W4500 chip truck

[Patstorm]

I would like to hear from all of you guys out there that have built chip trucks from theses lover gvw cab overs. How does it handle a load of chip. Overall do you like the truck. Or do you wish you went another route?

I'm currently building an 07 w4500 with an 11 flatbed dump with removable chip cap. It will be able to pull the mini and get loaded with log or put the cap on and pull the chipper. (I hope)

The cab and chassis weights 5260 lbs.
The flatbed and cap should weigh around 2000 lbs.

It's a 14500 gvw but I'm sending springs out to get beefed up and upgrading tires.

I want to plate it at 16,000

What are your thoughts ?

Any input is welcome.

 

[Evan_WI]

I'm a big fan of the Isuzu Cab-Over trucks. I think their compact maneuverability is great for tree work. Isuzu diesel engines are very well designed and built; Aisin transmissions are bomber.

The main restrictions, in my opinion, are over-the-road comfort and towing capacity. You don't want to drive these things very long on the freeway, which is fine because most likely you're just running around between jobsites. Isuzu tags all of their models (up to the NRR) with a GCWR 6k lbs above the GVWR, which means if you want to tow a chipper heavier than 6k lbs you're drawing from your payload capacity.

Your weight numbers seem a bit optimistic. We just built-up the truck below (Isuzu NRR, 19500 GVWR) and it weighs 11k empty with the chipper box on. I recommend checking out the Switch-n-Go body if you're using it for wood and chips, by the way.

 

[Leroy]

I'm a big fan of the Isuzu Cab-Over trucks. I think their compact maneuverability is great for tree work. Isuzu diesel engines are very well designed and built; Aisin transmissions are bomber.

The main restrictions, in my opinion, are over-the-road comfort and towing capacity. You don't want to drive these things very long on the freeway, which is fine because most likely you're just running around between jobsites. Isuzu tags all of their models (up to the NRR) with a GCWR 6k lbs above the GVWR, which means if you want to tow a chipper heavier than 6k lbs you're drawing from your payload capacity.

Your weight numbers seem a bit optimistic. We just built-up the truck below (Isuzu NRR, 19500 GVWR) and it weighs 11k empty with the chipper box on. I recommend checking out the Switch-n-Go body if you're using it for wood and chips, by the way.

View attachment 31031

Nice truck!

 

[ROYCE]

What do you have for an engine. I have a Fuso cab over with a 14.5K gvw and it weights 9k empty of chips but filled with tools. I pull a chipper that weighs about 55oo lbs. I have a 4 cylinder diesel. If I am full of chips and pull my chipper I am heavy. I am not about the weight limit but it does work the truck. I think if I had a bigger engine it would be fine.
I think you have too little of a truck for also adding a platform for the mini. If that is your intention. I might be wrong. Can yoou post a picture of your truck?

 

[tc262]

I have a diesel Fuso with a landscape body. Love the maneuverability and fuel milage but it's way underpowered to be a chip truck.

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• tc262
• Mar 20, 2015

 

[Patstorm]

Evan, what does that switch n go setup cost roughly?

I will get some pics up soon. As well as some feedback on the setup. It will see its first job tomorrow morning!

 

[Evan_WI]

Evan, what does that switch n go setup cost roughly?

I will get some pics up soon. As well as some feedback on the setup. It will see its first job tomorrow morning!

We went through R.A. Adams in McHenry, IL. They had the best price on the Switch-n-Go system. The breakdown, for a 12' body, went something like this:

Hoist, bumper, hitch, fenders and install: ~10k
Chipper Body: $4.5k
Open-top Box: $2.8k

Pretty comparable in price to a forestry body, but way more functional.

 

[marlinspiker]

I run a switch n go. Super versatile. Get one.

 

[Jerad Oren]

The frr's still have the lower frame but have the 7.8l duramax in them allowing for better towing. I have a 12' switchngo, dingo 420 and the 1890hd and it pulls loaded just fine. Cabovers are the only trucks I will buy for these residential areas. It would be different if I was out in western open roads though.