What type of fleet?

[atasteofnature]

First year went like any first years, a Great learning experience. Now ready to jump into year 2. I own a 2000 chevy 2500, 103,000 miles, 4x2. I have been in search of a 4x4 1/2 ton for plowing and trade my 2500 in. I also might make it through the snow season without having to purchasing a plow truck because i have a good brother-in-law. So I didn't know then do i keep the 2500 and then look for a dump truck or just a dump insert? Do I go 1/2 ton 4x4 and then find a dump turck and just put the plow on that. I would love to have the dump option this up coming year. I just keep running through so many different option. I am ready to go to the bank for a loan soon and kind of want to know what i would be spending on my vechile(s) this year. I know I wil want a 4x4 sometime and also a dump sometime, be it a truck or an insert. I am just spinning in circles and want to hear some opinons. I thank lawnsite.com once again for this website for guys like me who just spin in those circles and need a healthy outlet to vent and learn from each other.

[White Gardens]

4 x 4 and a dump trailer. I'm not a huge fan of the insert.

[lukemelo216]

dont use a 1/2 ton to plow..........maybe look at getting a 2500 4x4 with an insert, or like a 3500 or 4500 dump and keep your current truck and plow with the dump.I dont know what kind of crews your running or anything, but maybe consider selling your truck and getting an older 2500 or 250 and then a newer dump, and you can throw plows on both them if you have another guy to run a plow. JMO though.

[atasteofnature]

just work by myself right now. get a helper on some of the bigger jobs. but the way i have plan on growing this year i might have to plan on a full time helper. thats a different thread. with being around the lakes i was really looking in to the cab-over dump trucks for the tight turns but maybe not. i was think 1/2 ton for the reason of a sales truck and run the family around in and then possibly have a dump for all the working and also a plow truck? but the 1/2 ton to pull a trailer if need be, but then again it won't do well on bobcat trailers so that is why i like the 3/4 ton but not for gas. AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!! I just don't know. LOL! Sorry for the freak out!

[lukemelo216]

look into getting a disel 3/4 ton. It probably wont be much different. With a dump your going to be paying a fair share of money for gas, but look at it this way..........Its all tax deductible. But, I am just saying, dont get a half ton. In this industry 3/4 or larger, especially if your predicting steady growth this year. You will shoot your self in the foot later on. I know what your saying though about going crazy, I started up end of last year and was running my business with an avalanche, terrible idea, no room for anything. Now when I go to the bank for the rest of my equipment, I need to throw another 6-7K on the loan to get a nice truck capable of this work

[P.Services]

if you get a 1/2 ton you will regret it within one week. mark my words. buy a one ton dump and be happy ever after.

[hackitdown]

Around here a 1 ton dump truck with duallys isn't a good plow truck for driveways. So I have an '04 extended cab Chevy 2500HD with a dump insert and plow. It is my family vehicle, the kids ride in back. I can't imagine picking up my jr high school daughter in a 1 ton dump. The insert worked well for me last year, it got heavy use for mulching, and just general hauling of debris. And the truck is excellent for plowing residential driveways. It does it all well, but probably not as well as specialized trucks.

I got a good deal on a used truck with plow, then paid for the insert last spring. $22K invested in the truck/plow/insert.

[atasteofnature]

Got it!!! NO 1/2 ton! I would like a diesel and had sold myself on it, other then gas price. I was strongly thinking about having the dump insert in a 3/4 ton with a plow. Then if i grow beyond that then i would buy a dump truck. I can't thank you all enough for all the advice. Hopefully here in spring I will be able to get some pics on here of my updated fleet.

[P.Services]

Got it!!! NO 1/2 ton! I would like a diesel and had sold myself on it, other then gas price. I was strongly thinking about having the dump insert in a 3/4 ton with a plow. Then if i grow beyond that then i would buy a dump truck. I can't thank you all enough for all the advice. Hopefully here in spring I will be able to get some pics on here of my updated fleet.

that sounds like a good plan. now just stop thinking about it and go buy one.
there was a nice 2002 or so chevy 2500hd duramax with 65k miles for $8500 on autotrader. it was a nelson tree truck so it has a ugly powder green color. and it had a little baby plow on it. its a good price though, no rust good shape.

[lukemelo216]

good choice

[mowerbrad]

You will not regret going with the diesel.

[atasteofnature]

Everything sounds great. Thank you everyone for all the advice. I will go to autotrader now and few other places to see what is out there. Probably a whole bunch since nothing is selling right now. Everyone enjoy the Superbowl tonight.

[White Gardens]

So what's your plan for the dump.

The only reason I ask is that if you plan on going more towards landscaping, then a 3500, 350 and up dump will help on gvwr for loads of dirt, rock, etc....

If you are staying on the mowing/ maintence side of the biz, then a 2500 would be sufficient.

I love using my 87, f-350 dually 2wd, 8ft mason dump, plow. I can haul two tons with it, and the short wheel base makes it great for plowing.

With the non insert bed, I have the option of putting in a V-box salt spreader in it if I out-grow a tailgate spreader.

Something to consider.

[atasteofnature]

I was probably going with the insert for the 3/4 ton right now but if i were to keep growing and doing more landscaping things especially with loving to do hardscapes then i was wanting a dump truck. I was also leaning towards a cab-over dump truck as well. We have nothing but lakes around here and it would be nice to have a tight radius turn, but then again I don't know. I also found something interesting the other day, well for me at least, was that I saw my first cab-over truck with a plow on it. Then in back had its V-shape spreader. I guess I will keep my prayers high and see what God has in store for me with this up coming year. He always guides me in the right way, when I listen. :)

[White Gardens]

I was probably going with the insert for the 3/4 ton right now but if i were to keep growing and doing more landscaping things especially with loving to do hardscapes then i was wanting a dump truck. I was also leaning towards a cab-over dump truck as well. We have nothing but lakes around here and it would be nice to have a tight radius turn, but then again I don't know. I also found something interesting the other day, well for me at least, was that I saw my first cab-over truck with a plow on it. Then in back had its V-shape spreader. I guess I will keep my prayers high and see what God has in store for me with this up coming year. He always guides me in the right way, when I listen. :)


Just keep your options open. With my 350, and short wheelbase, I have no problems with doing smaller residentials when plowing. Some cab-overs seem to be a little longer from what I've seen.

I bought my truck off e-bay last year. 3000 for a truck, dump, and plow. 3000 is at least what the dump and plow are worth.

Sure, I've done some work to it, but if you find an older one that has been maintained, it's worth the money getting a full package instead of pieceing a truck together.

Good luck, let us know what you decide.

[atasteofnature]

Thank you White Gardens. I will let everyone know. I am now finding out that I am having to kick up everything a notch with my sales because my brother-in-law is getting laid off from the factory for a long time and he is ready to hit the landscaping scene with me. He is an awesome worker. I thank God daily for having such a great brother-in-law. Thank you all once again for the support and will keep you all up to date on how things go through the year. Now need to think about a little shop or something but God will guide me right where I need to go and do. God bless everyone and talk to you all later!