I have looked at the 2-1/2 & 5 ton trucks off and on for a while. Even bid on some, but without success. I've again started looking and have noticed more 900 series trucks now. I like the 923's. I there anything in particular I should look for and how reliable are they? I may wind up trying to pick one up.
any 900 that is an A2 has the bigger turbo motor, and the CTIS system as well as the super single tires and wheels. after that, then a winch and a hard top are next on the list of want to haves. if you find one with all that, you have found a diamond in the rough, and it will be the platform for a great truck
I have looked at the 2-1/2 & 5 ton trucks off and on for a while. Even bid on some, but without success. I've again started looking and have noticed more 900 series trucks now. I like the 923's. I there anything in particular I should look for and how reliable are they? I may wind up trying to pick one up.
I don't see in your question where you asked about license and registration. However since it was mentioned I'd suggest taking a look at your states registration and licensing requirements.
You didn't mention where you were looking, GL, truck dealer, or private party.
Your best bet would be a dealer or private party. At least then you have some sort of history, and in most cases can drive, inspect and stew over a particular truck. Not all of that is possible with GL.
As far as inspection I would download the manual either from the resources here or liberated manuals, and print the inspection checklists. Use that in your inspection. Look for things rusted, loose, bent, broken and missing items. Note those items on the checklist.
After inspection which should include fluid levels, and belt tension inspection. Ask to operate the truck or at a minimum start, and run until it reaches operating temperature.
Listen during the start up, and run. Things to pay attention to are hissing air and abnormal engine noise. The NHC-250 has a familiar engine rythem, there are inspection videos produced by the army on the M939 trucks. A set of three in fact, and can be found on you tube. These are very helpful to the new operator and will at the very least let you hear the engine run how it's supposed to sound.
If you can operate the vehicle, ensure the tire pressure is correct on all positions. Listen and feel how the truck operates. Loud pops, growns and squeals aren't normal and should be noted and investigated.
Things that would be a concern to me are worn tires, cracked belts, lots of rust and missing parts.
Aside from requiring very big tools they are pretty easy to work on, for the most part.
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Jeremy
"I am become death, the destroyer of Worlds"
2010 Heartland Sundance
2008 F350 CC/LB 6.4L
2005 Yamaha R6 (My need for speed )
1984 M915A1 AM General
1984 M871 Southwest Truck
1984 M925 AM General W/W
1971 M35A2 AM General WO/W
1968 M105A2 Johnson
1962 M105A2 Johnson
The 1997 model 923 which I own is 21,750 pounds empty on the data plate. Depending on how one titles one's vehicle in Texas, regardless of full air brakes, as long as one is not engaged in a 'commercial enterprise', then you do not need a cdl to drive said 923. Sorry for the compound sentence.
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M923 5 TON
M35A2 Hardtop
M1061A1 Trailer
Big Gooseneck
Nike 34" Aluminum Baseball Bat
Lots of mutilated softballs
Looking at 923's
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