Could I get you guru's to weigh in on the different models and options. I am starting a hay farm and have a need for a truck to haul hay as well as my farm equipment. I am told that I will not go wrong with a Mack. Here is what I want to be able to do. I think what I need is a 53" drop deck spread axel with some sort of a dove tail or hydraulic ramp for loading and unloading my tractors. Most of my implements I can load with forks but I do have the need to ramp my tractors(s). As far as hay, I understand I can haul somewhere around 700 small bales (70lb each) so 50,000 should be my largest load as the tractor and implements would weigh in around 30,000lbs. Would love to pull a double with hay but not sure what the limits are as of yet. My understanding is 120,000lb but not positive. I live in Colorado so I will be doing mountain driving including a few mountain passes. I expect to run < 40,000 miles a year. I may also do some rock/dirt hauling locally to keep the truck busy but not sure if I want the headache of hiring a driver and dealing with all the other baggage. Budget, as this will be a seasonal operation (well I will haul hay in the winter) I don't want to spend more than say 50,000 on the truck. From a resale side I'm told I should get a sleeper and it might come in handy incase of overnights to pickup hay. Mack Model: CH613/CX613? Horse Power: 400? Transmission: 13/18 (what manufacture) Suspension: Air? Options: Jak, Wet Kit, What should I be looking for and are there certain motors/transmissions that are more reliable? THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR ADVICE!!
