You can consistently find dump trucks for sale at Alaska truck auctions. This is an going to be the case in many other states around the country, however Alaska as well as some states in the Pacific Northwest utilize a fairly large fleet of dump trucks for a variety of purposes. There are several different types of truck auctions in Alaska that will feature dump trucks including government auctions and bank owned vehicle auctions. There are a wide variety of different types of dump trucks available and they are all designed to serve different purposes. Here’s a closer look at the dump trucks you will most likely see and some tips to help you spot the best deals.
It should be no surprise that the standard dump trucks will be one of the most common options at these auctions. In most cases, it will be a six wheeler because it allows for maximum maneuverability, which is important on many of the roads in AK. The shorter wheelbase will also make it easier to handle on the snow and ice which can be dangerous for larger trucks.
Another common style of dump truck is known as the superdump truck. It is nearly identical to the standard dump truck except that it has an additional trailing axle. It will normally trail between 11 and 15 feet behind the rear. The benefit of this style of dump truck is that the additional length allows for it to legally transport a higher gross weight on the road. Additionally, when the truck is empty the trailing axle can be raised above the road surface using to hydraulic arms. This improves overall maneuverability and stability when off-road. Most people consider the superdump truck to be more productive because of its higher payload capacity, which also means that it can provide a greater return on investment if you regularly need to make multiple trips to the same site with your dump truck.
The final type of dump trucks for sale at Alaska truck auctions that are regularly seen are known as and articulated hauler. These dump trucks are or will drive and primarily designed for an off-road environment. It is unique because the power unit is a permanent fixture rather than fill to be removable. Additionally, it utilizes hydraulic cylinders to pivot the entire tractor rather than the more common rack and pinion steering. This provides optimum maneuverability in tight squeezes and more difficult off-road trails. There are a number of other styles of dump trucks that you can find these truck auctions in Alaska, however the previous three are the most common.
How to Spot the Best Deals on the Dump Trucks For Sale at Alaska Truck Auctions
With so many different types of dump trucks in the same place, it can be difficult to know how to spot the best deals. For the most part, nearly every dump truck you find at these types of auctions will be much more affordable then purchasing them elsewhere, however there will still be a handful of deals which stand out even more.
There tends to be three causes of damage that often occur to these types of dump trucks. For the most part, this damage will largely be superficial, however it is important to determine whether or not there is any extensive damage. The three most common types of accidents include collisions, accident while backing, and tipping. Aside from the cosmetic damage, the most important thing to pay attention to is whether or not there appears to be any damage to the hydraulics. The other potential hazard to watch out for is engine problems. While you won’t be able to drive the truck before you buy it, you will be able to hear the engine run and in some cases, see the hydraulics operate. Since this equipment can be expensive, even when you get it at a steep discount, having someone who knows about how these engine should sound can be invaluable.
Another thing to keep in mind is that if you feel that these types of dump trucks are more than you need, then you can keep an eye out for heavy duty pickup trucks that have a conversion package. This will give you all of the functionality of the dump truck without the higher prices. Along with auctions that focus solely on heavy machinery, you will likely be able to find these types of dump trucks for sale at Alaska truck auctions held by the government or by lending institutions.
