Average cost of arb conversion

[Paddy1000111]

I'm planning on picking up a new van at the end of this month/start of next, I'm not sure exactly what yet (transit, iveco or merc seem the options) but having seen some ones already with an arb back I was wondering how much people have paid for an arb conversion so I can work out if it's worth buying one already converted or buying one and getting it converted. 

 

My other question is, has anyone had some ramps made to load something like a micro-bull into the back of the transit? In my mind my ideal set up would be micro-bull, chipper trailer and van. That way I can load the micro-bull into the van and tow the chipper and if I want to remotely work with the chipper I can pull it around with the micro bull so I don't have to have a tracked chipper. I can also retain the ability to have the van and chipper trailer alone too for domestic stuff. 

[5 shires]

I’am in the same position at the moment but i’am looking at getting another ranger king or super cab but the newer shape something like 2013/14 but having trouble finding one at mo and when I do I will be having a tipper conversion for the sole reason it works out cheaper as opposed to buying one already converted.

 

Average price for a decent Ranger,Toyota 4x4 already converted is anything from £18k to £30 and all plus VAT so I have decided to buy the truck and then have a conversion so been looking for a while now and if all works out I can possibly get a decent ranger for £10k and a good tipper conversion for around £5k.

 

for a tipper conversion on a transit,iveco etc I have seen prices for around £7k but like everything else if you shop around you could find cheaper,you just got to watch all the add on’s that they don’t mention until you start talking to them.

[Paddy1000111]

24 minutes ago, 5 shires said:

for a tipper conversion on a transit,iveco etc I have seen prices for around £7k but like everything else if you shop around you could find cheaper,you just got to watch all the add on’s that they don’t mention until you start talking to them.

Maybe I will look into doing the conversion myself then. 7K seems kind of steep to put sides and some doors on an already existing tipper back! For 7K I could buy a decent welder and spend a few weeks doing the work and still be quids in. I've been looking into using the aluminium honeycomb stuff for the sides as it's extremely light whilst having very good strength properties. 

[5 shires]

Sorry I misunderstood you and didn’t realise it was already a tipper you were after...obviously If it already has the main tipper frame,ram etc it won’t cost anywhere near what I said more like £2k/£2.5k. or less.

Edited February 2, 2021 by 5 shires

[Paddy1000111]

Ahhh I see! Sorry I should have said! That cost makes far more sense! Yea I would definitely buy one that's already a utilities tipper and just have the back kitted out! 

 

any reason for going with a 4x4 out of interest? Mainly doing forest work?

[dumper]

Have a look at MAN they tow 3.5 tonnes and good weight carry plus 4x4. If needed

[IronMike]

@Gray git recently replaced the tipping back on his Grafter, and did an absolutely Stella job of it. Works out considerably cheaper if you do it yourself (unsurprisingly). 

[5 shires]

8 hours ago, Paddy1000111 said:

Ahhh I see! Sorry I should have said! That cost makes far more sense! Yea I would definitely buy one that's already a utilities tipper and just have the back kitted out! 

 

any reason for going with a 4x4 out of interest? Mainly doing forest work?

It’s a case that that’s what I have always had and always the 3.0 Rangers..my main tip sites for chip and brash are at the bottom of a old orchard and it gets really bogie during winter and 4 wheel drive is perfect plus I can tow my Chipper at 70+ mph with full load and no bother and also there has been many times that if I didn’t have a 4x4 I would have been in the shit..literally.

[Paddy1000111]

12 hours ago, dumper said:

Have a look at MAN they tow 3.5 tonnes and good weight carry plus 4x4. If needed

I had a look but it's more cost prohibitive. They seem to be about £25k+VAT with a tipper back that needs conversion. I can get a 16 plate transit with 30k on the clock for £16-18+vat. 

 

There's an already converted good condition  15 plate with 55k on the clock for 16+vat... 

[dumper]

Take a drive in one we are never buying a transit again admittedly they are not cheap