Finally going for it,lorry purchase.

[Simon edwards]

After considering it for years, we have decided to make life far easier by venturing into the haulage world.
We need a truck to move some of our own kit and I have a couple of companies lined up that I can also move gear for,initially hopefully enough to cover the running costs but ultimately I hope to take on a bit more machinery transport work to keep things diverse and interesting.
Currently looking at options,initially I was looking at an 18 tonner, but am now starting to consider going a bit bigger and running a 6 wheeler.
Any advice welcome as trucks are a pretty new world to us but I’m pretty sure it’s worth a shot while I’m still keen enough to have a go.

 

[JD450A]

Roads, Loads and Coin. In that order.

Firstly Roads dominate your selection.... Where are you travelling, is it tight, are there overhead issues like trees and low bridges. DON'T get a big lorry because it's cheaper or more versatile..... Beyond 15t they are the same width as an artic BUT length will play a key role.. likewise cab height makes a huge difference and its no fun hitting trees because you've a stupid height cab. Same with cab width. Daf LF Vs a CF in lanes with hedges are two completely different experiences.

Next loads.... If size isn't an issue then yeah big lorry good. Personally sweet spot (if size isn't a problem) is something you can get a 7t digger and Dumper on. We had that with the Foden BUT it was too long for most places. Hence the Daf LF 18t which is just the right balance. Likewise if you want flexibility hooklift, skip, grab, crane, tipper blah..... But all add weight and often height and all rarely make any odds.

Lastly cost. Bigger lorry more coin more headaches.

 

[Simon edwards]

Cheers, this is why I think an 18 will probably be my best bet, access is definately an issue on a lot of our jobs,but at the same time being able to move digger and dumper together will I think get more third party work.
Do you think running costs increase much with a 6 wheeler?

 

[Quattromike]

It's ultimately difficult to get one that does it all for you, we have a 28t 6 wheeler with crane and cheesewedge and is quite long (big overhang) some days you're out in this big lorry with just a pallet on back and next day you have a 14M beam over the hake sticking out the front and the back. You kinda need to add up what will add the most value to the business in day to day, is it quick and simple to pull it out and get a job done or do you have to spend time setting it up to do task for the day. You may also take consideration with your operators license what size truck as I know folk who have restrictions imposed on them how big a truck they can run because of their operating centre not being suitable for big trucks.

 

[JD450A]

Cheers, this is why I think an 18 will probably be my best bet, access is definately an issue on a lot of our jobs,but at the same time being able to move digger and dumper together will I think get more third party work.
Do you think running costs increase much with a 6 wheeler?

Are you going to go for a restricted O licence or a standard national?

And yes, quite a bit.

 

[Simon edwards]

We currently have a restricted,but my sister who does all our admin is doing her cpc so we will then go for a standard national as I want to set up properly from the start.
We are fine from the operating centre point of view as our yard is within a larger hauliers yard and there is no size restriction on our current license.
As you say Mike it’s important to work out what works best on a regular basis rather than the occasional larger job,again leaning towards an 18.

 

[hiluxman]

I've an 18t grab, the week I bought it I was ment to be going to have a look at a 18t Roro.

But I looked at the grab and bought it there and then.

It's worked out better for me as I can lift machines into places. I can also just pile muck and grab it later without needing a machine on site.

It doesn't go out everyday but it's paid for and isn't outrageous to keep on the fleet because of its usfullness when you do need it.

I may look at a 6w next time tho.

 

[Simon edwards]

That sounds like you have the right set up for your business,how has the Daf been reliability wise?
I’m going down the beavertail route as there is’nt anyone local offering relatively short notice local moves and I think it would fit in with my set up( hopefully).

 

[hiluxman]

That sounds like you have the right set up for your business,how has the Daf been reliability wise?
I’m going down the beavertail route as there is’nt anyone local offering relatively short notice local moves and I think it would fit in with my set up( hopefully).

So far it's been good. Has the usual phantom abs warning coming and going whenever it feels.
Recent bill for a 6 weekly inspection, all filters and oil was £330, I couldn't done it myself for less.

 

[Furniss]

That sounds like you have the right set up for your business,how has the Daf been reliability wise?
I’m going down the beavertail route as there is’nt anyone local offering relatively short notice local moves and I think it would fit in with my set up( hopefully).

