Perfect landscape truck!!!!!!

[johnnybravo8802]

Alright guys, lets do a fun thread. I did a catchy title to draw people in. Here's my situation:I have an 03' Dodge 1500 with 120,000 miles on it and I know it will be a matter of time before it starts to give me problems. I started really growing and I now carry a Scag TT 61" + a Scag STT 72", which is a lot of weight for my little 1/2 ton-Tranny!!!!!!!!:cry::cry: I do industrial/commercial and would eventually like to buy another STT 72", have three riders and a WB but I'm looking at a chunk of mowers+it's a long rig. I'd also like to do leaf clean-up with a vac because that's a service not offered around here-I'll need something I can put a box on. I was thinking of an Isuzu or an LCF with a 22'+4' dovetail dump bed. I like the idea of the removable dovetail for the leaf box. I would really like a quad cab but I don't know if the LCF comes with a quad and I don't know if the Isuzu can be fitted with a long enough chassis. My second idea is to get an F450(maybe) with a flatbed dump and pull my trailer. However, I don't really want to pull a trailer. If I go with the F450, I'd sell the Dodge and have one truck but, with the landscape truck, I'd have two trucks. I don't like the upkeep of two trucks but I wonder if it would be good to have the capacity for a back-up or a second crew. Ya'll give me your ideas on the perfect landscape truck and on the idea of one versus two trucks. This is just a fun thread and no need to get confrontational!!!:dancing::waving:

[Hoy landscaping]

theres a sponsor that sells landscape trucks. http://www.superlawntrucks.com/ but yeah sell the dodge get a ford and run 2 crews.

[johnnybravo8802]

theres a sponsor that sells landscape trucks. http://www.superlawntrucks.com/ but yeah sell the dodge get a ford and run 2 crews.
I know all about the super lawn trucks. They are way too expensive for such a trivial idea that's been around forever. I had an Isuzu box truck in 01' with a side door and every option you can think of. If I went with the landscape truck, I'd keep the Dodge and use it as my personal vehicle and get a lot more life out of it. I'm considering the open truck versus the box truck for the leaf removal capability. I'm sort of looking for a truck that does it all, or close to it. The box truck was good for keeping things dry but no very versatile. I have even thought about getting a roll out dump tarp for the time it rains-would keep things sort of dry.

[modedicebox]

I have an 02 fe640 fuso similar to what you posted. I added the hoist drop the dove tail off and use it for fall clean ups, trailer in tow. I posted it under the "Leaf Rigs" thread. Any who it is an outstanding concept but it is so easy to over load these trucks. They are work horses and are exceptional on fuel usage.

[Hanau]

I spec'd my perfect landscape truck earlier this year. International 4300 crew cab, DT 466, Allison. Nice cloth interior. Had Knapheide Knapback, a 14 foot landscape dump, and a Tommygate Lift N' Dump on it.

Sumbitch came in at $98K.

[MnDLawn]

Whatever you do don't get the Powerstroke, I mean boat anchor. Buy another Dodge and get the Cummins.

[JB1]

whatever you do don't get the powerstroke, i mean boat anchor. Buy another dodge and get the cummins.


here we go again.

[greenchoppers]

Alright guys, lets do a fun thread. I did a catchy title to draw people in. Here's my situation:I have an 03' Dodge 1500 with 120,000 miles on it and I know it will be a matter of time before it starts to give me problems. I started really growing and I now carry a Scag TT 61" + a Scag STT 72", which is a lot of weight for my little 1/2 ton-Tranny!!!!!!!!:cry::cry: I do industrial/commercial and would eventually like to buy another STT 72", have three riders and a WB but I'm looking at a chunk of mowers+it's a long rig. I'd also like to do leaf clean-up with a vac because that's a service not offered around here-I'll need something I can put a box on. I was thinking of an Isuzu or an LCF with a 22'+4' dovetail dump bed. I like the idea of the removable dovetail for the leaf box. I would really like a quad cab but I don't know if the LCF comes with a quad and I don't know if the Isuzu can be fitted with a long enough chassis. My second idea is to get an F450(maybe) with a flatbed dump and pull my trailer. However, I don't really want to pull a trailer. If I go with the F450, I'd sell the Dodge and have one truck but, with the landscape truck, I'd have two trucks. I don't like the upkeep of two trucks but I wonder if it would be good to have the capacity for a back-up or a second crew. Ya'll give me your ideas on the perfect landscape truck and on the idea of one versus two trucks. This is just a fun thread and no need to get confrontational!!!:dancing::waving:

Are you suggesting that a 1/2 pickup truck is not suitable to pull a trailer with two ZTR's plus all the other gear? If so, I am in trouble cuz we are planning to buy our second Toro ZTR in February and I only 1/2 ton Silverado with 5.3 liter V8 and towing package.

