Rocky's bucket truck for sale

[Skwerl]

$16,000. This time I mean it. My financing has been approved for the new truck and I've got the fuel injection problems fixed on the old truck (it was a blocked checkvalve) so it's time for me to get serious about selling it. I'll pull it out and get a bunch of current pictures this week but in the meantime, here's a couple old pictures from shortly after I bought it 2.5 years ago.

The motor was replaced last December and has about 8000 miles on it. It has an Allison automatic transmission, 2 speed locking rear end, air brakes, cold air conditioning, etc.

The boom is an Altec AM650. 55' working height with 2000 lb material handler winch. The boom is set up for two buckets but I have the second one removed. It will be included with the truck.

LOTS OF CURRENT PICTURES ON THE 4TH PAGE OF THIS THREAD

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/PA040012edit.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/PA040011edit.jpg

[Jonseredbred]

Whats the bidding start at??

[No_Bivy]

is this a benifit auction?:D

[Skwerl]

For you two jokers, the opening bid is $17,000. :lol:

[No_Bivy]

:O

[vharrison]

Congrats! That truck has been good to you, but you will have fun with the next one. Sure you don't want to keep it and work it some more?

[No_Bivy]

paint that thing yellow...and it has DOT Palm all over it:D

[stehansen]

:|:

[Skwerl]

As promised, here's a couple pics of the truck in action today. I'll get some more this weekend so I'll have something appropriate to put in the Truck Trader.

More pictures from today's job here. (http://www.gypoclimber.com/showthread.php?p=200966#post200966)

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/IMG_0102.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/IMG_0107800x600.jpg

[JIML]

I don't think I could use a truck without a headache rack...

Just kinda feel NAKED

[MasterBlaster]

Wow, I just noticed that. I've never seen a bucket truck w/o one.

[Skwerl]

Yes you have, Butch. They usually have the power company's name on the doors and are loaded down with electrical stuff. ;)

[MasterBlaster]

The ones around here have headache racks.

[Canuck]

Rocky if I wasn't in the process of buying a chipper I'd be all over it. It would be perfect for me. If hasn't sold by June I'll have the cash in hand and make a trip to Florida.

[Skwerl]

I'll hold you to that, Ben! :)

[stehansen]

I thought a rear mount didn't need one.

[MasterBlaster]

Not as much as a front mount, for sure, but for treework they are truely invaluable for protecting the cab.

[Koa Man]

The ground man doesn't have/need a headache rack either.

[Skwerl]

Wesley, he's not a groundman. He's a landscraper. :lol:

[Werks 4 da Man]

I had a feeling you wouldn't claim him rocky.

Fred

[rumination]

Brian, I've been in and out lately and just noticed that you're getting a new truck. Congratulations! Is there a thread with pictures of the new one yet?

[lumberjack]

Hopefully I'll be showing off some pics next Tuesday evening while he's driving it back home.

Here's some pics he took when he was up there earlier, post 83.

http://www.gypoclimber.com/showthread.php?t=9439

[rumination]

Thanks Carl, it looks like a sweet rig. Glad to hear things are starting to go your way again Brian.

[Thor's Hammer]

Damn Skwerl, that is one most excellent truck. I would buy that in a heartbeat if it were closer. That crane is fantastic feature. it makes the bucket truck x10 more usefull.

[Skwerl]

Here's a picture of the new truck.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/DSCN0804.jpg

[vharrison]

I just love the color on the boom. :P

[rumination]

I'll bet you can't wait!

[FJR]

Congratulations on your new truck Mr. Skwerl, looks sweeeeet!

[Thor's Hammer]

Brian, I'm going to look into shipping on monday. I'm considering bringing it accross the pond.

[MasterBlaster]

Wow! That'll cost a pretty pence! I woulda thought imported stuff like that had to be new.

[Reddog]

The US dollar is weak right now. Good time for him to import from here.

[Werks 4 da Man]

Depends on the box it will fit in.

If you can't get it in a cargo container, then it gets HIGH.

Fred

[Jonseredbred]

I could arrange putting it in a container.

[Paul B]

I could arrange putting it in a container.

ha, how, open the bay doors and take a running start at it? :P

[Koa Man]

I don't think they make containers high enough. A high cube container is only 9 ft. high. The inside dimensions of a shipping container is a little less than 8 ft. in width.

[Thor's Hammer]

It would go as drive on drive off cargo. I had a quote on a truck a few years back, it was only $1600. not bad for 6000 miles eh?

[sotc]

yeah thats cheap. i put a toyota in a small container in kodiak and picked it up in seattle for 800 back in 98

[Skwerl]

I spent this morning emptying most of my gear off the truck and blowing the bulk of the sawdust off. I took a crapload of pictures for Ed and also for any other online or classified ads I may place. Here's what I got, some may be repetitive. The truck hour meter reads 7010. When I bought the truck 2.5 years ago it was at 5277.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/IMG_0116800x600-1.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/IMG_0117800x600.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/IMG_0118800x600.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/IMG_0119800x600.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/IMG_0120800x600.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/IMG_0121800x600.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/IMG_0123800x600.jpg

[Skwerl]

more pics

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/IMG_0124800x600.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/IMG_0125800x600.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/IMG_0126800x600.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/IMG_0127800x600.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/IMG_0128800x600.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/IMG_0129800x600.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/IMG_0130800x600.jpg

[Skwerl]

more pics

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/IMG_0131800x600.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/IMG_0132800x600.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/IMG_0133800x600.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/IMG_0134800x600.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/IMG_0135800x600.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/IMG_0136800x600.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/IMG_0137800x600.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/IMG_0138800x600.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/IMG_0139800x600.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/IMG_0140800x600.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/IMG_0141800x600.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/IMG_0142800x600.jpg

[sotc]

sweet radio! ha

[stehansen]

When those fast and furious wanna bees pull up in their Honda civic and start bumping, Brian just bumps 'em back, and no Cholo can match his hydraulics. Wat up esseeeee?

