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cropsey, il 61731 | We went to semi's after hog manure pretty much forced us to and now, like mike, wonder what I was thinking. Straight trucks are easier to drive in some cases and more dmv's do the test, but a semi and trailer is often more maneuverable than a tandem and a cdl isn't that tough to get (you do need to practice before taking the test). We did go a little heavy on the semi's (freightshakers w/470 detroits and auto shift) for the manure ($12K). There are lots of trucks with smaller engines and with autoshifts where the biggest issue is you get a sleeper (which can be removed). We have 'new' (used suspension) steel 30' hoppers that cost $15K each. At the time hopper prices were just insane and there was no point in buying used/worn out for $12K. It seems like it's different now and perhaps you can get a better deal on a used hopper - maybe aluminum. At $27K or $54K for 2 total it's still cheaper than lots of the tandems out there.
Also, we used to run 3 straight trucks (2 pulled 300bu wagons) with 1 to 2 drivers all hauling 600 to 700 bu. Now one driver hauling around 700 bu easily keeps up even in good corn - dumping a semi is a no drama event and quick. Good brakes on lots of axles are a plus as well.
If you are handy at all, there are a lot of trucks on the market these days and most of things you'd spend money on (tires, brakes) are the same for a semi or straight truck (maybe cheaper on the semi).
Something like this if you don't mind shifting: http://www.commercialtrucktrader.com/find/listing/1997-FREIGHTLINER...
Autoshift: http://www.commercialtrucktrader.com/find/listing/2006-VOLVO-VNL64T...
these are just examples and you could get a better autoshift price if you bought it with a sleeper.
A possible hopper trailer: http://www.truckpaper.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=3812857
No one makes a perfect truck or trailer and they can all have problems. A truck that's in service and being maintained is often a better reason to buy than make or even model year. Steel hoppers can be repaired on farm pretty easily and are pretty durable (though they rust).
that's my 6 cents (tmi maybe)
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Grain Truck