You cant get digger and dumper on at same time and trailer is a pita but can you not incorporate a bit of aggs and Muck away with a hookloader to help pay for itself ? hard to make a Beavertail pay for itself without moving other peoples kit like you mention, trouble is moving other kit doesn't pay great and you can't get on with your own jobs whilst moving Joe blogs, hard to focus on your own daily work when running about for other people too.
If you haven't read it already the old thread on here i started while choosing mine might be useful to you, fair bit of discussion on various sizes and input from knowledgeable folk too
Wouldn't change mine its been perfect and big change for the easier for us !
5m bin - goes everywhere - easy to park on jobs - often 6t gets stored on it the weekends

 

[Simon edwards]

You cant get digger and dumper on at same time and trailer is a pita but can you not incorporate a bit of aggs and Muck away with a hookloader to help pay for itself ? hard to make a Beavertail pay for itself without moving other peoples kit like you mention, trouble is moving other kit doesn't pay great and you can't get on with your own jobs whilst moving Joe blogs, hard to focus on your own daily work when running about for other people too.
If you haven't read it already the old thread on here i started while choosing mine might be useful to you, fair bit of discussion on various sizes and input from knowledgeable folk too
Wouldn't change mine its been perfect and big change for the easier for us !
5m bin - goes everywhere - easy to park on jobs - often 6t gets stored on it the weekends
View attachment 75905

Thanks, I have considered hook loaders but I am gradually swinging round to dedicated operated hire and doing less price work, my thinking really is I can do this for a long time with less stress ,I have good customers that appreciate the level of service they get.I don’t actually mind doing small moves for others,be a bit of change and something new to enjoy.
Our location makes tipping and collecting materials unviable unless with a larger wagon.
That set up looks very nice though,I will have a look over the old thread.

 

[Furniss]

Wagon

Looking to pick the collective brains again, I don't really have a great deal of experience with wagons - I have run a 7.5t hook for a few years and early next year looking to going up to something that will move a 5.5t machine - tilty and buckets/attachments. It would be great to keep...

www.planttalk.co.uk

 

[Simon edwards]

Wagon

Looking to pick the collective brains again, I don't really have a great deal of experience with wagons - I have run a 7.5t hook for a few years and early next year looking to going up to something that will move a 5.5t machine - tilty and buckets/attachments. It would be great to keep...

www.planttalk.co.uk

Thank you, will have a good read.

 

[craig]

Take some time to look at a few different body options from different body builders, some are a lot better than others, things like build height can vary by 6 inches between makes, ramp design, lashing points etc

 

[Simon edwards]

Thanks,definately good advice,There’s an ex HE services Daf that keeps catching my eye, it is pretty much is the perfect build but I feel high mileage for the age.I also worked for them years ago and reckon they would have been hard miles.

Take some time to look at a few different body options from different body builders, some are a lot better than others, things like build height can vary by 6 inches between makes, ramp design, lashing points etc

 

[CPS]

Thank you, will have a good read.

Spoiler alert... he bought a hooklift

 

[Furniss]

Ha ..did i mention i like them yet ?

But anyhow its useful for the 18t v 26t

 

[hiluxman]

Thanks,definately good advice,There’s an ex HE services Daf that keeps catching my eye, it is pretty much is the perfect build but I feel high mileage for the age.I also worked for them years ago and reckon they would have been hard miles.

Can you work a beavertail hard? Tippers grabs skips probably take the most beatings.

If its done long deliveries then I'd say that's better than loads of local and less cold starts.

 

[Smiffy]

Can you work a beavertail hard? Tippers grabs skips probably take the most beatings.

If its done long deliveries then I'd say that's better than loads of local and less cold starts.

Yes you can. Miss loading them, not necessarily overweight but point loading or poor positioning ( often see 8t machines up against the headboard of 6 wheelers ) is a real killer as is turning a machine on the ramps. I've seen several set of bent twisted ramps and bent rear cross members from this.

As for bodies try to go for andover if possible.
You can put a ratchet strap or dog chain anywhere along the side rail.

Mac bodies are the worst the tie down rings stick right out the side in use and very limited places to attach chains or straps.

 

[hiluxman]

Yes you can. Miss loading them, not necessarily overweight but point loading or poor positioning ( often see 8t machines up against the headboard of 6 wheelers ) is a real killer as is turning a machine on the ramps. I've seen several set of bent twisted ramps and bent rear cross members from this.

As for bodies try to go for andover if possible.
You can put a ratchet strap or dog chain anywhere along the side rail.

Mac bodies are the worst the tie down rings stick right out the side in use and very limited places to attach chains or straps.

Is that not more a pilot error than actually worked hard?

I don't disagree in what you've said, I've several lumps of wood for chocking my beavertail ramp (full width) and I'll position the truck in a certain direct to aid with thongs like uneven ground. Similarly with if I'm going two different places I'll re position the load after one is loaded or unloaded...most probably wouldn't