Truck or Landy

[bazoo132]

Folks looking for some advice. I've just started up my own business doing tree work. I currently am catering for the domestic market but may look to going down the route of contact work I'm the future.

I am looking at getting my first truck and was wondering what the best route is either a transit type tipper and fit a chip box or go for a converted 110/130 landrover with chip box and tipper. I could see having a winch an advantage. So any advice or pro's & con's would be appreciated. As I've just started out I'm looking at around £3-7k.

[Hodge]

If you are going down the Landu route then you need to be able to get rid of chip quick as you can fill it quickly. Mine is a crew cab tipper 130, I have Heavy Duty suspension, winch and lots of tip sites.

[kevinjohnsonmbe]

110/130 tipper or with a tipping trailer: Pro - better than a van if you are off road and good towing capacity. Con - dreadful turning circle. Why have 4x4 if you don't need off road.

 

Transit tipper: Pro - plenty of formats and availability. Con - limited load capacity.

 

3-5k budget is going to seriously limit your options to a heavy miles / heavy use vehicle which may incur significant maintenance liabilities.

 

Have you considered lease? It's not for me but a good option for some - new vehicle, looks the business, get the format that best suits you??

[eldon]

Having been a land rover enthusiast in the past and spent many an hour mending the things I would say your budget isn't adequate for a reliable business vehicle. Comparatively you can get a nice Transit with the money available.

 

If you need, and can justify, a 4x4 then get one but otherwise you may, as a new business, end up being swamped by the time and money spent on keeping one on the road.

 

Land rovers can be good; but a "good and cheap" land rover doesn't exist!

[Mick Dempsey]

Transit/iveco/master whatever, then buy a tirfor.

[GTS]

well good advice, if It were me id go for a transit single cab tipper with a tool box with shutter doors behind the cab, tidy back box, made as light as poss and then a decent road tow 9"+ chipper. I bought a 110 for your top end and have spent a fortune after. I opened the door this afternoon (not been out in it today), my boots are soaking where the rains come through the brand new door seals. crape.

Happy days

[bazoo132]

Guys thanks for all the responses it gives me some food for thought.

[walkerboys]

GTS is spot on transit tipper get your self on the road keep it clean and tidy you will be ok get friendly with a local farmer with a tractor loader for the off road jobs just for now they often come for next to newt if they can have the wood just somthing to think about