[sotc]

yeah he can get to 50 feet of air!

[Ax-Man]

hey Rock do you have enough gear to fill all those toolboxes on the new truck??

Congrats on your new purchase. Looks good, hope it makes you a ton of money.

[Ax-Man]

hey Rock do you have enough gear to fill all those toolboxes on the new truck??

Congrats on your new purchase. Looks good, hope it makes you a ton of money.

[Paul B]

that looks like a lot of storage space!

[Skwerl]

I never filled all the boxes on the old truck, and the bed on the new truck is slightly longer. So I have about 1.5-2 more feet of storage on each side. The biggest difference will be a larger saw box so I'll be able to comfortably store more than 6 saws on the truck.
:D

[Husky385]

Here's a picture of the new truck.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/DSCN0804.jpg


Wow nice rig, i'm guessing this truck is brand new, would you care to tell us how much it's going to cost you? I hope your new truck earn you plenty...:thumbup:

[MasterBlaster]

I don't think it's new.

[Husky385]

I don't think it's new.


Nice rig all the same, i'd be getting a headache rack fitted thats for sure.

[okietreedude]

The guy i used to work for had a truck similar (ie: no headache rack). It was always hard NOT working over the cab, even though we set it up in an effort not too. In the several yrs I worked the truck, i think we put 3 windshields in it. The price he paid for the glass, im sure would have put the rack on top.

If it were mine, it would have a rack.

[MasterBlaster]

Heck yeah! :thumbup:

[Ax-Man]

Tree truck = headache rack =gottahave one. I wouldn't use a bucket truck doing trees unless it had one.

I have been looking for a replacement boom myself, found one I liked only no headache rack. Probaly have to look elsewhere.

[stehansen]

I have used mine several times as a platform to prune from also.

[MasterBlaster]

I was gonna say they can be handy as work platforms, too.

[Skwerl]

Larry, you can probably have a headache rack made for a couple hundred bucks. I never bothered with the old truck (it has heavy duty catwalks on top of the boxes and I rarely work over the cab) but I'll probably have one made for the new truck.

I have pictures and more info on the new truck over here. (http://www.gypoclimber.com/showthread.php?t=9439)

I'd like this thread to stay focused on selling the blue truck. :)
Here's a picture from this morning's removal (my final job with this truck) and another picture from the 'park and sell' lot this afternoon.
:cry:

[Dave Shepard]

In the first pictures, I was amazed at the lack of rust (we've got plenty up here), then in the last pictures, I see that fading is your enemy! Glad you got it running right again. It's like lost car keys, you allways find the problem in the last place you looked. ;)


Dave

[Skwerl]

The truck isn't faded as bad as it looks. The last two pictures were underexposed and I brightened them up on my computer, so they look a little washed out.

I got two calls in the last day from friends checking up on me and wondering if I was injured, dead or quitting the tree business after they saw my truck for sale. I think over 90% of the tree guys in town will see it in the next 3-4 weeks. :)

[Dave Shepard]

Lighting is a pain when taking pictures. I have been studying photography lately. I want to get a DSLR, but they can be serious coin. The first shots came out well, that is a really sharp looking truck.


Dave

[vharrison]

Any leads on selling the truck?

[Skwerl]

Any leads on selling the truck?

Not yet, Gigi. Although I've gotten calls from three people who know me and wanted to find out if I was giving up treework, hospitalized, dead or moving when they saw my truck for sale.

I'm still trying to get over to the Truck Trader office to place an ad there, their online form forces you to specify make and model and they have Altec as a choice but then it wants to force me to pick an incorrect model number.

I did place an ad on Tree Trader online. For $35 I get to be one of 300 bucket trucks listed for sale nationwide. Their form implied that I also got a free ad in the magazine but that turned out to be a $65-$90 'extra'. :what: BTW, has anybody here ever seen the Tree Trader magazine? I am highly doubtful that it would be of any benefit trying to sell this truck. It won't do me a bit of good for somebody 2000 miles away to see my ad.

I still think that it will eventually sell locally. The guy who owns the lot where I'm parking the truck called me and had me cut down a pine tree for him in exchange for a month's parking. It took me all of 38 minutes. 8)

[Mr. Sir]

I've sold two buckets and a chipper with TreeTrader.com

It works for me.

[MasterBlaster]

Well that's good to hear.

[KTS]

My buddy sold his log truck in the tree trader to a guy from canada! :O

[squisher]

I peruse treetrader nearly daily.8)

[Skwerl]

OK, OK, so I guess I'm the odd one out here. I'll wait and see what happens in the next month or so and if I'm not getting any calls then I'll consider putting an ad in the Tree Trader magazine. I'm not particularly fond of their online ad layout as the prices aren't displayed unless you open the particular ad, and then half of them don't list a price anyways. when there's 400 bucket truck ads then most people are going to narrow their search by price and the Tree Trader site does not make that very easy. Perhaps their print version is better, although I'd have no idea where to find a copy to see for myself. I'd be more impressed if I had actually seen their magazines in a store somewhere.

[Canuck]

My buddy sold his log truck in the tree trader to a guy from canada! :O


Oh my god, Canada is sooooo far away from you. Its what, at least as far Virginia.

[Canuck]

Brian your ads been viewed 71 times. Nice website link;) And quit advertising it, I need it to still be for sale when I have cash after my chipping contracts finished in may.

[Newfie]

Oh my god, Canada is sooooo far away form you. Its what, at least as far Virginia.

LMAO.

Brian , put it on fleabay and we can schill up the bid for ya!:D;)

[mek]

The first time I seen the magazine was at a larger gas station news stand then I went online and got a freensubscription. Now I get one once a month. It is interesting to see the price difference of some of the identical pieces of equipment from some dealers

[stehansen]

I keep my tree trader in the bathroom.

