f550 doesnt tow at all. just for a dump and carring weight. my trucks are diesels for better mpg and resale value. i got a great deal on each of them, otherwise wouldnt have gotten them.

[georgiagrass]

My company has been using NPRs with success. They are very effective and easy to drive. They are very easy to maneuver in urban and suburban areas and have a turning radius tighter than a Mustang GT! I've also had good results from a maintenance standpoint. We use the gasoline models rather than the diesels, although this is something I don't feel strongly about. The diesel gets slightly better fuel economy, but the gas has a ton of power. The trucks are also easy to drive so I don't worry all that much about relatively inexperienced drivers (of large vehicles) being out on the road representing me. I recommend the open landscape body over the enclosed van body due to several factors: (1) in Atlanta, the enclosed bodies are just too hot in the summer; (2) you can load on a LOT of grass clippings, tree limbs and brush over the sides or up the ramp with ease -- loading and unloading are easy when you are not restricted to going up and down the ramp; (3) I don't have to worry about fuel vapors creating a bomb inside a van; and (4) I just like the way it looks. To be fair, the van body provides better security and weather protection for the equipment.

Finally, we get a lot of feedback from customers and potential customers that our trucks present a professional look, something that I believe most trailers don't do as well.

[Tadams]

That truck looks good, GG! How many of them do you have running around ATL? I think I have heard that same last sentence from most of my customers and potential customers. There are a lot of big companies that still run trailers but they give off the appearance of a legitimate company. There are tons of Joe Smoes that already drive a 3/4 ton ar 1 ton to there normal job. They are not impressed or even notice a guy in the same truck pulling a trailer. But, if he sees you pull up in a cabover then he thinks you are a professional.

[lawn king]

I just bought a new duramax and i love it, but it cant compare to my NPR HD turbodiesel as a worktruck. I can haul my kubota and tons of fert with the cabover!

[mkirby]

How long of a bed can you put on these units? I would like to have a side hydraulic dump at the front and still be able to carry a Walker, 2 walk behinds at the back with a dove tail.

Mike

[South Florida Lawns]

Chassis cabs are the way to go. They turn on a dime, easy to maneuver compared to a truck and trailer. You can see the road better as you sit over the wheels. You can put like 5 tons on it with out any problems other than being slow.

Oh they are a true commercial truck designed for stop and go driving. And last well over a few hundred thousand miles.

[South Florida Lawns]

How much does these trucks go for?

I just found a used 2002 diesel NPR 12' box truck with 140000 miles for $5500.

[bojodunk]

General motors owns Isuzu
and they are good trucks for ther jobs

[grass guys]

I'd like to see a chassis-cab truck with one of those open landscapers bodies or a super lawn truck body.

My truck is no where close to bein finished, but around here the weather has been so awesome that I just haven't had the time. The truck started out as a 12' flatbed construction truck and I had a buddy weld a 4' dovetail on the back now it's by lawncare truck. Around here everybody thinks it's awesome, what do you all think?

[freshprince94]

The Isuzus are a lot better for lawn care but you look dumb driving them anywhere else. I think they're more efficient than truck/trailer set-ups.

However, they are more suited for commercial work and hard to manuever in residential areas. The biggest company in my area has a set-up of 3 enclosed trailers and 3 F-350s, and 1 NPR for commercial work for their maintenance division. That works very well for them.

Overall, I'd like an Izuzu but cant afford one.

[nosparkplugs]

The Cab forwards are great work trucks, look professional; however just like anything have some faults. Higher insurance rates for sure, and if your Cab forward breaks down your trailer is on the truck, and unless you have a second cab forward to transfer your equipment your down until the problem is fixed. Think a diesel truck is expensive to work on try finding parts for a Isuzu (Jap diesel) all got to be ordered the cab forwards are expensive to maintain period! unless you purchase one new, and that tight turning radius eats front tires. At the end of the day if I want, I can unhook my 20ft landscape trailer, and take the family out to dinner. The cab forwards are like putting all your eggs in one basket, and hope nothing breaks. I would rather have many trailers that you can tow with any 3/4 or 1 ton truck.

