truck help

[ewoolsey]

i need help on which truck to get ,these were light and power trucks , 2000 freightliner FL 70 , with a diesel CATIPILLER engine, with 5929 hours on pto, 120,000 miles on truck , 55 ft boom ,one man bucket with a winch, new tires is a plus, or a 1998 ford 7000 ,with a cumming diesel engine, with 8917 hours on pto , but only 69,000 miles , tires all good except 1 has only 1/4 tread left , 55 ft and it has 2 man bucket, with winch, the 2 man bucket would be nice , but it is so wide , it would be hard to get in some places toping, and the line's hang down , well that is about it any info would help ,they are the same price, thanks

 

[pdqdl]

The '98 has about 50% more hours on the PTO than the newer truck. That probably means 50% more wear and stress on the bucket part of the truck.

For trucks in that weight class, the miles really aren't that important. I'd see if those are the original engines, or if they have been rehabilitated. 8900 hours is quite a bit of use.

Tree work gets crowded with a two man bucket.

 

[Rftreeman]

if you can afford either one go with the newer one, miles like that are nothing for trucks these days.

 

[motor]

I'd go with the newer FL as well, the new tires are a big plus. What make & models are the lifts? That could be why the prices vs age are the same.

 

[ewoolsey]

They all have altec lifts on them which is the best thing, they are made only 30 miles from me, i know some of the people that work there.

 

[motor]

Probably an AM or AN series? Good units. Have an inspection done before hand or maybe one of the people you know at Altec can go with you.

 

[371groundie]

knowing more about trucks and engines than i do about lifts, i would have to vote for the freightliner. a heads up, if it has the 6 speed reverse is TALL! feels like youre backing up in third!

the cat engine will take a lickin and keep on tickin, parts and service are availible ANYWHERE. and personally i find the freightliner hood more comfortable to sit behind. feels like i can see more.

 

[Mikecutstrees]

I would stay away from the 2 man bucket personally. If you do any pruning it will be a total PITA. Mike

 

[ewoolsey]

thanks for feed back guys, now just come up with the money in time ?

 

[mowoodchopper]

Cummins!!!!!