Garbage Truck Buying Guide
The right garbage truck can make a big difference. A well-fitting rig can improve efficiency, increase output, and make the time at work safer and better. But it can be tough knowing which model will best suit your needs. That's why we created the following garbage truck buying guide. Use the below advice to narrow the search and make the shopping process easier. If you have any questions or want to explore garbage trucks for sale, visit Fyda Freightliner. We run dealerships in Kentucky, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
Decide The Type Of Truck
There are many different types of garbage trucks for sale. Various models are designed with specific work projects in mind. Some will suit your needs well while others would be a terrible fit. The more you can articulate what your needs are, the easier it will be to find a compatible model.
For example, who will you be serving? Commercial waste removal usually involves handling large amounts of trash. A front or rear end trash truck loader is a good match for these types of jobs. Residential neighborhood waste removal tends to deal with smaller amounts of trash. A side loader trash truck would do fine for those projects.
Consider Department Of Transportation Requirements
After getting a general sense of what you need, the next step is to factor in relevant legal requirements. Any garbage truck you consider needs to meet federal DOT standards. State DOT requirements vary from state to state, so look up the specifics for yours. Make sure you clearly understand applicable requirements before you spend much time researching garbage trucks for sale. It'd be a shame to waste time looking into models that wouldn't be a viable option because they fail to meet necessary standards.
Set A Budget
Garbage trucks vary widely in their cost. Setting a budget helps you focus your search on the models that fall into your price range. Budgets help you avoid overspending or underspending, making sure you get the highest quality option you can afford. Remember to factor any add-ons or accessories into the price.
Decide New Or Used
Next, think about whether you want the latest model or not. There are advantages to both approaches.
New garbage trucks:
- offer the latest technology, which can improve anything from safety to fuel efficiency
- offer optimized performance
- will last much longer
Used garbage trucks:
- come at the most affordable prices
- are a good match for first time buyers or those who don't need a model to last for decades
Consider Safety
Worker safety is a priority. Think about what safety features and accessories you want on the garbage truck. Some models may include those options while others will need to be outfitted with aftermarket accessories. It's easiest to find a model that already comes with what you want - and it's often cheaper than buying the product and paying for its installation after the fact. Common garbage truck safety accessories include a backup camera and GPS tracking.
Pick The Best Seller
There are two ways to get a garbage truck: private seller or dealership. Choosing a garbage truck dealership offers many advantages, including:
- a greater chance of fair pricing
- the ability to compare many models in one visit
- expert staff on hand to answer questions and give advice
Make The Garbage Truck Last
Once you find the right garbage truck, the last step is to purchase it and make it last as long as possible. Many garbage trucks break down in the first decade because of the harsh nature of their use. Maintaining your rig will help it perform better and last longer, which extends the time until you need to get another model.
Ready to shop garbage trucks for sale? Head over to Fyda Freightliner to see a range of models. Our friendly staff is always happy to answer questions, suggest compatible models, and help with whatever you need. We operate seven dealerships across Kentucky, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Stop by your nearest location today!