TadB

As everyone says "Guys im new to the forum and i have a question." I went to a Military surplus yard today, looking for a 5 ton. Found mostly 2 1/2 tons, but there were a few 5 ton bridge trucks in alright shape and several 5 ton tractors. There was one 5 ton tractor in pretty good shape. Missing several misc. items, mirror, gauge panels, one marker light....small stuff. The owner wants $8,000. Is that too much? The second thing is... the owner needs about 30(Dueces and 5 tons) trucks moved from one location to another, along with several lowboy trailers(military), refer boxes, and a bunch of other misc surplus items. We have the ability to move these items, but I have no idea how to price this. Im renting a 10 ton forklift for a week, and have 2 people laboring for that week. Im young(24) and have never bid anything like this. Any pointers would be much appreciated. Another quick note. he says he has tow bars to move the trucks. How large of a truck would be needed to tow the dead weight of a 5 ton? He has a 5 ton in awsome condition we will be able to used for towing. Thanks

ABN173

Others are probably more knowledgeable on this topic but it seems there are missing variables from your equation such as how far and what type of road conditions.

m16ty

I'd say 8 grand is a little steep for a tractor that's not in A1 shape.

I'm in the machinery moving business so know about moving all sorts of stuff. The best way to price it is to figure what you need per hour and roughly figure how long it will take. It's hard to figure something like this by the mile because you'll spend a lot of time that's not on the road loading, unloading and such. We get $120 per hr for our lowboy but if you're flat towing it would be less. A rule of thumb for flat towing is the tow vehicle needs to be as big or bigger than the towed vehicle.

TadB

Towing distance is next to none. About 3 miles. Like you said m16ty the loading and unloading will be the majority of the time. We will have 2 one ton dodges w/ goosenecks hauling everything but the trucks. Except there are 2 high speed 25 ton cranes, that will be hauled on our drop deck. He keeps telling me he can get 13,000 out of the truck in A1 condition from loggers. I just dont know how to deal with it. I guess i can find one somewhere else and just do the job.

ABN173

Sounds like the guy is trying to barter with you or use the truck to offset the job cost? If you click the Gov Liquidation add on the top left hand side of the page I am fairly sure you will be able to find a 5ton truck in Alabama or Georgia for less.

TadB

I agree. He will not dicker with e on the truck but he wants me to dicker with him on the pricing of the job. Im thinking it wouldnt be a bad deal to trade the 5 ton tractor for the hauling we will be doing???

papabear

Er kinda what tractor is it?
8K is way too much TadB...Unless it is in drop dead super condition with a clean transferable title. 4 to 6K in good running, driving, stopping condition is what I look to pay.

As far as bidding on moving that stuff...I suggest an hourly rate. You will find all kinda roadblocks in a situation like this.
When my heavy haulers/tow trucks aint moving and charging hookup/mileage...they are getting hourly rates.

If you think you can use his stuff...just make sure you cover your labor costs etc...oh...and check on insurance!!! his tow vehicle etc and who pays if one of your fellers gets hurt?

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5_TON_TOMATOE

I think you could do much better from GL. Closer to wholesale than retail, and better shape. Just my H O>. And of by the way,

oilcan

I need to find those loggers. (Gimp insert lewd comment here) 13 g's can buy a lot of green stuff. I've seen pretty nice 818's retail from 6500 to maybe 9500, and a touch more with a winch.

On a side nte, it can take as long to prep for flat towing as loading one up on a lowboy. At least until you get the hang of it.

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1971 XM818w/w
M101A1
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ABN173

I know what you mean! FUNNY