When you have made the decision to purchase a new block truck for your fleet, do yourself a favor and plan ahead with a replacement date for that unit. I have seen all too many times 15- and 20-year-old trucks come in for repair and we find frame damage from corrosion that can only be repaired correctly by replacing the frame rails. This is an expensive repair that most often does not get completed and the unit is “parked out back” or parted out. Many times, I am then asked to remove the block boom, make all necessary repairs and install on a new chassis. That sounds reasonable but remember that the boom base was bolted to the frame and exposed to the same elements as the bad frame. It is now thinner and fatigued from constant use. The boom sections have become arched, wearing out the new roller assemblies much quicker. Now you need a new block truck, YESTERDAY! Do not let this happen to you, plan ahead and contact us today.
The days of keeping a truck 25 to 30 years are over. Brine and other De-Icing agents have been shortening the life of the equipment that runs up and down our roads. I advise all of our customers to have a replacement plan and stick to it. 8 to 10 years is very common, but many rotate at 5 or 6 years. You may be surprised what you can get for a clean, well-maintained 8 – 10-year-old block truck. Currently, there are very few available on the market. If your application can use a single rail frame rather than a double, I recommend it. Manufacturers today have many frame options available. If a double frame is needed, just keep it clean and apply a quality rust inhibitor on a regular basis.
Good Luck and Happy Planning!
-Bret Meadows
Interested in learning more? Contact Bret today!