"first" chip truck questions

[treeninja49]

Hi All,

Ive been trying to find a dump truck for my first truck - This is weekend only operation so I don't have the working days to justify anything too expensive. ( I think??) My price range keeps changing due to fear of a money pit purchase. Can anyone help me out with at least some tips on models/makes to stay away from? in my 10k-20k range I am finding a lot of Fords 450,550,650 and a lot of Cabovers and gmc top kicks.

So far my little bit of research says to stay away from gas engines,6.0 liter fords, and older cat engines. Any other tips for finding a gem and not a money pit for a first truck? I am terrified of a lemon and not sure how to approach this to protect myself. I have 15 years climbing but not versed in mechanical realm I sense I am about to make a bad purchase if I dont get help

 

[Luztree]

87-98 international 1900-4900 with dt 466

 

[treeninja49]

thank you, That actually makes me happy to hear because I have good memories of those exact trucks when i first started tree work.

Id love to find one with the mini skid platform behind the cab. I think thats a thing.

 

[diver64]

Diesel is what you want, stay away from gas. They are fine but won't have the lifespan. I've had DD, Cat's, Navistars, Mercedes, Cummins and such and all have been fine so the preference in that area get's pretty personal. What you want in a diesel is one that has local shops that will work on that engine. Biggest point to consider is the same as buying a car. What is the history, do you have the maintenance records, has the engine had an inframe or not, is this the truck that will do what I want to do without overtaxing it and so on. I'm sure you know all of this, though. I know guys with Ford dumps still running them around.
Of all the trucks I've run I would lean towards a Cummins or DD engine but that is just me. I'd also buy a truck a little bigger than I thought I'd need.