If you're looking for a new work truck, you may wonder whether to go with a heavy-duty or medium-duty model. At Schimmer Chevrolet, we carry a wide selection of rugged, reliable trucks for all your hauling and towing needs. Keep reading to learn more about the key differences between heavy and medium-duty trucks and how to choose the right one for your business.
What are Heavy Duty Trucks?
Heavy-duty trucks are built for the toughest jobs. They have stronger frames, robust suspension systems, and more powerful engines than lighter-duty trucks. This makes them ideal for hauling hefty loads over long distances. Some examples of heavy-duty truck use cases include:
- Construction - Hauling equipment and materials
- Agriculture - Pulling large trailers full of crops or livestock
- Mining/Oil and Gas - Transporting heavy machinery and pipes
- Forestry - Pulling loaded logging trailers
Popular heavy-duty truck manufacturers include Kenworth, Peterbilt, Freightliner, Mack, and Western Star. Depending on the configuration, these trucks can haul maximum loads of up to 80,000 pounds.
What are Medium Duty Trucks?
Medium-duty trucks fall in between light-duty and heavy-duty models. They are designed for versatile applications that require more capability than a light-duty truck can offer but not as much extreme heavy hauling capacity as a Class 8 heavy-duty rig. Common medium-duty truck uses include:
- Local delivery and regional hauling
- Utility work such as digging and lifting
- Landscaping and tree services
- Towing RVs and equipment up to 20,000 pounds
Popular medium-duty truck brands include International, Freightliner, Hino, Isuzu, and Ford. These trucks can haul maximum loads between 10,000 to 33,000 pounds.
How to Choose Between Heavy and Medium Duty
When deciding between heavy and medium-duty trucks for your business, the key factors to consider are:
- Payload capacity- How much weight will you need to haul?
- Towing needs- Will you need to pull heavy trailers or equipment?
- Driving range- Will you travel locally or over long distances?
- Maneuverability- Do you need to navigate tight urban areas?
- Upfront cost- Heavy-duty trucks are more expensive.
- Fuel efficiency - Medium duty trucks tend to get better MPG.
Our experienced team at Schimmer Chevrolet can assess your workload requirements and recommend the ideal truck. We carry heavy and medium-duty Chevrolet and GMC models to handle any job. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a test drive!