[squisher]

I didn't mean to mislead, I only view treetrader online no magazine.

[stehansen]

Seeings how we are doing full disclosure my magazine is "Tree & Landscape Equipment Trader"

[Skwerl]

I stopped by today to fire up the truck and cycle the hydraulics since it's been parked for 2 weeks with the boom in the air. As I was bringing the bucket down a guy pulled up, got out and was looking at the truck. He said he worked for Asplundh and was interested in starting his own gig. I showed him a few things on the truck and he seemed quite interested. He mentioned having to discuss it with his cousin but he asked for my card and said he would be in touch.

My first real honest-to-god lead on selling the truck! I hope he can scrape together some dollars. I think lots of people would want to buy the truck but very few actually have the ability to put the money on the table. So my pool of potential buyers is quite small.

[MasterBlaster]

Good luck!!!

[Frans]

Skwerl, hold out! Someone WILL COME, just wait. A truck like yours sells, it's just a matter of time.

Dont settle for less, if your price is in the ballpark.

[sotc]

got the new one decaled?

[Skwerl]

It's getting close! I'm having some 'artistic differences' with the sign company employee who wants to keep 'improving' my signs. I've rejected 4 proofs so far and emailed the boss today. All I wanted was one word added and resize the font to fit the door shape (shorter and wider). Instead I got different font, no shadow, then a new, crappy shadow and a couple other ugly changes that I didn't want. Hopefully they will get it right next week.
:|:

[vharrison]

I hope you hear from the Asplundh guy!

[Ax-Man]

It's winter, that is always a hard time to sell anything that is a big ticket item if it is going to be used for cutting trees.

Wait till it gets closer to spring and you will probaly have to shoo off the buyers. All it takes is some warmer weather and the phone to ring more and you will have a buyer. You can bet someone is watching your truck very closely but are waiting a little before making a move on it.

I haven't even had a chance to try out my chipper with the winch yet because of the lousy cold and snowy weather we have been having here.I am getting tired of working on saws and trucks and ready for an actual full blown tree removal job to do. We have been working a little but we are only doing the cutting and leaving the mess on the ground.

Monday might be the day, got a good one lined -up if we don't get some crappy snow and ice like the weatherman is forecasting

Think Spring :D:D

[Skwerl]

It's winter, that is always a hard time to sell anything that is a big ticket item if it is going to be used for cutting trees.

Wait till it gets closer to spring and you will probaly have to shoo off the buyers. All it takes is some warmer weather and the phone to ring more and you will have a buyer.

I haven't even had a chance to try out my chipper with the winch yet because of the lousy cold and snowy weather we have been having here.I am getting tired of working on saws and trucks and ready for an actual full blown tree removal job to do. We have been working a little but we are only doing the cutting and leaving the mess on the ground.

Think Spring :D:D

ummm, the trees are budding out right now. In central Florida, the third week of February IS spring!
:P

[Skwerl]

I have not gotten a single email or call from my online ad on Tree Trader. I thought I had a pretty good ad but it's now down to about the 12th page and I would be shocked if anybody called me from that ad.

Ben, you still want the truck? :D How about you, Ed? :P

[squisher]

You just need to re-list it to get it back to the top don't you? Are you allowed to do that? It seems like people do.

[Skwerl]

For another $35, sure. You wanna pay for it so I can get another 0 responses?
:P

[squisher]

Ahhh I forgot you said that it costs. Frig that then. I'm spent.:D

I was thinking of listing my old Wayne CnD.:lol:

[mek]

You could try craigslist.com. It is free to list it for sale here in wisconsin anyway. I just sold my tractor on there only had it advertised for three days. Good luck.

[vharrison]

I have heard of other people having good luck with Craigs List.

[Skwerl]

I got a call yesterday on the truck. This afternoon I went and showed the truck to a couple guys and they are very interested. All they need is some money. :|:
Anyway, I have good feelings about it. The truck will sell and I'll get my (reduced) asking price. It's just a matter of time.

I've also changed my tact from "I'm tired of trying to find a mechanic to work on this damn 8.2 Detroit" to "This truck made me enough money in 2.5 years to buy a newer truck!" Putting a positive spin on it sure helps. ;)

[Chisel Tooth]

I've also changed my tact from "I'm tired of trying to find a mechanic to work on this damn 8.2 Detroit" to "This truck made me enough money in 2.5 years to buy a newer truck!" Putting a positive spin on it sure helps. ;)

Hell Yeah! the power of positive thinking!

[Burnham]

Yeah, Brian, and the latter statement is just as true as the former.
:thumbup:

[squisher]

Damn sorry to hear that Ben, best of luck with things.

[stehansen]

I could sure use it for a couple of weeks.

[Skwerl]

I just got a call from the guy who looked at my truck a week and a half ago. He is anxious to buy it and his partner is applying for a loan this week. In the meantime he asked me to do a job for him getting a couple trees on the ground, so I'll have an opportunity to go show him how easy it is to make money with a bucket truck. Because all you need is a bucket truck and a saw, and treework is a piece of cake, right? :|:

Anyway, the trees are cake and I'll blow them both out in an hour. He will be so impressed that he's going to find a way to squirt out $16K for my old truck. :lol:

[MasterBlaster]

Good luck!

[brendonv]

Because all you need is a bucket truck and a saw, and treework is a piece of cake, right? :|:

Ha, I know a guy like that. He fixes resturant equipment and drove by a bucket and chipper for sale. Next day he is a tree man. He would call me in a jam and I'd show up and soo things like this.

"You can do it, right Brendon?"

Sure! $$$$$$$$

Good luck with the sale!

[sotc]

make it look easy and you get cash in your pocket:D

[Jonseredbred]

Personally, I would not help out someone like that. If you bail him out his business will thrive on your merits. Let them fail.

[Mr. Sir]

Ha, I know a guy like that. He fixes resturant equipment and drove by a bucket and chipper for sale. Next day he is a tree man. He would call me in a jam and I'd show up and soo things like this.

