Fl-70
- Thread starter RGilliam
- Start date
Lou Zehnder
New member
I believe its in the 33000 lbs class and that would need a CDL.
gogreenwash
Roundtable Host 2009
Now that's a big boy truck 
Scott Stone
New member
Yep, it is a CDL truck, unless it is underrated. 25999 is the upper limit, but, that can be nebulous, depending on the state.
Remember to have a written quote on the insurance before you buy something like that. It could make a decision in your decision making process.
Remember to have a written quote on the insurance before you buy something like that. It could make a decision in your decision making process.
Lou Zehnder
New member
Scott its 26000 no CDL
26001 you need one....
Alot of trucks are rated 26000 which don't require one.
NJWashingGuy
New member
I would first look at the documented maintenance history of the vehicle. The 3126 CAT diesel is a good motor, but expensive to fix when they break. IF you have a vehicle vin #, I believe that you can check the maintenance history at a CAT service center since they have some sort of national system in place.
It is a big boy and capable of holding alot of weight. Find out the dry weight and if you can keep it under CDL for everyday use when loaded with your equipment. Some states require a CDL for air brakes and others do not. Check your state and what the vehicle has to determine where you stand. Another consideration is that if an employee is going to be driving it and needs a CDL, the employee can command better pay due to the licensing issue or make more $ driving a truck and not washing anything.
Some food for thought........
It is a big boy and capable of holding alot of weight. Find out the dry weight and if you can keep it under CDL for everyday use when loaded with your equipment. Some states require a CDL for air brakes and others do not. Check your state and what the vehicle has to determine where you stand. Another consideration is that if an employee is going to be driving it and needs a CDL, the employee can command better pay due to the licensing issue or make more $ driving a truck and not washing anything.
Some food for thought........
Lou Zehnder
New member
What mike said.....CDL trucks are a pain in the ass. Fuel tax and other licences that are required. I had a dump truck that was rated at 33000 ....If I ever get another big truck it would be rated at 26000.
Scott Stone
New member
Did you catch the nebulous part?
RGilliam
New member
The GVWR is 26,000. It's under CLD. It's a fleet maintained truck. It's not overkill when you have to take alot of water to job sites. Washing trucks, and have been working on some accounts for cleaning Drill Rigs. I kno there is alot of guys around here running box trucks like this.
Paul Kassander
New member
That is the truck I currently have. I purchased used from Ryder about 5 years ago and it has been a great truck for me. Handles the weight well and has been the best big truck I have owned for my washing. However I was told by the techs that service them the Internationals are a bit better but a little more pricey. I am happy with what I have though.
NJWashingGuy
New member
My first post here, figured I could post a little insight.
I just setup a Freightliner FL112 with a Cummins and 22ft box. Tandem rear, so I can haul 54000 lbs of stuff around. Now many might think I am crazy, but here is why I went this way
1. Water is heavy, I have to carry every drop with me to site, some sites can be an hour out, some can be closer. To drive all that way with 4 hours of water available is costly for the refill and can take a lot of time. Also you fill up once for the day and depending on what nozzle you use you can be going for a long while. I can also run 2 people I figure for a total of 7 hours with a 5.0 nozzles on each gun.
2. Alot of work requires me to go offroad into the mud as I do a lot of heavy equipment. The full lockers on the back will save my truck from getting stuck and having to get pulled out by the equipment I am cleaning. Don't laugh it has happened as as much as I avoid it by walking the worst routes I have missed things before and been stuck.
3. Weight, since I have to go through scales I don't like the idea of wondering if I am going to be safe or over. I am now have a 10,000 lb buffer, so I can hit any buffet before work and not be worried!
4. Wear and tear, every guy I talked to told me it is better to have an over engineered truck as you will break things more often when they are put to the limit.
5. I can put everything I use or need in the truck pretty much. Surface cleaners, chemicals, all the different wands, and eventually when needed the reclaim system. I can start my day doing one thing, and get a call half way through the day and be doing something else
6. Refilling can be a big pain. There are only 4 places around the city to refill the bulk water tank and many times there can be a wait of up to 2 hours. Been half way through a job and had to take a 2 hour break waiting for water does not look good on you and typically the customer is not very happy. 1 fill and she is all complete for the day most the time.
