Category: vacuum trucks

In the U.S. alone, over 13 million large trucks are registered for business use, and thousands are bought and sold each year in the pre-owned market. But not every used truck deserves a spot on your job site.

At Big Truck & Equipment Sales, we know that a quality used heavy-duty vehicle isn’t just about paint or mileage—it’s about whether it can handle tough work from day one. Whether it’s a used vacuum truck for industrial spills, a digger derrick for utility lines, or a street sweeper truck for sale keeping municipal roads clean—performance is non-negotiable.

Here’s how we make sure every truck on our lot is ready to perform, not just park.

Our Selection Process: Performance First, Every Time 1. We Know What to Look For

Before we even think about putting a truck on our lot, it goes through a checklist based on the actual jobs it’s built for. Used vacuum trucks? We check tank integrity, suction [...]

Did you know that in 55% of truck accidents resulting in injury, the vehicle involved had at least one mechanical failure?  This is exactly why buying pre-owned trucks requires more than just a glance under the hood. You need complete confidence in the vehicle’s safety, reliability, and performance.

Therefore, at Big Truck & Equipment Sales, we don’t believe in “good enough.” We hold every unit to high standards with a rigorous inspection checklist. We’ve built our reputation by refusing to cut corners, and that’s exactly why our pre-owned trucks stand apart from the rest.

What Our Inspection Covers (And Why It Matters) 1. Engine Health and Performance

We start with what matters most—the heart of the truck. Our mechanics check for:

• Compression levels
• Oil pressure
• Coolant leaks
• Emissions compliance
• Turbocharger operation (if applicable)

We also look at service history where available, to catch signs of past neglect. If the engine doesn’t deliver consistent output under load, [...]

Want to grow your fleet without draining your cash flow? Whether you’re eyeing a used bucket truck, a vacuum truck, or looking to buy sweeper trucks, the truth is: upfront costs can slow your business down if you don’t plan your financing the right way.

Here’s how to finance a used truck that supports your business goals—without sacrificing your bottom line.

Buying the Truck You Need Shouldn’t Break the Bank

You’ve found the truck—it’s the right model, condition, and price. But one glance at the sticker and you’re second-guessing the purchase. Sound familiar?

High-quality used equipment is in demand, and if you wait too long, you risk losing out. But you also can’t afford to take on a loan that traps you with sky-high payments or rigid terms.

That’s why how you finance a used truck is just as important as what truck you’re buying.

Smart Financing Options That Actually Work for You

Big Truck & Equipment [...]

When your business depends on safe, efficient digging, equipment failure isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a liability. Buying used is the only financially sound move for many operators.

However, not all used hydro excavation trucks are worth the savings.

From worn-out blowers to mismatched tank sizes and outdated control systems, a bad choice can quickly turn into thousands in repairs and lost contracts. So before you start searching for a used hydro excavation truck for sale, here’s what you need to keep in mind.

 

1. Vacuum System Performance Comes First

Your blower or vacuum pump is the heart of the operation. If it’s under powered or past its prime, expect slower digging and higher maintenance.

Checklist:

• Confirm CFM and vacuum pressure ratings meet your job requirements
• Look for brands with proven longevity (e.g., Roots, Hibon, Robuschi)
• Ask for service records—rebuilding or replacing blowers can cost $15K–$30K

2. Tank Size and Material Should Match Your [...]

According to reports, over 70% of all freight and heavy-duty work in the U.S. is done by trucks. However, when businesses turn to used heavy-duty trucks to cut costs, there’s a hidden risk: one faulty component can halt operations, drain budgets, and trigger safety issues.

Therefore, quality control isn’t optional. It’s the difference between a smart investment and a costly mistake. Here’s what to look for before you buy.

 

1. Service History Isn’t Just Paperwork — It’s Proof

A full, verifiable service record is your best indicator of how a truck has been treated. Trucks that skip routine maintenance often have hidden wear — from engine strain to failing suspension components. If a seller can’t provide a clean, detailed service log, that’s a red flag.

Pro Tip: Ask for oil change intervals, transmission service dates, and DPF cleaning logs. These are signs of regular care.

2. Frame Integrity: No Rust, No Cracks

The frame carries the [...]