"You can do it, right Brendon?"

Sure! $$$$$$$$

Good luck with the sale!

I can only see part of the company name on the back of that truck. Please tell me its not "Easy Beaver Tree Service." :what:

[Skwerl]

Not trying to sound cruel, but I could care less if he succeeds or fails AFTER he buys my truck. But for this job I'm going to do everything I can to make him think that simply owning a bucket truck is like a license to print your own money. He can find out all the cruel, harsh truths after the check clears.
;)


Brett, I suspect it's 'Busy Beaver'. Locally we also have an 'Eager Beaver'.

[Mr. Sir]

:thumbup: Caveat emptor

[Jonseredbred]

No Brian, I am talking about Brendans Busy Beaver guy who by the pic can't get an easy as pie removal done.

[brendonv]

Personally, I would not help out someone like that. If you bail him out his business will thrive on your merits. Let them fail.

At the time he was paying my bills. I did 3 climbing jobs for him, and haven't heard from him in over 4 months. The last 2 jobs he asked me to do, I wouldn't do for him.

Vermeer gave him my #, they tell me he is in weekly buying new bull ropes because he keeps cutting them in half. He is a ticking time bomb, he or the helpers will get killed.

[Skwerl]

Andrew, if you keep posting while using that avatar you're going to get my monitor all sticky. My grubby pawprints are all over it. :|:

[Mr. Sir]

Ahhh, BUSY Beaver, that makes sense. Sheesh, what was I thinking?

[Mr. Sir]

Andrew, if you keep posting while using that avatar you're going to get my monitor all sticky... :|:

Ewww.

[vharrison]

Vermeer gave him my #, they tell me he is in weekly buying new bull ropes because he keeps cutting them in half.

:lol: :lol::lol: Seriously, the guy should not be in business. This business anyway. :\:

Brian, I hope the sale goes through for you!

[stehansen]

Good luck with the truck sale Brian.

[Skwerl]

I finally decided to go ahead and place an ad in Truck Trader, regardless of the fact that they miscategorized the weight class and there is no way for me to fix it. I went for the deluxe package which will run until the truck is sold (as long as I go online and renew it every 3 weeks). Any constructive criticism of the ad, or does it look alright?
http://www.commercialtrucktrader.com/big-trucks/find/listing/1989-GMC-ALTEC-BOOM-92273660

[MasterBlaster]

It looks good to me, nice truck.

[Burnham]

Looks fine to me too, Brian. Hopefully someone will grab it up.

[squisher]

Hell yah that looks like a clean machine.

[Stumper]

Brian, Are you desperate enough to deliver it to me and carry the note yet?

[stehansen]

Made me want to buy it.

[Skwerl]

Justin, I'd be more than willing to work with you if you're serious. I would have no problem trusting you to make payments. Delivery might be a hassle but I'm sure we can figure it out.

[Stumper]

Give me a day to talk it over with Cathy. We have been talking about a bucket truck already. I've been contemplating a chip box bucket combo for efficency but there is more than one way to skin this cat. I doubt I will find a better maintained truck in my price range than yours and material handling capability would be cool.

[sotc]

cmon cathy!

[Paul B]

go Stumpster. make it work out! The treehouse rules!

[vharrison]

We are pullin for you Justin! Hope ya'll can make a deal!

[Stumper]

So long as we make it mutually beneficial. Brian and I need to talk it over.

[Chisel Tooth]

I hope yous guys can work it out.

[Skwerl]

Well, it looks like the truck is sold. :D Justin and I have some logistics to work out, but I should be able to deliver it to him in a week or two. I'm going to drive it out there and then fly back home (Damn, I hate flying).

The Treehouse rocks!!! :big-hang-loose::big-dance2::boogie::rockon::big-jump::dance:

[brendonv]

Holy moly congrats to both of you!

[MasterBlaster]

Well alrighty then! Justin will be two pants sizes in no time flying his new bucket. Wait... I mighta got that ass backwards... :|:

[Tom_Scheller]

Wow, that's cool! Way to go guys!

TS

[Burnham]

Sweet! Take a train, or maybe a bus, Brian?

Wait! You drive it to LJ's, he drives it to Sawinredneck's, he drives it to Justin. Everyone hitchikes home...cheap and no flying.
:|::P:lol:

[Skwerl]

OK, I'm not liking the routes suggested by Mapquest or Google. I'm sorry but Kansas is the most godawful boring state I've ever seen. So I picked out an alternate route and maybe somebody here might be familiar with these roads and tell me if I'm making a mistake.

From N Florida I can take 231 to Montgomery, AL and then take 82 past Lumberjack Carl's house (maybe I can wave as I drive by) to Wichita Falls, 287 to Amarillo, 87 up to Raton and I-25 north to Colorado Springs.

Without knowing that part of the country, it sure looks a bit simpler than going north all the way to Kansas City and then across 435 miles of corn fields only to turn back south to Justin's place.

And my issue with flying has more to do with the 'security measures' rather than the actual flight. I dislike subjecting myself to the whims of some underpaid grunt with an attitude who has the power to ruin my day or confiscate my personal belongings on a whim.

[sotc]

awesome, enjoy it justin!

[Chisel Tooth]

Good deal, Brian how about taking the train, it will take a little longer but you might get to see some great scenery.
my .02

[Paul B]

cool. 8) safe travels Brian.

[squisher]

Congrats Justin that's a fine looking truck imo.

[vharrison]

ROAD TRIP! Awsome! Congratulations to you both!

[Monkeywithasaw]

skwerl maybe just take i-10 to houston then go up to colorado that way you can avoid the toll rds thru oklahoma and avoid the rd to albuque nm cause the grades there are murder on big trucks with hair pin turns sorry about the spelling

[Frans]

Congratulations on the sale, Skwerl

[Stumper]

Brian, 287/87/I-25 is okay-You'll have one mountain Pass which isn't a bad one (slowest curve is 55mph)but if you want to skip it /think it will be a pain in the truck you can take 287/385 north to US 50 and 50 all the way to Canon City-that will add about 20 miles. The Interstate is totally screwed up in Trinidad so skipping Raton Pass and Trini might be worth the 20miles.

