When do you know that you "NEED" a full time dump truck?

[Ramairfreak98ss]

Ive wanted something like an F550 05+ dump body or taller landscape body dump truck for a while, but didnt "NEED" it. I have a 14' 14k dump trailer that im starting to use a LOT and staring to feel the need for one ON the truck. I also am to the point that i could use "4 doors" instead of only the extended cab, which works but could be easier with a crew cab dump truck.

I see lots that seem like deals around, i guess because companies are selling some of theirs and i see some companies "new/newer" F550s at the local auction lot so maybe they were repoed or something? It would just be nice to be able to go and get lots of mulch and other supplies and still pull a trailer instead of having the dump trailer all the time and no other options. I think this is going to be my priority for next spring. I see lots of 2008 models on the dealer lots but really want a new/used 05-07 model in an XLT which has proved difficult to find.

What bodies do you like and dislike for these trucks? The Dejana company and ABC make a lot around the philly/NJ areas. I saw one that almost mimics a large scale dump truck type body, instead of that "stake body" look landscape dump thats 3-4' tall and 12' long. Why go with a "dump truck" type body like most sell when there is only a 1' side to them, then you have to add in 2-3 boards to make it hold any volume? Are they stronger than the landscape bodies?

[mybowtie]

Wouldnt recomend a 04 up ford diesel...had lots of problems with the motors.
The 03 and older with the 7.3 were great motors. My chevy dealer offered me a 07.5 dmax dump last fall with crew cab for 33k.. Not a bad deal..

With the economy like it is, id keep what ya have...

[White Gardens]

I just picked up an 87 ford f-350 with an 8 foot rugby dump bed. I feel it is more expensive than having a full size truck and dump bed. (Insurance, repairs, fuel, ect.)

I went that route only because I have an 01 s-10, and it isn't paid off quit yet, and I got a really good deal on the dump truck. The dump truck doesn't get used much, but will haul 5 times as much as my s-10, so it helps get jobs done faster when I need it.

Soon as I can, I'm getting a full-size and dump. Unless business is really good, and I need the ride-off for tax purposes, then I'll get another dump truck.

[Ramairfreak98ss]

Yeah i hear ya... I hear guys saying never to use a pickup truck for anything in the landscape business and others saying never to buy the heavier trucks like the duallys, F550s, anything with a big/heavy body on it unless you have to use it every single day etc.

Around NJ, it darn well seems every landscape, lawn, irrigation, hardscape company has an F550 truck, or 2, 3 or 10. I personally would choose not to use it many times simply because its carrying capacity is not needed in many cases.

Hell i like to use my F150s over the diesel F350 for the same reasons.

And i already have a 04+ 6.0L diesel in my signature there :p knock on wood, nothing has given even a glitch of issue in 26k hard working miles so far. With that said, i would only consider an 05-07 model.

[NNJLandman]

Ive been in your spot a couple of times where i was on the verge of purchasing a dump, but always backed out. The beginning of the season is always friggin crazy, I don't know which job to do next or turn. But i look at the prices of the truck, fuel, think of down time, repairs...is it worth it. Its a big purchase and what it comes down to is for some guys its their best purchase and they make it, others, purchase it and can't afford it. Your best bet is to search hard for a early model good condition dump. You'll save some coin on the initial price. They are out there. like a 97 Ford F-350 with dump is a great truck, i see them on the road all this time. Find year round work before you make a purchase, find work with a supply yard running deliveries...it'll keep you busy year round.

The new ford dumps i have heard and seen nothing but problems with. I guy i plowed for bought 4 or 5 brandy new 07-08 mason dumps/landscape bodied trucks to plow with and to run for scape work (hes a very big local company) and throughout the winter each one was in the shop for repairs had something wrong with it...not because of abuse etc...just simply hit the fan.

Good Luck

Jeff

[AGLA]

Remember that a crew cab with a 10' body is not going to be very manuverable in tight spaces. In my area, most guys have conveted to cabover Isuzu, GMC (same thing), and Mitsubishi. They are easy for your help to drive and turn on a dime.

Stake bodies are great for mulch, but if you haul loam, gravel, or boulders you'll beat the heck out of it in no time.

[SpruceLandscape]

I am in the same position you are in. Except to add one more twist to the problem... I need to be able to show a profit on paper this year for the IRS which is keeping me from expanding my equipment inventory and from buying another truck this year. But.. I too am trying to decide whether or not to buy more pickups and add dump trailers to them, or buy the dump truck. I do move quite a bit of topsoil, so if I buy a truck I would need to go with something in the 16-18k GVW range rather than a one ton. That being said I am leaning towards the cab-overs (specifically the isuzu's because of parts availability in my area over the mitsu's) because I do plow in the winter and need something that has good maneuverability, however, I am then sacrificing 4 wheel drive and relying strictly on weight in the bed to get traction. What to do.....????????:dizzy:

[PerfectEarth]

It's worth it!!! I am only able to run my business Thursday-Saturday and I'm only on my 14th month and I still bought an F-550 last year (used manual '04 hehehe). Been awesome so far. You gotta have the equipment to do the jobs- that's my opinion. Also have to have a good financial plan and budget. I also have a Bri-Mar 12,000# (CDL range for the combo) Having the capability to DUMP at the end of the day is a MUST for a solo guy. It's a great combo to have. Mulch and soil jobs are a breeze. I'm a HUGE believer in spending some cash to be properly (and safely) equiped. We have enough headaches in our industry!!

