Major Decision

Evan_WI said:
A few things to add to this thread from a new K-boom owner.

-Rick and his staff at Westminster Hydraulics are great people to work with.
-It sounds like you don't want to sub contract as a climber because the companies you work for are unprofessional. Are you going to like subcontracting with them more as a crane owner?
-I took delivery of my k-boom in February of this year. I'm just now feeling like operating it is a routine task. After 4-5 months of full-time operation I would now be comfortable selling myself as a contract crane operator--and I don't have a grapple saw on mine. You're going to need some time to practice with this thing before charging people $1400/day.
-You certainly want some reserve cash around. My used chassis had a few issues off the bat that quickly ran into the thousands of dollars. This has been the experience of most people I know that build on used trucks. Sure, the engine is good for a million miles, but other things will nickel and dime you. For me it was the turbo, transmission ECM, exhaust brake, air compressor.
-If you order a truck now you'll be taking delivery late this year or early next; not exactly the ideal time to take on the financial burden if work is seasonal at all.
-Your primary use for this truck is as a crane contractor. Why not set it up the best way for that and rear-mount the crane? Do companies really need you to move wood for them every day? Rear mount would allow you to save money on a dump body, potentially step down the size of your crane while having the same reach, and be more functional for your clients. You could still carry logs on the deck or in a dump trailer (what I do) when needed.

Just some food for thought!
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I would take a hard look at a Glider.
 
Very nicely put Royce! Everything does work it self out in the end. Sometimes so fast you barely notice there was an issue in the first place.
Steve, yes this engine has some mileage but 300k isn't much for a diesel depending on how it's been treated and maintained. Seeing that it was a delivery truck I'd guess it's idling hours with the PTO engaged to be reasonable. While it's running pull the oil fill cap and check for engine blow by. My International has a little but not bad. I bought my truck knowing in a couple years I'm going to need to hone and ring it. On my truck it's under 2g's to do and can be done in frame. You may want to pay a heavy truck mechanic to look it over with you. Worth an hour of his time for a piece of mind and he may notice something that you may miss. Keep us posted!
 
96coal449 said:
Very nicely put Royce! Everything does work it self out in the end. Sometimes so fast you barely notice there was an issue in the first place.
Steve, yes this engine has some mileage but 300k isn't much for a diesel depending on how it's been treated and maintained. Seeing that it was a delivery truck I'd guess it's idling hours with the PTO engaged to be reasonable. While it's running pull the oil fill cap and check for engine blow by. My International has a little but not bad. I bought my truck knowing in a couple years I'm going to need to hone and ring it. On my truck it's under 2g's to do and can be done in frame. You may want to pay a heavy truck mechanic to look it over with you. Worth an hour of his time for a piece of mind and he may notice something that you may miss. Keep us posted!
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Absolutely.
 
hseII said:
A Glider Truck is a brand new Truck without an engine & transmission.

Literally.

As the trans & engine of your choice.

I can get you some info if you are interested.

Lots of Series 60 & 3406E in brand new trucks.

The DEF & emissions issues are circumvented.
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Something you can order from the dealer?

I have 2 spare 3412 sitting around...make a Frankenstein monster
 
Worn cylinder rings allow pressure from combustion cycle to "leak" past cylinder down into crankcase. Indicates worn engine, unburnt fuel and exhaust byproducts also contaminate engine oil sooner
 
I'd pay to have an outside diesel guy look at it - we have laws here saying used vehicles can be looked at by 3rd parties. It's a big investment. Not sure what they are there


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If its really bad it can be seen through the end of the vent tube that runs down to the bottom of the motor on the outside...it looked to me like an engine warning light was on in one of the pics when i zoomed in...could have been the motor wasn't running, but normally would've had a few more on also. Good luck steve!
 
craneguy1 said:
If its really bad it can be seen through the end of the vent tube that runs down to the bottom of the motor on the outside...it looked to me like an engine warning light was on in one of the pics when i zoomed in...could have been the motor wasn't running, but normally would've had a few more on also. Good luck steve!
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I saw that also. I know it has a "small coolant leak from a hose" They haven't done the DOT on it or a full service. He claims it is in such good shape they just priced it to sell as is. He said he'd drop 3k off the price if I didn't want the boom or for that same amount he'd do a DOT inspection and a full service, looking at lots of things I have no idea about. Fluids, filters, hoses, trans, hubs, lube, tires, wipers, and other diesel truck rear end stuff.
 
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