[stehansen]

This is unbelievably cool.

[lumberjack]

82 passes 6.3 miles (through the woods) from my digs.

Red is the way I'd go if I was in my chip truck or other vehicles. Green is smoother and perhaps what some would call more scenic.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/10mmsheepdog/House/Housefrom82.jpg

[Skwerl]

Sounds great, Carl. I might even see if I can borrow a corner of your couch for the night. Wichita Falls, TX will be a good target for the second day and then take it on home to Canon City the third day.
:)

[stehansen]

Is there any licensing that has to be taken care of to move a truck like that through the various states?

[No_Bivy]

:cry:i feel left out...............

[Skwerl]

Not any more, Steve. Years ago big trucks had to buy a registration for every state they travelled in. These days the states all recognize each other's registration tags.

Besides, my truck isn't hauling stuff for hire and it's under 26000 lbs (barely). DOT doesn't look twice at me.

Hey John, if you meet me along the way I'll buy lunch. :P

[No_Bivy]

:/::lol::/:

[lumberjack]

You can sleep on either couch, or, if you feel like it, the double sized bed in the guest bedroom is your's for the taking.

[Frans]

Drive carefully Rocky. Keep lots of distance in front of you

[lumberjack]

Drive carefully Rocky. Keep lots of distance in front of you

With a top speed of 60mph, I think it would also be wise to stay in the rightmost lane.

[stehansen]

With a top speed of 60mph, I think it would also be wise to stay in the rightmost lane.


Like this?
<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y91QUOmzmPo&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y91QUOmzmPo&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

If it would have been downhill a little bit further I could have caught that lowboy with the two tractors on it.:D

[rumination]

Thrilling footage, Steve.

[MasterBlaster]

Hahahahahahaaa.

I almost peed my pants!

[Skwerl]

Thanks for all the driving tips, guys. I wouldn't have known otherwise. :|:

And the truck stops a lot quicker than it goes, I'm not worried about extra following distance. I keep the brakes properly adjusted and I can practically lock up all six tires if need be. I'm more worried about practical stuff like heat and wear on the transmission running full speed for three days straight. And those all terrain tires getting hot and blowing out halfway across Texas with no repair service within a hundred miles. I am going to get the oil changed and all the fluid levels checked before leaving. I'm also going to buy a spare tire and I'll bring along several gallons of water. But my biggest concern is somebody driving into the back of me because I'm driving too slow, or people cutting too closely in front of me and slamming on the brakes because they NEED to get in front of me to make that next right turn 50' away.

[MasterBlaster]

Just stay in the left lane, lol!

[stehansen]

Thrilling footage, Steve.

Sorry, I should have warned you.:D I thought to myself "we can not only tell him which lane he should drive in, I can show him". How's that for being helpful.:D

[vharrison]

Brian, when do you leave?

[Frans]

But my biggest concern is somebody driving into the back of me because I'm driving too slow, or people cutting too closely in front of me and slamming on the brakes because they NEED to get in front of me to make that next right turn 50' away.

People drive like Alvin & the Chipmunks would drive (if they drove)

[Skwerl]

People drive like Alvin & the Chipmunks would drive (if they drove)
:lol::lol::lol:

Gigi, I'm waiting for Justin to finalize the plane ticket purchase before I know exactly when I'll leave. Probably this coming weekend with a return flight next Thursday, unless that gets pushed back. Tuesdays and Thursdays are usually the cheapest (and least crowded) days to fly.

edit: I just spoke with Justin and he's purchased my plane ticket for Tuesday April 8th, so I guess I'm leaving next Wednesday or Thursday. I'll wait and see how my work schedule fills out before comitting to a date.

[Al Smith]

If you've never been there ,Colorado is a beautiful state .The rocky mountains are a site to behold. Everybody needs to see those mountains just once to imagine what the early pioneers saw ,which no doubt filled them with awe .

Now,if that shooter of bows and arrows needs a chip box,old Al has a dandy at the shop still.I won't deliver it though.It's complete,lift assembley and all .

900 cash,located about 12 miles east of Lima Ohio.10 miles from interstate 75. I'll load it but I won't install it,no time .

[sotc]

to bad your so far away al:(

[No_Bivy]

If you've never been there ,Colorado is a beautiful state .The rocky mountains are a site to behold. Everybody needs to see those mountains just once to imagine what the early pioneers saw ,which no doubt filled them with awe .

.

better yet...go climb em'8)

[Stumper]

Al, that is a good deal......but I have a chip truck.
Out of curiousity, what size is that box?

[Al Smith]

I don't remember,11 or 12 ,something like that .

[vharrison]

If you've never been there ,Colorado is a beautiful state .The rocky mountains are a site to behold. Everybody needs to see those mountains just once to imagine what the early pioneers saw ,which no doubt filled them with awe .

Now,if that shooter of bows and arrows needs a chip box,old Al has a dandy at the shop still.I won't deliver it though.It's complete,lift assembley and all .

900 cash,located about 12 miles east of Lima Ohio.10 miles from interstate 75. I'll load it but I won't install it,no time .

Al, you are selling just the box? 900$ That is a great deal, anyone have any ideas on how to get it to Florida?

[vharrison]

Al, are you about an hour from Troy, OH?

[lumberjack]

If it's still on the frame, you could make a pretty snazzy trailer setup to pull behind a matching chip truck.

[sotc]

its a smoking deal, and i could use it right now:cry:

[stehansen]

Road trip!

[Al Smith]

Al, are you about an hour from Troy, OH?70-80 miles V .Straight up I-75 .

