We recently attended a conference, and once everyone went around the table introducing themselves, the topic of Truck Corner popped up. It seems to be fairly popular reading for PROs, and we are grateful for that. The discussion drifted around to the types of trucks — the actual chassis — contractors should look for based on regional location.
The conversation bounced around from cold weather oils to radiators, air conditioning and heaters. As often happens, someone said it would make an excellent topic for this column. After all, it’s a big country, ranging from desert environments on up to high elevation mountain ranges. Some areas have high humidity and some have low humidity.
So we researched the idea and came up with this: In Minnesota, it’s freezing in winter, and in Arizona, it’s hot in summer. That doesn’t sound like earth-rattling news, but here is the point: When it comes to your location and your surrounding work environment, the truck you use should be suitable and appropriate to get your work done and provide you with many years of service.
So how do you determine which truck that is? We thought about every area and every type of truck and came up with some simple and basic solutions.
When you purchase a new truck, the person most qualified to tell you what will work the best should be the truck dealer. Dealers are trained to know trucks inside and out. Yes, there are a few salespeople who should be working as crossing guards, but most of them know their stuff. Each truck dealer will know what is most suitable for the terrain and climate in which it is used.
The dealers in Minnesota know what will work best at 40-below zero, and the dealers in Arizona understand what will operate best at 120. The people in Seattle will know the best truck to use in rainy weather.
Again, the point is simple. Each truck dealer can get you the truck that will work best for doing what you do. Yeah, they might try and sell you a few extra bells and whistles, but the basic truck should be the right truck. They aren’t going to build a good reputation selling trucks that don’t offer the customer the most bang for the buck.
Certainly, you likely will need a PTO provision on the truck if you will be using a PTO system to operate your pump. You will probably want air brakes versus hydraulic brakes, due to the cost factor of replacement. Of course you’ll want the right GVW truck to handle your load. Other than that, the type of engine, the oils and the other items involved should be discussed with the dealer.
If you have questions, ask. If you’re not comfortable with one dealer, try another. This is America, and you have choices. It is your dollar; get something for it that will help you make more dollars.
A SUMMARY OF BASIC EQUIPMENT TO CONSIDER BASED ON YOUR LOCATION:
COLD WEATHER:
A. Block heater: Keeps the engine warm at night by plugging it into a 110-volt outlet. Keeps the oils and waters warm and prevents freezing.
B. Heated mirror: Comes from the factory and is basically a defroster on a mirror. Runs off the electrical system of the truck.
C. Heated valve: On the dump and suction of your vacuum tank. They are heated from the water system of the truck.
D. Heated fuel systems: Comes from the factory to make sure the fuel does not gel up.
E. ABS brake systems: Anti-Lock Brake Systems, pretty much standard, but it does cost a little extra.
F. Air dryer: Maintains the brake system and comes from the factory.
G. Locking differential: In freezing weather — off-road conditions like snow — you lock in your rear end and all the tires will turn to get you out of a tough situation. Has to be ordered separately with the truck.
HOT WEATHER:
A. Large cooling systems: Basically a larger radiator to handle the heat and cool the engine.
B. Large charging system: A more powerful alternator system to run the various parts of the truck, running AC, work lights, water pump, and headlights, radio. Takes the worry out of killing the battery.
C. Air conditioning: Hopefully you can figure this out. We’ve had many conversations in Arizona with companies that didn’t furnish AC in their trucks because they thought it saved them money. But their drivers weren’t as efficient doing their work when they were overheated. AC more than pays for itself, and it’s a small reward for doing such a hot and dirty job.
D. ABS brake systems: As discussed above.
E. Manual fan switch: Keeps the engine cooler at all times. It is an option that is in the cab and keeps the truck from overheating when doing long-lasting pump jobs.
As mentioned, talk to your truck dealer and people in your area for other ideas they might have about getting the “best” possible work truck. Ultimately, you and your drivers have to get the job done, so why not do it right, and do it profitably?