Hydro-excavation is no longer a niche service—it’s become the preferred method for digging near utilities, pipelines, and sensitive infrastructure. And with the U.S. vacuum truck market projected to hit $3.32 billion by 2033, there’s no question about demand. But here’s the thing: not every truck can handle the grind.

When it comes to hydro-excavating, the right vacuum truck can save time, reduce risk, and cut operating costs. However, it needs to have the muscle and configuration to do the job right. Let’s break down what actually makes a used vacuum truck perfect for hydro-excavating tasks.

1. High-Performance Blowers and Suction Power

Hydro-excavation isn’t just about water—it’s about suction. After high-pressure water breaks up the soil, the vacuum system has to lift that slurry quickly and efficiently.

Look for used vacuum trucks with positive displacement blowers delivering at least 3,000 CFM and 15-27” Hg. Anything less slows down your work, especially in clay or frost-heavy ground.

2. Water Pressure You Can [...]

When sludge, spills, or heavy-duty debris clog up your site, you don’t need a shiny new truck—you need serious suction power that doesn’t break the bank. Used vacuum trucks for industrial cleanup are giving cities, factories, and contractors the performance they need at a price that makes sense.

With industrial waste volumes hitting 7.6 billion tons annually in the US, the demand for high-capacity cleanup isn’t slowing down—and neither should your operations.

1. Industrial-Strength Cleanup Without the Sticker Shock

Vacuum trucks are built to suck up heavy sludge, contaminated liquids, and even solids from tanks, basins, pits, and sewers. But buying one new can feel like buying a small aircraft.

Used vacuum trucks slash that upfront cost, giving companies access to serious cleaning muscle without compromising performance.

This means you can:

• Handle tank clean outs and spill responses faster
• Expand your fleet affordably
• Bid on bigger cleanup contracts
• Meet EPAand OSHA compliance without the long wait for new [...]

Keeping streets clean isn’t a luxury. It’s a legal and public safety requirement. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, stormwater runoff is one of the leading causes of water pollution in urban areas—and street sweepers are the first line of defense. However, brand-new machines can be costly, making them inaccessible for many municipalities and contractors.

That’s why pre-owned street sweepers have become a smart solution for cities, facilities, and private operators alike. But not all used machines are created equal. Buying the wrong one can lead to mechanical headaches, poor performance, and unplanned costs.

If you’re planning to buy sweeper trucks for your fleet, this guide will help you choose the right street sweeper truck for sale—without wasting time or money.

What to Know Before You Buy a Pre-Owned Street Sweeper

Here’s what you need to check—from engine performance to broom wear—before investing in a pre-owned street sweeper truck.

1. Know Your Sweeper Type: Mechanical vs. Regenerative Air [...]

When it comes to utility line maintenance and tree care operations, the right equipment can make all the difference. For companies looking to expand their fleet without breaking the bank, pre-owned bucket trucks offer the perfect solution. These workhorses are essential for safely reaching elevated job sites—whether it’s trimming trees, repairing power lines, or servicing telecommunications infrastructure.

In fact, over 70% of utility companies rely on used bucket trucks to handle high-reach jobs efficiently and cost-effectively. Why? Because buying new isn’t always practical—especially for contractors, municipalities, or growing businesses trying to manage overhead. That’s where pre-owned bucket trucks come in. With the right dealer, these vehicles provide the performance, reliability, and safety features of a new unit—at a fraction of the cost.

From trusted brands like Altec and Versalift to rust-free trucks sourced from municipal fleets, there are countless advantages to going used. In this guide, we’ll explore why pre-owned bucket trucks are ideal for utility and arborist work, [...]

When it comes to expanding your fleet or upgrading your equipment, deciding whether to buy or lease commercial trucks can significantly impact your business’s bottom line. From financial flexibility to long-term value, each option has its advantages—especially when dealing with specialized vehicles like used vacuum trucks or street sweepers.

Ownership and Asset Value: The Case for Buying

Buying commercial trucks means full ownership. Over time, this translates into a long-term asset that adds value to your company. If you choose to buy street sweeper trucks or invest in used vacuum trucks, you have the flexibility to modify them as needed for specific tasks. Ownership allows you to build equity, which may help secure future financing.

Buying is often more cost-effective for businesses planning to use the trucks for several years. Once the loan is paid off, operating costs are reduced to maintenance and insurance, without monthly lease payments.

Leasing: Flexibility and Lower Upfront Costs

Leasing is ideal for [...]