[stevenf]

Are you suggesting that a 1/2 pickup truck is not suitable to pull a trailer with two ZTR's plus all the other gear? If so, I am in trouble cuz we are planning to buy our second Toro ZTR in February and I only 1/2 ton Silverado with 5.3 liter V8 and towing package.

I just pulled 7 yards of mulch on my 16ft tandem trailer with the 5.3L and it pulled it just fine. Didnt struggle at all. It was the two days after a heavy rain so the mulch was extra heavy.

[Hanau]

Are you suggesting that a 1/2 pickup truck is not suitable to pull a trailer with two ZTR's plus all the other gear? If so, I am in trouble cuz we are planning to buy our second Toro ZTR in February and I only 1/2 ton Silverado with 5.3 liter V8 and towing package.

In my time on LS I've learned a lot about towing. You're going to overload your brakes, blow your transmission, and crash into a bus full of widows and orphans before you get that second ZTR home from the dealer.

You're going to need to upgrade to one of these:

[greenchoppers]

In my time on LS I've learned a lot about towing. You're going to overload your brakes, blow your transmission, and crash into a bus full of widows and orphans before you get that second ZTR home from the dealer.

You're going to need to upgrade to one of these:

I think that we could carry a few extra trimmers with that big truck. Parking in the residential areas with that thing would be fun! Just think, when it gets to be dark we could just sleep in the truck at the job site. How cool is that?!?!?!?!?

[Hanau]

Those Lone Star's are nice, I've only seen one in person. Definetely grabs your attention.

In the real world you'll be fine with a half ton. I've had 18,000lbs on my 82 F-150's tow ball before. Not ideal, but do-able.

Until you start towing more than 10K several times a week you're fine with a half ton and electric brake controller. If you're dragging 12K all the time then look hard at a 3/4 ton. Once you start getting past 15K it's time to look at a 1 ton.

Just be careful and stay on top of the PMS, you'll be fine.

[greenchoppers]

Thanks Bob.

[johnnybravo8802]

The 1/2 ton will pull my load but, technically, a 1/2 ton was never meant to be pulling that kind of weight 6-7 days/wk. I have had my 30 HP New Holland with loader and bushhog on my trailer several times(4200+ lbs) and it will do it but does it do it well? NO! The problem arises when you are stopping-that weight will push you down the road. The back end on my Dodge squats and the chains are dragging the ground with my two riders on it. I have the 4.8 liter also and it falls off going up hills quite a bit. Overall, the 1/2 ton will do the job but it has a lot of miles and when I upgrade, I'm making sure I get some extra truck. Does anyone drive an LCF? I know they have a power stroke. What are your comments on that particular truck. I've seen a few comments on the LCF but I can't remember where.

[johnnybravo8802]

I have an 02 fe640 fuso similar to what you posted. I added the hoist drop the dove tail off and use it for fall clean ups, trailer in tow. I posted it under the "Leaf Rigs" thread. Any who it is an outstanding concept but it is so easy to over load these trucks. They are work horses and are exceptional on fuel usage.
I saw an add for an LCF with a 19,500 GVW and I think that would do the trick.

[XLS]

johny it sounds like you load the trailer tounge heavy and as far as stoping it is called trailer brakes they stop you friend with out them a load can push anything .

we use ford rangers pulling 14' trailers with a walker and sub mini-z we can also load a 72 '' and 60" ferris on it andthey have minimal problems.
a half ton to pull mowers sheeit man this is a everyday thing and it is easy i dont get your situation unless your loading the trailer wrong.

[4 seasons lawn&land]

Id also roll in the lone star. Ive seen 2 at the Isuzu dealer.

