Heavy Duty Trucks for Heavy Duty Jobs
When you hire a construction or disposal company to get rid of large amounts of waste, a standard pickup or SUV isn’t going to cut it. You need a specially designed vehicle made for hauling large loads, namely, a dump or roll off truck. These trucks are characterized by their rectangular shape, having an open container on top, and wheels which roll and tilt the dumpster (hence the name, “roll off”).
History of the Roll Off Dumpster
While it may seem like dump trucks are commonly found in this day and age, they are actually less than 100 years old. In 1960, a hauler by the name of Harold Alexander submitted a patent for an ingenious yet inexpensive system for loading and moving large waste containers on trucks. Named “roll off” boxes, they had much higher capacities than the other detachable containers at the time which could only hold around 1-3 cubic yards of material.
Innovations in his design included a cable-and-winch hoist, which used a hook carried on roller tracks. Additionally, he used a “box lock” which automatically secured the back of the container to the boom, obviating the need for ratchet tie downs. This allowed the entire loading procedure to be conducted from inside the cab, truly an innovative concept. Harold originally developed this design to gain a competitive edge against his rival Portland, OR haulers, however he eventually sold his design to Gar Wood Industries. Harold went on to patent more roll off innovations throughout his life, continuously improving the efficiency of the hoists and motors. His inventions have allowed haulers worldwide to more easily and efficiently transport billions of pounds of debris.
Common Roll Off Trucks
These days there are a few big players in the dump truck space that you may recognize:
- Mack Trucks: A very popular option, Mack trucks are known for their premium interiors, chrome accents, and strong engines that can even haul heavy loads on mountains and bumpy terrain. They even offer models with double bunk condos so drivers can comfortably rest inside the cab without having to venture outside.
- Hino Trucks: Hino trucks have exceptionally smooth and quiet rides on highways, making them suitable for interstate drives. Hino trucks are also exceptionally easy to service and maintain, as tipping the hood can be done with literally just one finger.
- Peterbilt Trucks: Peterbilt trucks are known for their boxy design and on-road efficiency. These trucks are designed for long-term use and fuel efficiency, and offer many options for customization including single or sleeper cabs.
Besides these three brands, other manufacturers of roll off trucks include Ford, Kenworth, Volvo, Freightliner, Heil, HME, Western Star, and more. If you are looking for the best dumpster rental company in Fayetteville, just follow the link to be connected to our partner, Fayetteville Dumpster Rental. They have a top of the line fleet and excellent customer service, and we are proud to support them.
Buying a Roll Off Trucks
Like any vehicle, purchasers can acquire a dump truck brand new from the manufacturer, or used from private owners or resellers. At the time of writing, new truck generally costs around $50,000, depending on the selected brand, options, and location. Top of the line trucks can even cost upwards of $100,000, so there is a quite a price differential in the market. Used trucks can be found from $12,000 to around $60,000, depending on the brand, age, wear and tear, and history of the truck. It’s important to do you research and know what you need when you are in the market for a roll off truck.
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