[Lawnworks]

I am in the same position you are in. Except to add one more twist to the problem... I need to be able to show a profit on paper this year for the IRS which is keeping me from expanding my equipment inventory and from buying another truck this year. But.. I too am trying to decide whether or not to buy more pickups and add dump trailers to them, or buy the dump truck. I do move quite a bit of topsoil, so if I buy a truck I would need to go with something in the 16-18k GVW range rather than a one ton. That being said I am leaning towards the cab-overs (specifically the isuzu's because of parts availability in my area over the mitsu's) because I do plow in the winter and need something that has good maneuverability, however, I am then sacrificing 4 wheel drive and relying strictly on weight in the bed to get traction. What to do.....????????:dizzy:

Aren't you able to depreciate the vehicle over a certain number of year? Don't really understand how it is so difficult to show a profit... I guess you must a magic man for an accountant or don't net anything.

[Stillwater]

I need to be able to show a profit on paper this year for the IRS which is keeping me from expanding my equipment inventory and from buying another truck this year.

What........?

[Lawnworks]

What........?

Yeah I thought profit was the point of all this work... not shiny new equipment!!

[BillyRgn]

Ive wanted something like an F550 05+ dump body or taller landscape body dump truck for a while, but didnt "NEED" it. I have a 14' 14k dump trailer that im starting to use a LOT and staring to feel the need for one ON the truck. I also am to the point that i could use "4 doors" instead of only the extended cab, which works but could be easier with a crew cab dump truck.

I see lots that seem like deals around, i guess because companies are selling some of theirs and i see some companies "new/newer" F550s at the local auction lot so maybe they were repoed or something? It would just be nice to be able to go and get lots of mulch and other supplies and still pull a trailer instead of having the dump trailer all the time and no other options. I think this is going to be my priority for next spring. I see lots of 2008 models on the dealer lots but really want a new/used 05-07 model in an XLT which has proved difficult to find.

What bodies do you like and dislike for these trucks? The Dejana company and ABC make a lot around the philly/NJ areas. I saw one that almost mimics a large scale dump truck type body, instead of that "stake body" look landscape dump thats 3-4' tall and 12' long. Why go with a "dump truck" type body like most sell when there is only a 1' side to them, then you have to add in 2-3 boards to make it hold any volume? Are they stronger than the landscape bodies?


I am selling my 2002 Ford F-350, it has a 7.3 powerstroke diesel, 9 foot plow, rugby dump body, it only has 38,000 miles, and is in exellent shape ! white cab, green dump bed, it is a great color combo, i'm in hamden CT, it is on the north side of new haven

[SpruceLandscape]

Without getting into too much detail, This is not my primary income. So.. according to my accountant I have to be able to show a profit on paper 2 out of every 5 years. I have been in business since 2005 and since this isn't my primary income I have been using just about everything to buy more/better equipment whenever the need arises. Yes I depreciate things, however most of the larger purchases are being depreciated for 3-5 years. As everyone on here knows that buying better equipment the first time around is key when it comes to making money, its also very expensive, even when bought used, when you couple that with all of the insurance costs, advertising, and other costs associated when first starting out. The 2/5 year IRS rule is forcing me to show a profit on paper or end up having to write my business down as a "hobby" versus a legit business and then won't let me write off any more of my expenses come tax time. I have consulted with several different accountants and have been told the same thing. That being said, I am looking to see if switching from a DBA to a Corporation will eliminate this headache if it starts to look like I will be cutting it close near the end of the year. For anyone who is wondering, yes, I am mostly a solo operator with the exception a few occassional part timers who get a 1099 at the end of the year ( just wanted to throw that in before people start attacking me for not being on the up and up). In a nut shell, thats the deal.

[SpruceLandscape]

Yeah I thought profit was the point of all this work... not shiny new equipment!!

It is, in the long run. Right now I am more intent on building my business than building profit in my pocketbook. My goal is to have a self sufficient up and running business for when I retire from my primary career. One more thing... The only thing shiny and new is the last truck I bought because I got a good deal on a trade from my chevy. Everything else is used except my hand helds and blowers.

[Lawnworks]

It is, in the long run. Right now I am more intent on building my business than building profit in my pocketbook. My goal is to have a self sufficient up and running business for when I retire from my primary career. One more thing... The only thing shiny and new is the last truck I bought because I got a good deal on a trade from my chevy. Everything else is used except my hand helds and blowers.

Awesome... glad to hear it. Hopefully in a few years, it will be the other way around! And you will be trying to figure out how to shelter all your profit from the evil tax man.

[Superior L & L]

All our landscape crews have dumps... I would have a landscape crew without one. We do have a enhancment crew that runs in a chevy 2500 but thats it.
We keep kicking around the idea of a bigger dump (duel axe rear)to bring larger loads to our crews that way we can realy save some money on our supplys. I can get decrative natural stone from the pit for $12 a ton and landscape supply yards are at $29 - 49 a ton depending on were you go.
It doesnt take long to notice the saving if that truck is supply 3-4 crews

[btnj47]

I am selling my 2002 Ford F-350, it has a 7.3 powerstroke diesel, 9 foot plow, rugby dump body, it only has 38,000 miles, and is in exellent shape ! white cab, green dump bed, it is a great color combo, i'm in hamden CT, it is on the north side of new haven

I used to date a girl from hamden CT. How much you asking for the dump?

[BillyRgn]

I used to date a girl from hamden CT. How much you asking for the dump?

I'm asking $20,000 obo for it, it also has 4 wheel drive, and brand new front brakes., who is the girl from hamden you know ??