looking to buy a 1 ton

[escavader]

IM looking for a 1 ton dump to buy .Iwill use it to transport my KUBOTA,and to haul dirt and gravel.My wife says its gotta be an automatic,so she can haul the dirt while im running the tractor,Ialso will use it tohaul my firewood in.
My neighbor has what i think is the perfect one but they wont sell.Its a 70s f-seriesduely with dump [2wd]It is perfect,not a spot of rust any where.Them old ones were easy to work on,like my 73 F-1OO PLOW TRUCK,JUST A COIL,A DISTRIBUTER AND A SET OF POINTS,AND CONDENSOR
I am a little mechanically inclined,but would like some pointers on how to tell a good one from a bad one.I have never owned a dump body ,or any thing with 4 wheels on one axle.ARE the brake assemblys the same as a regular truck?what should i look or listen for in a test drive.Are there some automatics better than others.Have you ever had a particular one that was a lemon.Diesal or Gas? Which ones are fuel hogs.Thanks for the help
ALAN
p.s If you got one and are close to me give me a pm

 

[wushaw]

Well any 70's built one tons will avg about 6-8 mpg. The C 6 tranny Ford built was a good tranny. If it is a 460 check for leaks at the exhaust manifolds, they had a tendency to crack with age.
With any well used equipment you will just to have to look it over real good, If there is someone you trust that is a good mechanic bring him along to help with the test drive. It never hurts to have another set of eyes and ears.

 

[BarryinMN]

Dump bodies have multiple zerk fittings -- it takes climbing on & time to grease. A scissors vs straight ram may lift more, scissors may have a more verticle height, helps to unload wet sticky materials. Electric over hydraulic lift is common in 1 tons, engine drive PTO's less common but faster dumping.

A contractors box is very convenient where the sides & tailgate can drop giving an almost flatbed for loading pallets etc.

Axles & brakes are totally different than 1/2 tons. GM has hydro boost brakes uses power steering pump to boost brakes not vacuum.

Lots of landscapers ride these hard & put up wet, take some time & find a true cherry. If it is 4X4 there may have been a plow on the front - allow for more miles as it has spent a good amount of time running backwards. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

The big three brands have user web pages that can split hairs giving specifics to you on years, engines, axle ratios, transmissions etc. www.dieselstop.com & www.dieselpage.com are Ford & GM.

Happy hunting /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif