BUYING EQUIPMENT
Before the next truck: build a better shortlist.
Start with the work, then the truck.
Before comparing advertisements, write down what the next vehicle needs to do for your business. Separate the work you already perform from work you hope to win. A truck that looks impressive in a listing may be a poor fit for your actual customers, service area or staffing.
Bring a written brief to the dealer.
List your typical vehicle mix, storage constraints, budget range, preferred service support and purchasing timetable. Ask a qualified dealer to identify equipment suited to the intended applications. Request the complete specifications and applicable manufacturer documentation before comparing candidates.
Compare the whole purchase.
Use the same questions for every seller: what is included, what is excluded, what needs replacement, who provides service and what records are available? For used equipment, arrange an independent inspection appropriate to the vehicle and equipment. Ask about parts access and service turnaround rather than assuming every model has the same support.
Use manufacturer information as the starting point.
Miller Industries and Jerr-Dan publish equipment information and distributor resources. Use those sources to build your questions, then confirm the exact configuration with the seller. This guide is about organizing a purchase, not selecting capacities or planning recovery operations. Those decisions require the equipment documentation and qualified professionals.