Tom,the guy with the tree service,bought that thing about 2-3 years ago in S Carolina and hauled up here on my trailer.He had asperations of building up another chip hauler . As it turned out ,he now has two diesels,one chip hauler and the other an arbor unit with a chip box . He sold his old gasser and wants to sell this one .

I don't know if it would fit the Rocky truck or if anybody else could use it .Just a thought .

The reason it's setting on that long framed Chevy ton and a half was to get the danged thing out of my shop .It will come right off,I have a double set of overhead tram rails and 4 chain falls in the shop .

[MasterBlaster]

It won't fit either of Brian's trucks, for sure.

[Frans]

Al, the ram and hydraulics are complete?

Is it set up for electric over hydraulic, or PTO?
What size ram?
Crysteel lift?

[stehansen]

Willie, have you priced the steel to make a box with?

[sotc]

mostly. i bought enough sheet to do the deck and 3 shots of 1x3x1/8 tubing for 300 bucks. remnants are 50 cents a pound now! im going to price the siding tomorow, im scared

[Al Smith]

Al, the ram and hydraulics are complete?

Is it set up for electric over hydraulic, or PTO?
What size ram?
Crysteel lift? Asplunt[spelling ?] box ,epoxy paint etc.Yes the entire lift is intact .Of course the pump and control valve is not there.Just the cylinder and lift mechanism.It was listed in the portion of the TH that went into cyber space so I forgot who actually made it and the dimentions

I doubt it would fit on the Rocky truck without major modifications .Too bad because it would have made a nice arbor unit for a small contractor .

Speaking of which,if that truck pulls the mountains it will go anywhere .I have no doubt it will .

[Frans]

Thats actually a real good deal for that box. Hummm...

[Al Smith]

Thats actually a real good deal for that box. Hummm... Well,it was hauled from S Carolina to Ohio on a double axle trailer behind a 3/4 ton Ford pick em up.I'm sure it would make it to Cal that way too . Ten days round trick,about 1500 in fuel I suppose . Once you make it over the Rockies,it's all down hill,so to speak .;)

[sotc]

i wonder what a trucking outfit would charge. do you know what it weighs?

[Al Smith]

i wonder what a trucking outfit would charge. do you know what it weighs? Most likely about 2 tons but I'm not really sure .As for trucking,expensive no doubt.

The shipping is not the only thing to be considered,you need a rigger to unload it on the receiving end .In all honesty it would not be economical to haul it other than attached to a straight truck frame or heavy trailer for any distance.Even at that you would likely have 2 times the money in getting it any where as what the price is .Fuel,food ,motels,it all adds up .

The only other option is finding a trucker that would be dead heading near the drop off point and work something out but that would be rare.Even at that,the logistics of me loading it and somebody else unloading ,to fit in a time frame would be mind boggling .

[Frans]

Well you could always sleep in that box, Al. That sure would take care of the motels. Might kind of stink by the time the trip was over....

[sotc]

my total steel cost will be around 2000 bucks:dur:

[lumberjack]

Willie it'd be a mite bit heavy for a 1 ton chassis.

I've had 7.5tons in my box (same size/made by Arbortech/taken off an orange truck most likely although it's white).

[sotc]

yeah it would eat alot of capacity. half thinking of the future as im already started on the 1 ton

[lumberjack]

I'd like it if my chip truck was actually a dump bed with a removable top. Loading over the side/through the top would be real handy for moving logs, dirt, mulch, ect.

[MasterBlaster]

Heck yea, those are the BEST type of chipper trucks. :thumbup:

[Al Smith]

One tons are nice but they are just a heavy pick up .That box would break down a one ton very quickly,not good .

Now then,the open top capability boxes are in my opinion,not being a trimmer,would be the best if you could find one .

On the subject of any type dump bed with any size to it,you need a double or reenforced frame .I've seen lighter framed trucks used in heavy service bend the frames to the point where you drive them with the lights on and it looks like you are 'coon hunting .

[stehansen]

I'd like it if my chip truck was actually a dump bed with a removable top. Loading over the side/through the top would be real handy for moving logs, dirt, mulch, ect.

Did you see what OM did to his? I wonder if that is working out for him?

[lumberjack]

I haven't seen anything done, although I remember talking about it.

[stehansen]

I got this picture off of Steve's site.

[brendonv]

This thread turned into a chip truck bed thread.

This morning I actually took off my removable top. 8 bolts and she was off. I have to pick up some gravel and mulch this week. Another reason for removal is I am driving a couple far distances this week without the chipper, figured she'll give me more aerodynamics.

This summer I hope to have a aluminum drop in built. Taking some advice from arbtalk and using a heavy duty truck tarp top. 8 cinch straps all around, off she comes quick to load like Carl says.

[sotc]

hey butch, can we move some of this into a truck bed thread? as im building mine ill add to it

[brendonv]

Here's some variations. The one with the blue tarp the nice fellow took a bunch of pics for me. He says he wouldn't have it any other way. The first pic is nice, the tarp isn't HD enough though. The other one is aluminum and removable. These types of setups are great IMO.

[Al Smith]

This thread turned into a chip truck bed thread.

.Ooops,my fault,sorry. Well,I gues B got the trock sold and Stumper is getting a truck sooo,what's next ? Why a chip box of course .:D

[sotc]

i like to put my ladders on top so id go with out the tarp. i can load bark and gravel in through the back. also my rear most roof panel is hinged and folds forward if i need to top load

[brendonv]

i like to put my ladders on top so id go with out the tarp. i can load bark and gravel in through the back. also my rear most roof panel is hinged and folds forward if i need to top load

You can still use the tarp. Just run one bar across the back, it would keep it rigid too.

Lots of ideas, pick the best for you.

Here's that other pic

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c351/Brendonv/untitled2small.jpg

[Frans]

I like fenders over the rear wheels. Otherwise the tires spray junk all over

[Skwerl]

No worries with the derail. My truck is sold and it's not like this is the first thread at the TH that ever went off topic...
:P:lol:

The aluminum chip beds are nice, but you better put some reinforcement on the front wall or else the chips will pound holes in it in no time.