But seriously I would do a Mit Fuso FG 4x4 (just because Isuzu only makes RWD) and a 14 ft lettered morgan box with a scissor ramp for lawn service and a plow. In the winter I'd pull the box off and bolt on a simple non tilt flat bed with a spreader. Then if I needed to dump Id use a 14k dump trailer. If I decided I wanted to also use the truck as a dump for landscape jobs I might start thinking about a switch n go.

[johnnybravo8802]

johny it sounds like you load the trailer tounge heavy and as far as stoping it is called trailer brakes they stop you friend with out them a load can push anything .

we use ford rangers pulling 14' trailers with a walker and sub mini-z we can also load a 72 '' and 60" ferris on it andthey have minimal problems.
a half ton to pull mowers sheeit man this is a everyday thing and it is easy i dont get your situation unless your loading the trailer wrong.
I have trailer brakes on my 16' trailer. As far as the tractor, you can only load it one way-I have to take the head ache rack off of the trailer and run the bucket up on the tongue to make it fit. The two Scags fill up the 16' trailer also and there is no other way to load them. I would load them butt to butt with the majority of the weight being over the axles but they drag going up the ramp and so I have to back both on to the trailer. I used to drive 18 wheelers so I know all about loading things properly-that keeps you out of getting fines. I see trucks overloaded all day long and I just shake my head. The worst seem to be the guys with the 3/4 ton trucks. They think they can haul a mountain with them. Anyway, the purpose of the thread is not to critique my loading technique, it's about having fun with telling about the perfect landscape truck you've dreamt up. I'm sure everyone on here has had visions of the perfect set-up, if not already have it. I'm trying to come up with a multi purpose truck. Brickmann has a good set-up with the F450 dumps and the enclosed trailers. Someone put some thought into that set-up!!:clapping::clapping:

[South Florida Lawns]

If your commercially running equipment around full time its deffinately time to step up to a commercial grade truck.

I'd go with and Isuzu NPR HD or the GMC/Chevy series. I would think an 18ft bed is what you would want as the dovetail is kinda useless and running a blower/fuel cage up front takes up a few feet of space.

You can pick these chassis cab trucks up cheaply and have a bed fabbed up you will save money and won't have to mess with trailers anymore.

[XLS]

Anything new we havent bought a truck new ever

[Hanau]

I kinda fell in love with this:

http://www.lawnsite.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=167757&stc=1&d=1258323140

http://www.truckpaper.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=2118941

$46,500 is the price of a nice F-350, or you could roll in this Peterbilt.

The Peterbilt 325 seems to give a lot of value for the money, that's the price for a brand new truck with a bed on it.

[yorkkj]

on the 1/2 ton towing ability, it all depends on how your half ton is rated, some are only rated between 5000 and 6000lbs, but some are in the 8000 to 10,000 range. Depends on witch engine and tranny combo you have. If you tow maxed out all the time with these light trucks, you will kill them slowly. SInce you tow eveyday, you should oversize your truck for what you plan to tow, so your truck holds up.

[Hanau]

Kenworth's Class 5 truck is the T-170. Same underneath as the Pete 325.

Here's one for $46,950. Good value.

http://www.truckpaper.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=1755818

Personally I prefer the Peterbilt styling. Chrome grille and bumper, the split windshield, it just has more presence.

Both are about the same price and have a Paccar PX-6 (Cummins 6.7) engine and a choice of Allison automatic or Eaton Fuller manual trannies.

19.5K GVW.

[XLS]

ok i have to ask because i am not fimilure with the trucks above . how much bigger are these trucks when compaired to our 5500 and 6500 chevy trucks? i am curious

[Hanau]

Same size.

They're in the same class as a Ford F-550, Dodge 5500, Kodiak 5500, and Topkick 5500.

If you look closely at the Peterbilt it's sitting in a standard size parking spot.

The difference is the Peterbilt and the Kenworth are built by Paccar. All Paccar does is build commercial trucks. The Peterbilt or the Kenworth could quite possibly run 1,000,000 miles with routine maintenance. More than likely though they'd need an in-frame at 600K or so. It's possible for a caring operator to get a million miles or more out of them. Quite possible.

