C4500/5500 frames

[gts]

Hi! I'm trying to decide on which truck to get. This truck will be used as a chip dump; 15 yard capacity, 84 CA or 108 CA. I have a question regarding the capability of the frames on the 4500 & 5500. There are five possible frames to choose from: 6mm 50,000 psi; 6mm 80,000 psi; 8mm 80,000 psi; reinforced 6mm; reinforced 8mm. With a 108 CA, 3/4 of the load will be carried between cab and differential. The truck that I had in mind is a 4500 with a 6mm 80,000 psi, 84 CA. It would be 18,500 pounds fully loaded. I'm not sure if this is strong enough to resist fatigue over time. Any thoughts would be helpful. Thanks!

gts

[Mark Rinker]

What does a full load of chips weigh?

[gts]

full load of chips give or take 7500#.Hoist and box around 3000#

[Mark Rinker]

I am no expert, but would think the lighter, yet reinforced frame would be the way to go. If you will occasionally overload the box with sand or gravel, I'd go with the heavier, reinforced frame just for greater margin of reliability.

The operator could be the determining factor - i.e. a careful operator that never 'dumped the clutch' with the box raised to shake the load loose could run the truck forever without frame fatigue, while some knucklehead at the controls could kink the frame in an afternoon, if left to their own devices...