[Rborist1]

Hey Brian,

Congrats on the new truck and the sale of the old one. Good to hear that you are doing well!

[Skwerl]

Hey Craig,
Thanks, everything is going well. I've even had the pleasure of catching my first redfish this year! Swapped some treework for a fishing trip with one of the guys on the fishing forum and he put us in the action.
Speaking of fishing action, Capt. Bryan posted this video last week. He was our guide on that frigid fishing trip last year.

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/N-MWV9HXzwI&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/N-MWV9HXzwI&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

[Stumper]

He Lives! Hi Craig. How are you? Where is the Lumberjack tape?:P

[Rborist1]

Doing good Justin, looks like you picked up a nice piece of kit there. I will get the logging vid in Ben's hands when he picks up the mini.

[Rborist1]

Nice vid there Brian. I will have to come back down that way when the kids are a lil older to catch me one of those suckers.

[vharrison]

Hey Craig, nice to read you again. You headed back to the DR this winter?

[Rborist1]

No DR for us this year V, we hired a real estate agent last week to start shopping for land, so travel is gonna be on the back burner for awhile with the cost of land up here these days. Good to read ya though. Did ya'll end up going to the DR?

[vharrison]

Craig, no we ended up going to St. Martin that year. We are headed to the Abaco Islands this year.
Shoot, with the price of real estate dropping in the states, consider a vacation home here!
OGTBOSTON is heading to the DR in a week or so.

[Skwerl]

Today starts the big countdown for my road trip. I'm going to pick up the bucket truck from the storage lot today and bring it home to prep for the trip. I'll park it illegally here for a couple days until I leave Wednesday morning. I want to give it a bath and wash off the 2 months of road dust that has collected from being parked next to a highway. I also have a few spare parts and stuff to pack and I want to double check all the fluid levels, tire pressures and anything else before the 1900 mile adventure begins. Just getting the fuel tanks filled up is going to cost me almost $400 (dual 50 gallon tanks and they are near empty).

I've decided to pack a small tool kit for the trip and I'll just ship it home UPS rather than fight the airlines over it. I don't want to bring anything on the airplane other than bare necessities. I'll pack my clothes and toothbrush in a carry on bag so I can avoid checking (and losing) luggage on the flight home.

[MasterBlaster]

Good luck! :goodluck:

[Al Smith]

Long haul.You might get it done in two days,most likely three though.

The longest run I ever did was west of Denver to here.1200 miles straight through .The 1280 miles from Frostproof Fla to here was done in two.

[rumination]

Safe travels, Brian.

[Skwerl]

Thanks Al, but your numbers are a bit off. It's over 1900 miles, not 1200. And the truck has a top speed of 60 mph. That's too slow for me to drive on the wide open interstates with 70-75 mph speed limits, so I'm taking non-interstate highways. That means traffic lights, etc. and probably an average speed of 45-50 mph (or less). Therefore I'm looking at 40-45 hours driving time or more. I'll be lucky to make it in three days.

On my last trip to Justin's, I made it home in 32 hours driving straight through in my Ranger. I had the cruise control set at 80 though.

[Stumper]

Smart plan regarding tools and luggage. The truck is already messing with my head. Every tree I look at I'm evaluating access and potential set-ups.

[squisher]

Ha ha! Soon you'll be a bucket slug as well.:D

[Rborist1]

Enjoy the scenery and drive safe Brian.

[Stumper]

Jockey. I'll be a bucket jockey. It sounds much more animated and sporting than slug.

And I'll probably remain king of the backyards. The oldest tree service in town won't climb, his nephew/competitor claims to climb but I've only seen him in a bucket, and Lowball Dave rents a lift for his woodrat friend to fly.

[sotc]

bucket baby:)

[Al Smith]

bucket baby:) Ha,that would be me.I never could climb worth a hoot but I can fly with the best of them.;)

[MasterBlaster]

And the truck has a top speed of 60 mph. That's too slow for me to drive on the wide open interstates with 70-75 mph speed limits,

You cab drive 60 mph on the interstate, you won't get a ticket. Just stay outta the fast lane.

[Al Smith]

I think the minimum speed as around 40-45 if I'm not mistaken .

From Orlando I don't know what the best route would be other than I-75 north for a while .

[Al Smith]

Thanks Al, but your numbers are a bit off. It's over 1900 miles, not 1200. I knew that.I was just using 1200 as a reference .Either one though is a long haul anyway you cut it.Talk about TB [tired butt ]:(

[stehansen]

On the interstsate here the speed limit is 70 mph for cars and for trucks and cars with trailers it is 55. A trucker friend of mine says the CHP will let you get away with 62 mph so they all have cruise control now and they all go 62 mph. Every once in a whiile they have a maximum enforcement period and they have to go 55 mph. It might be a nicer trip off the interstate anyway.

Stumper, it is all about the positioning.

[Skwerl]

I was thinking more about actual travelling speed, not speed limits. I would be creating a hazard driving 50-60 mph on the interstate with a 70 mph speed limit and an average speed of 75+.

We'll see how it goes. I'll be driving the interstate until I get out of Florida. If the local roads turn into too big of a hassle between Alabama and Texas, I can always jump over to I-40 or something. I have 4 days to get there, plenty of cash and credit cards for emergencies and a GPS to tell me where I am and where I'm going.

I just gave the old girl her final bath. I even put the skwerl back on the front grill for the trip. :D

[Cobleskill]

Al,

I would call it FA.

Rocky,

I would hit the interstates at night when it is less congested usually and cooler for the tires. It's not easy to make any time on state and county roads. Going through speed limits and stop signs and lights kill you.

[rumination]

That truck is looking pretty! I hope it's smooth sailing for you all the way Brian.

