Used superb or new tridem to haul own grain

[poorboy]

I am thinking of buying a new truck to haul grain in off the field in the fall from 2 combines, and haul seed and fertilzer in the spring as well as haul about 85000 bushels of my crop to the terminals, about a 200 km round trip.

I have come up with 3 alternatives, that I find good and bad things about, and would apprecitate some feedback.

Option 1.
Buy a used tractor, put on a box and hoist and pull a tridem pup.

Option 2.

Buy a used tractor and new tridem.

Option 3.
Buy a used tractor and a used set of super b trailers in reasonable shape with minimal rust.

I am working on a budget of 50 - 65000.

With the drought, I am thinking that used super b's should be cheap to buy in Jan - march as most of the crop will be hauled and truckers will not have any work.

I just don't know if super b's are the way to go.
Thanks.

[kslseed]

Hello poorboy,

We had the same problem several month ago. The only difference, we have to run commercial plates, since we haul also product from other producers to our processing plant. My advise: buy a good 1995 - 97 T 600 or T800 KW, with a Detroit N60 470/460 HP engine and a 18 speed, should not be more then $25 - 30,000. Second go for the Super B, you should finde one 1994-96 for $20 - 24,000. Now if you like to be fast at harvest, by a low cost second tractor for 15 - 18,000 and split the suber B for harvest. makes it easier to get at augers, out of the field etc. even when it's wet.

We also run a 28' enddump with 26Mt load, I love this unit, because it is so versatile, but some locations will not allow unloading with a lift of 24' or more.

Since you get plates and insurance nearly for free, the super B is the better choice. If possible, have tractor and trailer safetied before you buy, while you are present and maybe tell the shop doing the safety that you want this for a commercial operation, even so you will go with farm plates. This way you know your unit is in good road condition.

We bought a used tridem, but the max load is only 31 Mt and it is hard on the triaxles. But saves us $1200 a year and we could go with a 13 speed and 430 HP.

Contact me at kslseed@klempnauer.ab.ca if you need more.

[ALLFARMER]

I wouldn't buy a end dump, they go over to easy. If you are on cement, your tractor/trailer are perfectly straight and all your tires are at equal air pressure they will work...if you are driving it. The first day your son-in-law drives he will put it over. I would definately buy the Kenworth though the 3406 425hp cat engine can't be beat for dependability service & parts. A super B is better for hauling heavy loads like canola not as easy to be over loaded. I think the fine is a dollar/pound for each pound your over loaded. Good luck!

[countryguy]

I think you should go with the trains.We use a tandem trailer on the farm and like it but would like more capacity for farther hauls.The b train would give you the best of both worlds.You can use half of it and be manouverable around the farm and hook up the other half for the longer hauls.

[countryguy]

Forgot to add one thing.Whatever triler you buy make sure it is air ride.The air scale comes in real handy and can save you some big bucks at the weigh scale!

[pipes]

If you got that much grain to move your better off with a set of super b trailers you'll save time and money on fuel. As far as a end dump goes ,they work great .I haul gravel for hiways and use it for grain in spring and fall.They don't tip that easy.Any truck with good HP will work . I Don't like anything with a Cat engine. I find them to costly to repair and to hard on fuel . Detroit or Macks i like better.

[kent]

Just a thought if you are buying a used superbee. If the cost is only 20 to 25 thousand you are getting a pretty old, worn out, rusty trailer, b/c a good one is a lot more money than that. Also be aware that you have way more axles, tires, brakes, and tarps than compared to a triaxle etc. The cost of upkeep will be alot more, but of course you can haul more per load. You will also need a truck with at least 450 HP to pull a SB. We have a triaxle and have liked it for both harvest and long hauls. My Personal opinon would be to buy a decent truck for about $30,000 and a used triaxle for about $20,000 they should then both last a farmer a long time.

[rosco]

I think that SB's are the way to go for volume hauling both at harvest and to the terminal. Also, if you can pick up a good older tractor from someone you trust and split the trailers during harvest this is great for getting around the field and tight bin yards. Some disadvantages are all the running gear to keep up. Buy anything safetied for commercial if you can. Also, most b's only have 2 compatments, which limits you in the spring for hauling to the air drill. Although I have seen B's with 3 compartments, but they are rare. As for motors, they all work, and they all break. Usually it is the lose nut behind the wheel that is the problem. Again, try to buy a tractor from someone you trust that keeps it up religiously. Good luck.

[dhewlitt]

Super b's are probably your best bet but watch to make sure you can swing under your swing aguer without having to park twice. some shor trailers (ie 1/2 a b) will cause you to have to move to get the swing auger in the right place and an extra two times in and out of the truck while the cart or combine is waitin feels like forever

Dave

[dhewlitt]

we haul double that grain with an old tandem trailer but only about 140k round trip

just a side thought

[lloyd]

super b's are a real pain you are always stuck, hard on the tractor, a lot of upkeep. Get a good tri. and you will be guite happy, or as previously mentioned a tandem. You are not hauling very far! Take this from a trucker with 30 years ex.