[Lawnworks]

Cabovers are purpose built trucks. They are really reliable. As far as if it ever breaks down... I would think you would have another truck around for getting groceries(that is about all a 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton is good for anyways) and a 6x12 trailer. I despise trailers. The lights, brakes and tires always give you problems.

[Lawnworks]

The Isuzus are a lot better for lawn care but you look dumb driving them anywhere else. I think they're more efficient than truck/trailer set-ups.

However, they are more suited for commercial work and hard to manuever in residential areas. The biggest company in my area has a set-up of 3 enclosed trailers and 3 F-350s, and 1 NPR for commercial work for their maintenance division. That works very well for them.

Overall, I'd like an Izuzu but cant afford one.

Have you ever even driven an isuzu??? How in the world would an isuzu be harder to manuever than an f350 w/ an enclosed trailer? The whole point of have an isuzu is efficiency, durability and an incredible turning radius.

[Rons Rightway Lawncare]

I sold my cabover and I am happy not to have it anymore. It was a great work truck, but for a solo operator it just makes more sence to have a truck and trailer and be able to unhook the trailer at the end of the week and have a nice truck to pull the boat to the lake with and so on.

[4 seasons lawn&land]

You know what is really stupid? Working out of 45k '06 F250! You look like every mowjoe out there! Isuzus are purpose built trucks... they are more efficient, more durable, easier to manuever, and all around better truck for landscaping and maintenance.

The idea is... you don't need to pull anything... no trailers. Lets admit it... trailers are a complete hassle and an added liability w/ employees. I have 2 NPRs and one FRR for hauling my skid and mini. It just doesn't get any easier for getting equipment to the jobsite or around town doing maintenance.




I could not have said it better myself!!!

[Whites Lawn Care]

Anyone have an isuzu that is wanting to go back to a truck? I have been looking for one. Prefer a crew cab just curiouse if anyone had one for sale?

[Lawnworks]

How many guys do your transport for the need of a crew cab?

[clay duncan]

i bought a cabover in the fall of last year and there is no way i would ever go back to a towing a trailer on a daily basis again. i do have another truck (f-250) that i tow a hydroseeder with and i do have a trailer as a back up. there has been some info. stated in earlier posts that i would like to clarify: a cabover can be turned around anywhere easily. they have a tighter turning radius than a ford mustang, the tires do wear on the front but it looks like i will get 25-30 thousand miles out of them before replacement, i pay $480per year full coverage insurance, maintenance is a breeze after tilting the cab forward. there is know way i would pay anyone to service mine. this counts all filters and grease fittings. i do pay to have my ford serviced. after almost 20 years in this business both part and full time i can honestly say my cabover purchase is the best money i have spent to date.....clay

[Whites Lawn Care]

there is usually 4 of us, I agree with most on here no scince in working out of a 45 50K truck. We are working out of a 3500 dodge extended cab now and on long trips(One of our accounts is about 90 miles way one way it gets a llittle cramped. I bought a 3500 duramax back about 4 months ago and thought i would sale the dodge but reality is I can't bring myself to work out of such a nice truck. 04 loaded 4x4 leather every option you can get. only 46k miles on it. Was hoping to find someone that wanted to go back to a pickup and trade out or just sale it to make a purchase. Anyone interested PM me and lets talk.

[mgray10]

I just read this entire thread and feel like a dope admitting this:

Not only do I use an NPR, I tow my equipment in a 20' enclosed behind it. (My NPR has a dump box.)

:dizzy:

[merrimacmill]

How do these cab overs do plowing? I've often looked at them, but always thought they wouldn't do great plowing. Not particular reason, mostly cause I never see any landscapers around with them. It seems EVERYONE has 3500 dumps with enclosed trailers.

[Tony Clifton]

How do these cab overs do plowing? I've often looked at them, but always thought they wouldn't do great plowing. Not particular reason, mostly cause I never see any landscapers around with them. It seems EVERYONE has 3500 dumps with enclosed trailers.

I don't have first hand experience but I have heard they are fine to plow with.