In terms of the truck mentioned, I was told to stay away from Cat engines in trucks. My construction guys that had all cat equipment on their site said they would never touch the cat engines in the trucks. Only exception was an old 3406 with no electrics I was told. They are throw away engines I was told, and especially the 3126's with the fuel system they have.
In terms of size, if you have to haul water bigger is better. Also size the truck to what your market dictates. If you do residential and or jobs that don't have you being at one place for a long time then a smaller truck is probably better. If you have many jobs that are large or multiple people jobs bigger is better.
Good luck with the FL70!
I just setup a Freightliner FL112 with a Cummins and 22ft box. Tandem rear, so I can haul 54000 lbs of stuff around. Now many might think I am crazy, but here is why I went this way
1. Water is heavy, I have to carry every drop with me to site, some sites can be an hour out, some can be closer. To drive all that way with 4 hours of water available is costly for the refill and can take a lot of time. Also you fill up once for the day and depending on what nozzle you use you can be going for a long while. I can also run 2 people I figure for a total of 7 hours with a 5.0 nozzles on each gun.
2. Alot of work requires me to go offroad into the mud as I do a lot of heavy equipment. The full lockers on the back will save my truck from getting stuck and having to get pulled out by the equipment I am cleaning. Don't laugh it has happened as as much as I avoid it by walking the worst routes I have missed things before and been stuck.
3. Weight, since I have to go through scales I don't like the idea of wondering if I am going to be safe or over. I am now have a 10,000 lb buffer, so I can hit any buffet before work and not be worried!
4. Wear and tear, every guy I talked to told me it is better to have an over engineered truck as you will break things more often when they are put to the limit.
5. I can put everything I use or need in the truck pretty much. Surface cleaners, chemicals, all the different wands, and eventually when needed the reclaim system. I can start my day doing one thing, and get a call half way through the day and be doing something else
6. Refilling can be a big pain. There are only 4 places around the city to refill the bulk water tank and many times there can be a wait of up to 2 hours. Been half way through a job and had to take a 2 hour break waiting for water does not look good on you and typically the customer is not very happy. 1 fill and she is all complete for the day most the time.
In terms of the truck mentioned, I was told to stay away from Cat engines in trucks. My construction guys that had all cat equipment on their site said they would never touch the cat engines in the trucks. Only exception was an old 3406 with no electrics I was told. They are throw away engines I was told, and especially the 3126's with the fuel system they have.
In terms of size, if you have to haul water bigger is better. Also size the truck to what your market dictates. If you do residential and or jobs that don't have you being at one place for a long time then a smaller truck is probably better. If you have many jobs that are large or multiple people jobs bigger is better.
Good luck with the FL70!
I used to drive cross country fro a cargo company out of nashville,tn. We ran alot of leased trucks, and every time I went out on a run in a freightliner the whole time Iwandered what was going to go wrong THIS TIME????? Before I got back in a day or two later some problem had usually been encountered if not out right major problem (broke down in Minnesota, winter -18deg f), then some little; or a little BIG thing (exhaust leak into cab? death trap!) I got to where I didn't even want to look at one of them (FL's). International HARVESTER; there is a reason this company has been among the predominant equipment manufacturers for farm tractors, combines and implements. Farmers MUST have consistent reliability and EFFICIENCY ..... or YOU don't get fed. If you want fewer maintenance issues (parts replacement, road side service, towing, missed jobs, etc) and fewer 100 gallon fill-ups. IH has got it!!! Engine: DT466E Trans:Eaton-Fuller 6-speed, manual <26,000lb under cdl; available with electro-hydraulic brakes or air-brakes: each has its own pros&cons; check the state DOT regulations in your service area!!! Air brakes require CDL in some jurisdictions. IH WILL HAUL IT!!!
RGilliam
New member
I actually ended up getting a International 4300 with a DT466. It has a 20ft box which is a little longer than I really wanted. No side door either. The FL70 had a 18ft box and a curb side door. 250hp and a 9 speed eaton. I ended up giving the FL70 back to them because it had some problems with the tranny. The box on it was really sweet tho. This truck I have now has VERY low miles. Now I'm just trying to figure out how to position these tanks,
