Over the years we’ve received quite a few questions from individuals both in and outside of our industry and the industries we typically work with. To help quickly answer some of the more common questions we receive, we’ve created da list below to provide additional details on our products, services, and some clarification for those that seek it. If you have any other questions about Republic Truck Sales, our services, yard trucks, or yard truck parts please call our office or submit them through the form found on our contact us page.
What is a Yard Truck?
A yard truck is a single-person cab offset to the side of the engine intended to move semi-trailers within a cargo yard, warehouse facility, or intermodal facility. It is built to accommodate a hydraulic lifting fifth wheel allowing the operator to move trailers without exiting the cab or cranking the landing gear. Once a trailer has been moved the operator can lower the trailer back to the ground and uncouple the fifth wheel without leaving the cab.
Sometimes referred to as a terminal tractor, it’s known in the United States as a trailer jockey, shunt truck, spotter tractor, yard truck, yard dog, yard goat, yard horse, yard bird, yard jockey, or mule.
What is the difference between Off-Highway and DOT yard trucks?
Off-Highway is built specifically to move semi-trailers around warehouses, trucking terminals, ship ports, distribution centers, or any place involving a semi-trailer moving in an environment where it would not be accessing a public road. Off-Highway yard trucks top-speed of 25 MPH and can be programmed to run at any MPH under 25.
DOT has legal access to public roadways. In general, DOT yard trucks are not permitted to run on the interstate highway system. DOT yard trucks must have an annual inspection by a license-plated vehicle with a V.I.N. number and title. The DOT yard trucks will have a top speed of around 33 MPH or more depending on years and ABS braking system.
How do I know if we need a yard truck?
A yard truck can increase driver productivity in most situations. The easiest way to figure out if you need a yard truck is to track the time your drivers spend cranking up trailers prior to hooking up. A yard truck can normally move three units in the same amount of time that a standard tractor would move one unit.
What are the benefits of a yard truck vs. a semi-tractor?
Yard trucks provide an enhanced bottom line and increased safety, thanks to a yard truck maneuverability, efficiency, and ease of use. Standard tractor rigs are cumbersome and time-consuming and can be unsafe in tight quarters. Yard trucks solve these problems while increasing mobility, movement, and productivity.
What is P.M.?
Most equipment does not have an easy life. Whether our customer refers to it as “periodic maintenance” or “preventive maintenance”, we consider it to be a very important function to your operation. Whether this is monitored on a calendar basis or by the operating hour intervals, we find it important to have a structured program to keep the equipment up and running.
Our experienced technicians are trained to not only perform a standard oil change, they also follow an extensive checklist outlining the major systems of your machine.
What is a DURA-RIDE?
DURA-RIDE is our patented air spring suspension system that is available as an option on our models TJ 5000 and 9000 models. It provides both the cargo and operator with a smoother ride and greatly reduces maintenance and operator healthcare issues.
Can I lease a yard truck?
Yes, you can! We have worked with our partners to allow for maximum flexibility, enabling you to get a lease with the duration and terms that take your operational needs and enable you to grow without needed resources. Advantages: No need for shop or mechanics, maintenance and repairs handled by the experts, predictable cost, and new equipment replacement schedule to keep
Can I rent a yard truck?
Yes, you can! For your short term or emergency needs, we are ready to support your business. We maintain a high-quality fleet of yard trucks that are ready to go to work at warehouses, shipyards, and anything in between. We deliver trucks nationwide, so no matter where you are, we can get our trucks there.
Do you sell used yard trucks?
Yes, we do! We try our best to keep our inventory list updated, we are continuously bringing in and selling trucks. If you do not see what you are looking for please call or fill out the contact form on the “Contact Information” page of this website and click on the submit button.
Do you buy or can you trade in a used yard truck?
Yes, we do and yes, you can! We do take trade-ins on new or used trucks. Please call or fill out the contact form on the “Contact Information” page of this website and click on the submit button.
If I fill out the contact form and submit, when will I be contacted back?
Once you submit, a person from our team will receive your inquiry and promptly get back to you during our normal business hours. 7:30 a.m-5:00 p.m.
Do you sell yard truck parts and services?
We are your leader in yard trucks! After years in the business, we can diagnose most service issues quickly (sometimes over the phone) and our expert technicians can be on your site typically within 1-2 hours. We also sell a wide selection of yard truck parts and can provide shipping estimates at your request. For more on our services, please call or fill out the contact form on the “Request Service” page of this website and click on the submit button.
What is the warranty on a new yard truck
All new Capacity truck models come with an industrial-leading 2-year or 6,000-hour Manufacture’s Limited Warranty. A Mainframe Limited Warranty for 7-years or 25,000 miles whichever comes first. If you compare, you will not find better coverage anywhere in the industry. For more information on our warranty program please call us or fill out the contact form on the “Contact Information” page of this website and click on the submit button.
What wheelbase do I need?
It is important that we understand exactly what your intentions are for your yard truck. The short answer is either 116’’ or 130’’ wheelbase. Are you moving refrigerator trailers? Specialized trailers with deeper king pin settings than usual? Whatever your need is, Republic Truck Sales can help you find a solution.
Does a yard truck have emissions on them?
All new Capacity model yard trucks meet US federal emissions standards for heavy-duty engines. These standards are set by the EPA and California standards by the ARB.
In 2008, the EPA mandated that all three-quarter-ton and larger trucks to install diesel particulate filters. You will find these filters on Capacity yard trucks starting with 2007-2009 models.
In 2010, the EPA tightened the restrictions on emissions with advanced technology expanding the use of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) with the use of diesel particular filters (DPF). Combining both components of the exhaust system it is designed to remove diesel particular matter or soot from the exhaust of a diesel engine.
What is DEF?
Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is a non-hazardous solution, which is 32.5% urea and 67.5% de-ionized water. DEF is sprayed into the exhaust stream of diesel vehicles to break down dangerous NOx emissions into harmless nitrogen and water.
Does my yard truck need DEF?
If your yard truck was manufactured in 2010 to present, yes, your yard truck uses diesel exhaust fluid. You will find an additional tank commonly found beside the fuel tank that is labeled DEF.
What is a refurbished yard truck?
After days and years of loading, lifting and heavy use, your yard truck can begin to show signs of wear and tear and may even some replacement parts to become fully functional again. Rather than spend the money on a new yard truck, Republic Truck Sales can help refurbish your truck no matter what manufacture it is.
If you like more information about our refurbished program, please call or fill out the contact form on the “Contact Information” page of this website and click on the submit button.
Can’t find what you’re looking for?
Our team of Capacity yard truck specialists can help identify, locate, or order the parts you need. Give our team a call at (812) 248-6009 or visit our contact page linked below to get in touch with one of our dedicated team members.