Opinions on Loadhandler vs. Dump insert

[amanda8950]

I have an '07 F250 with an 8 foot bed. I primarily do lawn maintenance, but did my fair share of landscaping this summer as well. I'm going back and forth on getting a Loadhandler, putting side boards on, and building something around the wheelwells so no product ends up down there which the Loadhandler won't be able to get vs. getting a dump insert. I've come up with good and bad points to both. Just ballparking pricing - Loadhandller with side boards, wheel well inserts, and diamond plating for the side boards to keep it looking nice - around $ 400. Dump insert, steel with coal door cash and carry, $2450, aluminum with no coal door $3900.

I can't afford another truck ( dump truck ), so I'm trying to come up with an alternative solution. Any thoughts or experiences any of you guys have would be appreciated. Thanks

[lawnman456]

if you have the money go for the dump insert. you do not need aluminum. steel is just fine in it is 2000 less.

[corey4671]

honestly if you aren't hauling landscaping material on a regular basis which it sounds like you're not, go the route of the loadhander. I have one and honestly I don't use it NEAR as much as I had thought I would. Better than having 2-3k tied up in a piece of equipment that won't get used but be sure to get the heavy duty model.

[tthomass]

Loadhandler for the grass clippings............dump trailer for the landscaping. If you really want to get into installs, a pickup with an insert will not do you justice.......you need more space. Plus you can't haul much in a 3/4 ton.....ESPECIALLY after adding an insert.

[GreenT]

Get a used trailer.

[hosejockey2002]

I vote for the insert. I do this part time and I used mine 76 times the first year I had it. I figure it saves me $20 every time it goes up in unload time and effort. I've had it less than two years and it's paid for itself. I have heard that the Loadhandler works well but the insert is much faster and easier, and it takes the abuse rather than your truck bed. Inserts are most effective in a HD 3/4 or 1 ton pickup with overload springs. In a lighter duty truck the insert will eat up too much of your payload capacity.

[pj550v12]

Do what I did. I ordered the Handler a few days ago, after getting it I'll see how much I really use it and how it affects my work. To be honest I've gone years without either and accomplished bigger tasks then most with dumps. Would it have made life easier, sure and there were a few times I borrowed one but I wont put that money into something unless I know I need it.

[whoopassonthebluegrass]

I tore the handle off my load handler when I tried unloading some cut sod. I didn't think it was all that much... but I was wrong. Load handler is GREAT for grass, but I'm not sure about denser stuff.

In addition, I used to run it on my truck, but that was a hassle (blowing out the truck after unloading), so I build a 4'x4'x7'wide grassbox on the front of my trailer (so that the loadhandler is a perfect fit) and I can unload the whole grassbox in about 30 seconds and have never had to blow it out. Sooooooooooo worth it. Plus, now there's no grass in my truck!!

[tnmtn]

i have a loadhandler and love it. for a 3/4 ton i say it is the route to take. i have unloaded as much as a ton and a half of 2" gravel. for landscape work it will move mulch and dirt fine and not add the extra weight an insert will.
good luck,

[Isobel]

i have a load handler on my 8' 250 right now, and its not bad, but I am definitely looking for a dump insert at this point, just for the ease factor.

[KS_Grasscutter]

I have a Loadhandler now that I am using just until I can afford a dump insert or a dumping flatbed. Yea, the Loadhandler saves me time and effort over just raking it all out, but just pushing a button while sitting in the truck would sure be awesome.

[rogdogg]

I am now attempting to use my newish load handler for fall clean up unloads,and am very disapointed. I guess I may need to prop 2 sheets up to block the wheel well snag? The thought of that sucks, because you lose space. Mostly I've just watched it slip right under my leaf load,light,and heavy,even after I've attempted to clear the wheel well areas. Any suggestions? I'd like to make it work soon istead of admitting to wasting 180 dollars.

[pj550v12]

I am now attempting to use my newish load handler for fall clean up unloads,and am very disapointed. I guess I may need to prop 2 sheets up to block the wheel well snag? The thought of that sucks, because you lose space. Mostly I've just watched it slip right under my leaf load,light,and heavy,even after I've attempted to clear the wheel well areas. Any suggestions? I'd like to make it work soon istead of admitting to wasting 180 dollars.

I have the complete opposite experience, I'll try to get a video of us using it tomorrow. The most it's ever left behind is maybe a shovel full, and never behind the wheel wells. We're loading it up too, compacted leaves up to the tops of the 2' sides on the pick-up bed. Best $150 ever spend I'd say. Finally I'm not the one at the landfill with the devestating look on my face watching other people unload with ease lol.

[rogdogg]

Well, It did work with hedge clippings and such,so I am confused. I have the leave vac and 43 1/2 ft sides, sometimes packed and smooshed, sometimes not so much.

[pj550v12]

Well, It did work with hedge clippings and such,so I am confused. I have the leave vac and 43 1/2 ft sides, sometimes packed and smooshed, sometimes not so much.

Well thats your problem, your 43' sides, try trimming down to about 27feet, should work fine.

[GWORKS]

get the dump insert if you can. It's great for hauling mulch and landscape waste. Just be careful of the advertized dump capacity it won't always dump what they claim. I had one for a while in a 250 but if you really get into landscape work it wont cut it got a 550 and didnt look back. Time is money right why spend it shoveling out the back of the truck when you could be on to the next job. good luck

[rfed32]

i would say if u have the money to spend on an insert get a nice used dump trailer, or get the instert...but i would go with a trailer 1st

[rogdogg]

Well thats your problem, your 43' sides, try trimming down to about 27feet, should work fine.

Alright, so the addition of 2 sheets of press board on the inside of my sides to cover things leaves snagged on like wheel wells and weird bedliner things etc., has solved my problems with the load handler. It is now a beautiful thing to dump in about 60 seconds, and I didn't even need to trim down my 43' sides! The Load Handler rocks! Cheers!:drinkup::usflag::drinkup: