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Yard Dog Truck Buying Guide

May. 10 2021 Buying Guide By DeBary Truck Sales

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Yard dog trucks, also known as terminal tractors, spotters and shunt trucks, among other names, are used for one primary purpose: to move semi-trailers around a large area. You’ll find these trucks at rail heads, cross-docking facilities, distribution centers, warehouses and other places where semi-trailers may need to be maneuvered quickly and easily.

DeBary Truck Sales is your Florida yard dog truck headquarters, located in Sanford. Here are some tips for purchasing the right yard spotter for your hauling needs.

1. Make a Budget

First, it’s important to make a budget so you know how much you can afford to spend on your yard dog truck. Don’t forget to factor in maintenance, fuel and storage costs. Additional features can also cost more if you require them. If you intend to work in very hot or cold weather, for example, you’ll want cooling and heating options. Bear in mind that you can always investigate used terminal tractors instead of new models to save even more money, since yard dog trucks can last over 20 years.

2. Consider Power Type

Yard dog trucks are most often powered with diesel engines; however, there are some other options, including standard gasoline and electric engines. Electric engines are beginning to become more popular overall.

  • Diesel engines are powerful and capable of handling the heavy work load required of a yard dog truck. However, they can produce excessive emissions and they have much higher maintenance needs and costs. 
  • Gas-powered yard dog trucks won’t be quite as powerful, but can be less expensive and they don’t require the same types of emissions filters that diesel trucks do. 
  • Electric yard dog trucks are emission-free, making them more environmentally friendly and almost as powerful as their diesel counterparts, making them a recent and welcome addition to the market.

3. Test Out The Truck

It’s important to sit in your chosen yard dog truck model when it comes time to check them out in person. You don’t want to purchase a truck without trying it out to see how comfortable and spacious it is, knowing that you or your drivers will need to sit in it for hours at a time. Make sure that the truck has good safety features, including grab handles and foot grips. A truck that feels good to sit in is one that your operators won’t struggle to use.

4. Shop With a Reputable Dealer

Of course, the best way to ensure you get a good deal on a yard dog truck is to shop with a reputable dealer like DeBary Truck Sales. We carefully vet our used yard dog trucks to ensure that they are in good condition and ready to help you with your work. Stop by our Sanford, FL, dealership to check out our wide selection of yard dog trucks for sale. DeBary Truck Sales serves our Florida customers as well as everyone in the greater Atlanta, GA, metropolitan region.