Industrial Vehicles: More Than Trucks!
Posted on Apr 12th 2015
Some people think of trucks as industrial vehicles. This could be true in some cases, such as a city garbage truck with all of its heavy machinery and hydraulics; however, we are going beyond what might be considered a commercial truck into the realm of heavy equipment. Even a crane truck could be considered a commercial truck; but who drives a crane on a regular basis? When we talk about industrial vehicles, we are speaking of the big guns.
Most industrial vehicles are bought in lots, with large contracts, by companies who pursue vast enterprises: Mining, drilling, refining, and excavating. We’ve all seen the picture of the world’s biggest truck, with the man dwarfed standing beside its towering tires. It looks like a monument to Tonka, with its stock yellow and black trimming. The cab interior is as big as the foreman’s trailer.
These types of vehicles cost millions of dollars. Some of them, however, eventually make their way onto the used market. They have depreciation and damage considerations just like any other vehicle. They can blow an engine and be sent off to the works just like a small, personal vehicle. What happens to these? They are sold off to middle men who try to find private buyers for them. Do you think that you would find one of these huge vehicles on Craigslist? Not a chance. However, there are some specialty markets available, such as MotorsHiFi who carry and list such items.
Earth moving equipment is very popular. Many farm and ranch owners love do-it-yourself technology; so they purchase their own bulldozers, back hoes, front end loaders, snow plows, road graders, and the like. As shrewd businessmen, they probably buy a lot of these industrial vehicles used, from a reputable marketplace. If they bought everything new through their local farm supply store, or municipal lot, they would pay too much. Often, these vehicles only get used once or for a small project; and then they are back on the market very quickly, no worse for the wear.
Asking for the repair, service, and sales records of these industrial vehicles is a great way to ensure that your are not getting a huge museum piece to stick out by the road. Protect yourself from junk. There is no CarFax for industrial vehicles; but the community of mechanics and dealers is very small. Call around and ask what people know about the particular industrial vehicle that you are interested in buying. People love to dish dirt, so you are bound to find out something.
In the end, industrial vehicles are not expensive toys. Their maintenance costs can outrun their original purchase price very quickly. Be sure to ask about service plans, warranties, and spare parts availability before shelling out cash. Or, ask about credit terms or leasing. You’ll be glad you did.
You can always educate yourself about industrial vehicles and other motor vehicle technology on the MotorsHiFi site, located on the web at www.motorshifi.com. Here you can go to get your dream vehicle.