[XLS]

Got ya hanau i assumed the pic was on a lot or truckstop due to the other truck in the pics . i really dont doubt a million miles at all we have had the 5500 and 6500 for years and they still go fine , engine components are hard to find for them now days so when they die i guess newer would be a good thing i think they are 78 to mid 80 models with 2 speed rearends .

[Valk]

What kind of mpg's would those big-rig's get?

[Hanau]

A full size 18 wheeler w/ a 15 liter engine and 18 speed transmission gets 5 to 7 mpg.

A diesel pick up can get 20 mpg.

Those rigs split the difference on size so my guess is that they split the difference on fuel useage as well. It's hard to say for sure, especially with all the new emissions stuff.

Of course the biggest variable is the driver. How hard are you going to push the right pedal when the light turns green?

[Jelinek61]

My perfect lawn rig would have to be similar to Brickman's with a few changes. First of all i would go with a black dodge 4500 with a 12' rugby unibody landscape dump, a 9'2" boss VXT snow plow, and a meyer stainless steel MVP v-box salt spreader. Pulling a color matched 22'x8.5' haulmark grizzly enclosed box trailer. Inside the trailer would be 2 toro zturns, 1 toro grandstand, and stihl handhelds. You could haul grass and debris in the dump, keep the equipment dry and secure, when the time comes for fall cleanups you could put a minuteman leaf loader on the back and haul leaves. An

[johnnybravo8802]

My perfect lawn rig would have to be similar to Brickman's with a few changes. First of all i would go with a black dodge 4500 with a 12' rugby unibody landscape dump, a 9'2" boss VXT snow plow, and a meyer stainless steel MVP v-box salt spreader. Pulling a color matched 22'x8.5' haulmark grizzly enclosed box trailer. Inside the trailer would be 2 toro zturns, 1 toro grandstand, and stihl handhelds. You could haul grass and debris in the dump, keep the equipment dry and secure, when the time comes for fall cleanups you could put a minuteman leaf loader on the back and haul leaves. An
This is what I'm talking about. That was one of my ideas also. Like you, I'd love to have a Dodge 4500 versus the F450. This set-up would allow you to do so many things and, in my opinion, is an idea set-up-the best of all worlds. This may be what I end up with in the end. I'm still trying to decide.

[johnnybravo8802]

Kenworth's Class 5 truck is the T-170. Same underneath as the Pete 325.

Here's one for $46,950. Good value.

http://www.truckpaper.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=1755818

Personally I prefer the Peterbilt styling. Chrome grille and bumper, the split windshield, it just has more presence.

Both are about the same price and have a Paccar PX-6 (Cummins 6.7) engine and a choice of Allison automatic or Eaton Fuller manual trannies.

19.5K GVW.

I like to see people with big goals!!!:clapping:I like the idea of a 500,000 mile truck. I used to hear that the F550(older ones) would go 500,000 miles. Heck, I've heard of Mercedes getting 1 million miles. What the he#@ has happened to the F550??? You pay all this big money for a strapping truck and you get a volkswagon. There is no excuse in having one problem with a truck like that in less than 300,000 miles.:hammerhead: I rode in a friends F450 today and you could hear it rubbing when he turned the wheel. He only has 130,000 miles on it- almost same as my 1500.

[Hanau]

What blows me away on the Paccar trucks is how much more truck you get for less money than an F-550.

They're on to something, I talked to the salesman at Spokane Peterbilt. Apparently they're new for 09. They've been getting a great response from contractors.

[jasonnau]

In my time on LS I've learned a lot about towing. You're going to overload your brakes, blow your transmission, and crash into a bus full of widows and orphans before you get that second ZTR home from the dealer.

You're going to need to upgrade to one of these:

Is that a deceptacon or an autobot?

[johnnybravo8802]

What blows me away on the Paccar trucks is how much more truck you get for less money than an F-550.

They're on to something, I talked to the salesman at Spokane Peterbilt. Apparently they're new for 09. They've been getting a great response from contractors.
What kills me is how the F550 has been around for years and is having all of these major problems. I'm not sure if it started with international or not? You'd think a manufacturer would stick to the thing that works-I know Ford is notorious for changing something good and replacing it with something thats all problems. The F550 should be the cats meow for 2009. The Peterbilt is nice and I guess it's the engine and tranny that make the difference. That seems to be the problems with the Ford + the radiator. How the crap do you screw up a radiator?

