Truck Build. NEED HELP!

[Patstorm]

So I'm lookin at building an all in one type truck. I want it to be a chip/log truck.

I want the chip box to be built on a dumping flatbed. With a removable top.
So it could be used as a chip box, dump box, or a flatbed for logs and so on....

To make it all the more convenient I'd like to put something like a log loader or small Kboom behind the cab. This would let you lift off the top. Or entire chip box and load log.

Then I thought why not put a 40 inch mini platform between the loader and the chip box.

I know roughly what I want. But is there anyone who might have insight on what type of loader or Kboom to use.


I'll post a few pics here shortly of some of the things I had in mind.

Open to any input.



Thanks.

 

[winetree]

Hook lift with a knuckle boom. http://www.timberlandtrucks.com/unilift.html

 

[Patstorm]

That looks like a great setup. Do you run anything like this.

I'm not positive what the need for a hook lift would be... Unless you wanted to leave a container of chip sitting in your yard? What are some of the advantages over a body permanently mounted to truck.

 

[evo]

I'd skip the mini platform. We use a modded steel chipbox with a removable top. the lid come off on site or off. It allows us to haul up to 15' plus logs, and we use it for the monster brush cart or even put the yarder in the box if needed. Just get a Kboom that can lift a mini, no need for a platform. It may require a second trip to get the mini at the end of the job though...

 

[stumper120]

With the mini your getting pretty heavy for a 6 wheeler, and your over Cdl if you want to put more than a Christmas tree in the back. Not gonna be alot of leftover gvw for logs or chips.

 

[Patstorm]

I see your point stumper. If I'm not mistaken I belive the truck and chip body would weigh in at or under 14,500 (I plan to used aluminum to build chip body and top / steel floor. )
3k for mini
2.5k for Kboom

Leaves it's empty weight with mini and Kboom right under 20,000

Leaving log / chip capability about 6k before you go over CDL

And planning the chip box to be a 14' it should hold around 7k lbs of green chip jam packed.

Granted that puts you right at the 26k max for under CDL.

On a side note I do have another 24 yd chip truck so this won't be my only means of moving big loads of chip and doing large jobs. Just more of an all in one type runner for small jobs.

 

[classictruckman]

2.5k for the kboom seems a little light

 

[flyingsquirrel25]

If this is going to be a second truck, I would stick with box and kboom and trailer set up for the mini and its implements. Put too much between the cab and box and your balance winds up funny and length makes it difficult to move around. Just food for thought.

 

[Jeff]

We use a modded steel chipbox with a removable top

Don't the logs beat the sides out of true, and then the lid won't fit quite right? I've heard others comment along these lines. You see a number of these setups for sale with ratchet straps holding the lid down, because the factory latches no longer work. How does your top mate with the box sides?

 

[Leon_Foree]

I've been pondering if some sort of lid built like a car hood could work. Just lift up(either hinged on front or rear) load logs and close back. The roof doesn't have to be made as heavy duty as the box since it doesn't hold weight. Use a light weight metal and some hinges and bam! ! Just my thoughts

 

[evo]

It's just a old asplund box. It is likely reinforced, I haven't seen a stock asplund box up close. The roof is cut about a foot or so down the walls, with heavy walled tubing welded around the perimeter of both roof and bed. Then on the outside perimeter of the roof there is flat bar welded as a flange, the inside has a few pieces of angle welded to keep it all together. All four corners have locking latches. There are three d rings, two in front, for lifting with a bridal. I would be guessing, but the box set up is at least 10 years old if not 15. The long tool box latch gets stuck some times, and the support for that gets levered back (about once every two years) it's no big deal.
The only tricky part is if you load with the tail gate open, then want to close it some times it won't latch with the pin. None of these things are a big deal.