[stehansen]

I like the squirrel on the front bumper. Is he the hazard lookout?

[Skwerl]

Thanks for the well wishes, guys. I'm looking forward to the trip. :)

Steve, he's my navigator. :D

[stehansen]

Good luck on the trip Brian. Better get some energy drinks for the navigator.:)

[squisher]

Cool! Congrats again Justin your new truck is looking good.:)

[Paul B]

FWIW, you do know you may encounter FREEZING weather at some point, maybe even into the low 60's!! :\: :D pack some layers amigo, if you even own a jacket I dunno, but its a thought! :)

[Skwerl]

Yeah, Justin is going to have to do some weatherizing on this truck. As it sits, the hydraulics don't work that well below 45 degreees or so. And the truck gets difficult to start at those temps as well. Thinner hydraulic fluid and some sort of block heater (or fuel heater) will be called for I think.

Yes Paul, I own a jacket. :P I think it's buried somewhere in the closet in the spare bedroom, and I may have outgrown it but I do own a jacket! :lol:
Weather Bug says the temps in Stumper Land are in the 30*-60* range. I'll pack accordingly and there is always a Wal Mart in range if I need a hat or pair of gloves or something.

[Paul B]

Yes Paul, I own a jacket. :P I think it's buried somewhere in the closet in the spare bedroom, and I may have outgrown it but I do own a jacket! :lol:\

just giving you the gears man, dont take it so serious like! :P

hahahaha

[stehansen]

Yeah, Justin is going to have to do some weatherizing on this truck. As it sits, the hydraulics don't work that well below 45 degreees or so. And the truck gets difficult to start at those temps as well. Thinner hydraulic fluid and some sort of block heater (or fuel heater) will be called for I think.

Yes Paul, I own a jacket. :P I think it's buried somewhere in the closet in the spare bedroom, and I may have outgrown it but I do own a jacket! :lol:
Weather Bug says the temps in Stumper Land are in the 30*-60* range. I'll pack accordingly and there is always a Wal Mart in range if I need a hat or pair of gloves or something.

I have a block heater for that motor.

[Skwerl]

Well, you need to ship it to Justin! 8)

[stehansen]

OK. It would be like a housewarming gift.

[Stumper]

You guys are too much.8)

[Al Smith]

The hydraulics aren't a big deal,just change it over to type A .This stuff is about like tranny fluid .

[vharrison]

This is getting exciting! Will you be calling in a trip report to Justin, so we can be updated as you progress?

[lumberjack]

For the better part of his trip across MS, there aren't many stop lights.

[Frans]

Freeway miles are not nearly so hard on a vehicle. Might even clean out the engine a bit.
Watch that coolant level! Check your belts and hoses, give her a lube and make sure the gear oil is good in the rear end...

[Skwerl]

Good suggestion, Frans. I just checked and the rear end fluid level was almost an inch below the fill plug. I had almost a full quart that I added and it could probably take another half quart. I'll pick up another quart bottle tomorrow.
:thumbup:

I have topped off the coolant (it was low due to the mechanic opening the system while accessing the fuel injectors) and I have 2 gallons of water in the toolbox.

[Frans]

Bill is in the mail Skwerl :)

[vharrison]

Safe travels tomorrow! What time are you getting on the road?

[Cobleskill]

How's your seat? I have an adjustable air seat I won at an equipment show. It's just a cushion. Anybody ever see one in Wallyworld or someplace?

[No_Bivy]

may the force be with you Brian

[vharrison]

Brian, you set and ready to roll?

[Burnham]

For the years that rig has on it, it's fine looking machine. Stumper is a lucky man.

Travel safely and swiftly, Brian. Have a ball.

[Skwerl]

Just a slight hiccup as I'm packing. I can't find my brand new $350 GPS! Sonofabitch!
The truck door wasn't closed all the way when I came home from work today. So I'm beginning to suspect I may have a neighbor with sticky fingers. The GPS is probably in the same place as my last 2 cameras. :what:

I'll keep looking and if it doesn't show up then I'll swing by Wal Mart and buy another one. The pisser is that I have the lock activated so that it's worthless to anybody else. If they don't know the pass code then it can only be turned on from the 'safe location' or sent back to Garmin. And Garmin has my registration info for that serial number. :whine:

[brendonv]

Not a good start to the trip!

With all this talk of thieves lately, I should probably change some of my poor habits.

May the rest of the trip go with no hiccups!

(PS-review the directions before completely agreeing with the GPS, the 2 Garmins I have used sometimes send you on indirect routes)

[MasterBlaster]

Damn Brian, that sucks. You need a dog.

[Burnham]

Damn Brian, that sucks. You need a dog.

Truck door partially open...sounds like he needs to lock the truck.

[squisher]

Frig having to lock all our stuff down. Someone else, the theif needs to lose a few fingers. Frigging theives man :X. If I had my way boy they'd really be thinking long and hard before piking something.

Good luck Brian on your trip and sorting out who may have pilfered your stuff.

[OTGBOSTON]

mebbe its time to set a trap and catch the rat. Pick up a surveillance cam with that new GPS.....

[squisher]

Yah!! Lay a trap and kick their azz.:evil:

[Skwerl]

The new GPS is a POS Nuvi 200. I can't even update the maps because I can't get the drivers working for it to download on my computer. The Nuvi 350 was a breeze. Oh well, fuggit. I'll make due with this one.

I can't seem to shake this odd feeling/ premonition of something happening on this trip though. I feel like I gotta leave tonight but something is telling me not to. So I'll kick back, eat, relax and figure it out in a few hours.

[squisher]

Tell the truth Brian you're just scared of the cold aren't ya?:D

Your trip has been given the positive go ahead by alot of Treehouser's I'm sure that you'll be just fine.

[MasterBlaster]

Here, have some travel MOJO!!!

[Stumper]

Death by incurable diarrhea to thieves!

Be safe Brian!