[johnnybravo8802]

Is that a deceptacon or an autobot?
Autobot of course-Optimus Prime!!!!:laugh::laugh:

[Hanau]

Paccar builds what they're good at. Frames and bodies. The rest comes from specialized companies.

Cummins provides the engine. Allison or Eaton Fuller the transmission. Bendix provides the brakes. Bosch designs the electrical system. Alcoa builds the wheels. So on and so forth.

Paccar then takes the components and assembles them into a finished truck.

If all you do is build radiators, you're going to be pretty good at it. Paccar finds a company that's good at building radiators and sticks it in their trucks.

Ford designs and builds a lot of components in house. Sometimes they get it right, sometimes they don't.

[johnnybravo8802]

Paccar builds what they're good at. Frames and bodies. The rest comes from specialized companies.

Cummins provides the engine. Allison or Eaton Fuller the transmission. Bendix provides the brakes. Bosch designs the electrical system. Alcoa builds the wheels. So on and so forth.

Paccar then takes the components and assembles them into a finished truck.

If all you do is build radiators, you're going to be pretty good at it. Paccar finds a company that's good at building radiators and sticks it in their trucks.

Ford designs and builds a lot of components in house. Sometimes they get it right, sometimes they don't.

It sounds like Paccar took all the idea components and built a truck.:weightlifter:What do you think about the Aisin tranny behind the Cummins in Dodge? Also, the Duramax and Allison should be the perfect set-up but I hear nothing good about Chevy. The complaints seem to be with the "cheap body".

[Hanau]

Aisin makes the transmissions for the Isuzu cabovers. Those are bulletproof trucks. Of course the Cummins has twice the output, I think it'll be fine.

[4 seasons lawn&land]

The traditional style trucks look cool but I'd have a hard time going that route over a big cab-over for the drive-ability and maneuverability of the cab overs. They're like a smaller truck with the same size capabilities.

[johnnybravo8802]

The traditional style trucks look cool but I'd have a hard time going that route over a big cab-over for the drive-ability and maneuverability of the cab overs. They're like a smaller truck with the same size capabilities.
Are you referring to the cabover versus the F550 or the Peterbilt? I had an Isuzu cabover in 01' and loved it. You're right, the visibility and maneuverability is second to none. That's why I like the idea of no trailer-getting into drives and tight places-even a 24' cabover is still shorter than a truck and trailer. I had the 4 cylinder diesel in my Isuzu and it purred like a Kitten-could barely hear it running. It seems like the only trucks that don't have major problems are the Isuzu's. Does anyone know about the LCF's? I like the looks of them but they have the powerstroke:dizzy: and that leaves a question.

[4 seasons lawn&land]

Thats what I mean. I wonder if there are benefits to the regular cab behind trucks besides looks.

[Hanau]

Driving enjoyment?

[4 seasons lawn&land]

........really?

[Hanau]

Basically, I mean the cab overs generally have smaller engines so they get better fuel economy.

You could argue a hood is safer in a crash.

In the end though it comes down to this, you spend a lot of time at work. Might as well enjoy it. If driving a hood makes you happy, go for it.

[J&R Landscaping]

Kenworth's Class 5 truck is the T-170. Same underneath as the Pete 325.

Here's one for $46,950. Good value.

http://www.truckpaper.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=1755818

Personally I prefer the Peterbilt styling. Chrome grille and bumper, the split windshield, it just has more presence.

Both are about the same price and have a Paccar PX-6 (Cummins 6.7) engine and a choice of Allison automatic or Eaton Fuller manual trannies.

19.5K GVW.

Coopersburg Kenworth is about an hour from me. That truck you posted is quite nice. I've looked at similar trucks there in the past.

[BrandonV]

I kinda fell in love with this:

http://www.lawnsite.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=167757&stc=1&d=1258323140

http://www.truckpaper.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=2118941

$46,500 is the price of a nice F-350, or you could roll in this Peterbilt.

The Peterbilt 325 seems to give a lot of value for the money, that's the price for a brand new truck with a bed on it.

i beleive you can get that in a hybrid as well. model 330

[XLS]

what kind of fuel milage is a 5500 type truck getting now days we are around 5-7 in ours just currious