Grain truck for hauling scrap

I'm wondering what your thoughts are on using an older grain truck to haul scrap with. I ended up getting a new job where I'm working day shift instead of nights. The yard I use closes at 4 and a lot of the time I'm off work just in time to get to the yard just before they close. Anywho, the crane operators are gone when I get there and I end up having to unload by hand (typically 4,000 pounds worth per load). So I had the idea of either buying a dump trailer (real easy unloading but real expensive) or I could buy an old grain truck (super easy unloading and a dime a dozen around here).



I'm looking at a 1976 Ford f600 single axle grain truck with a gvw of around 19,000 pounds and a 1973 Chevy c65 tandem axle with a gvw of 27,500 pounds. I don't remember the length of the box on the Ford, but the Chevy has a 22 foot box. Both have gas v8 engines, 4 or 5 speed manual transmissions and 2 speed axles. Both trucks have hoists and I would be able to haul anywhere between 5 tons and 9 tons of shred in a single load. I already have a class b CDL so I'm covered for that.

Let me know your thoughts/opinions and ideas for this.

First hand experience the grain box don't lift high enough to tip scrap out, why you ask. Well grain is like BB's that roll out easy.

Originally Posted by alloy2

First hand experience the grain box don't life high enough to tip scrap out, why you ask. Well grain is like BB's that roll out easy.

That's a good point. https://www.bigiron.com/Lots/1973Che...AGrainTruck-10 Here is the Chevy I am thinking about. It doesn't have the 50 degree tilt angle that the roll offs have but it looks steep enough to work.

Originally Posted by hills

I'm thinking cost of ownership.

The Ford probably uses something like a 235 /80r 22.5. A set of tires would be somewhere around 3,600.00 $

Fuel mileage is prolly 8 mpg. Maybe 180.00$ at the gas station to fill up if it's got dual tanks ?

All in all you could have 8 - 10 grand invested just to make it road worthy. None the less ... it's still a 45 year old truck.

It might be better to go with the dump trailer. You can get one brand new for roughly 7,600.00 $

Both trucks have 20 inch wheels. I believe the Ford has a single gas tank while the Chevy has dual gas tanks. I believe I can get the Ford for $1,200 and it's got decent tires on it. Hopefully I would be able to get the Chevy for around the same amount but it would need tires. I do see what you're saying though. THank you for the input.

If that 1976 Ford f600 has the widow maker rims ya won't find a tire shop that will fix a flat or even install a brand new tire.

What I got from the description in the Chevy c65 tandem axle, not a true tandem, but a tag axle.

Tags are a JOKE.

Good luck even finding a 10.00-20 tire anymore. You might as well plan on converting it to 22.5 or 24.5 ones. You can get low profile 22.5 tires a dime a dozen used from the truck salvage yards. They’re about $100 each at ours. But, tires are only part of the equation

What’s stopped us from getting a grain truck on our farm is that most of them are best to within an inch of their life already. Farm trucks get a reputation for being overloaded, poorly maintained, and run in bad conditions- at least out here. If you can find a good truck, I think you’d be fine. Out here, though, good grain trucks are few and far between

You guys have great points of view. I am looking into dump trailers now. Thank you for your thoughts and responses

To the question of grain truck or trailer, one you maintain the axles, bed, frame, tires, and hydraulics. The other you can add the engine, another set of brakes, etc. Bottom line, maintenance on the trailer is cheaper than another hauling vehicle when you consider lisc., taxes, and the fact you are already paying for maintenance on another motor.

IMHO you have by passed the easy and cheap solution to your problem. Once you develop a relationship with your yard you have many options. I have left trailers after hours that they unloaded the next day and all I had to do was pick up the trailer and check when it was convenient. I call ahead and they leave the gate unlocked to allow me to deliver. If I need to pick it up after hours it is the same deal. Just do not forget to lock the gate when you are done or you will loose this privilege. If you doubt their honesty, weigh it before and after. Around here the truck scales will weigh for free if you emphasize you just want to be safe and legal. Just a thought.