Used Sterling Rolloff Trucks For Sale
Shop used Sterling rolloff trucks. Compare hoists, axles, engines, and specs for waste, scrap, and demolition hauling. Find the right roll-off chassis.
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About Used Sterling Rolloff Trucks
Built on proven Sterling Acterra and L-Line platforms like LT8500 and LT9500, these roll-off trucks pair heavy frame rails and crossmembers with double-frame or insert options under the hoist subframe. Front axles commonly run 12k to 20k with 425 tires when spec’d heavy, and tandems at 40k to 46k. Many units carry a lift axle to balance legal payloads in states that require it. Hendrickson walking beam, Chalmers, or steel spring suspensions handle landfill approaches and uneven sites. Look for integrated tarp systems such as Pioneer or Roll-Rite, pintle plates for pup trailers, and rear guides or long sills that align with your local can standard.
Powertrains span Caterpillar C7, C9, C13, Cummins ISM or ISL, and Mercedes-Benz MBE900 or MBE4000. Manual Eaton Fuller 8LL, 9, 10, or 13 speeds deliver low-gear control in soft yards. Allison 3500 or 4500RDS automatics are valued for stop-start city routes and smooth PTO engagement. Full-air drum brakes with ABS, central tire inflation add-ons, in-cab hoist controls, and wet kits sized for the hoist’s GPM needs are common. Sterling cabs offer good visibility, a service-friendly tilt hood, and simple switchgear that fleets appreciate for uptime.
Age and emissions matter. Many Sterlings predate DEF and may be pre-DPF, which simplifies maintenance but can limit use in CARB states unless repowered to a 2010-or-newer engine. Verify the hoist manufacturer and model, rail compatibility with your cans, pin and bushing wear, sheave and cable condition, cylinder drift, pump flow and pressure, subframe cracks, and fasteners at the rear tail and body locks. Weigh the tare. A heavier double-frame and big hoist improve durability but reduce payload. The right Sterling roll-off, also known as a roll-off dumpster truck or hook-lift truck, balances capacity, maneuverability, and compliance for waste, recycling, demolition, and scrap routes.
Common specs you will see:
- 60k to 75k lb hoist rating, cable or hooklift
- 4x2 or 6x4, 12k to 20k front, 40k to 46k rear, optional lift axle
- Engines: Cat C7 to C13, Cummins ISL/ISM, MBE900/MBE4000
- Transmissions: Eaton Fuller 8LL or Allison 3500/4500RDS
- Tarp systems, pintle plate, double-frame, steel spring or walking beam
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose between a cable hoist and a hooklift on a Sterling rolloff?
Cable hoists excel with standard dumpsters, off-pavement pulls, and sites where you need to drag cans short distances. They are simple, durable, and widely supported. Hooklifts offer faster swaps, the ability to run multiple body types, and precise box placement in tight urban alleys. If your work is mostly waste routes with standard cans and rough yards, cable is often the better value. If you mix dumpsters with flatbeds, dump bodies, or need quick-turn urban service, a hooklift is worth the premium.
What hoist capacity do I need for demolition or scrap work?
A 60k lb hoist is common for general waste and recycling. Heavy demo and scrap often push toward 75k lb for margin when loading high-density materials or long steel. Capacity alone is not enough. Confirm the chassis axle ratings, suspension, tires, and frame reinforcements match the hoist rating, and check that your container lengths and rail style are compatible with the hoist’s design.
Are Sterling rolloff trucks compliant in California?
Compliance depends on the engine model year, not just the truck. Many Sterlings were built before 2010 and may not meet the current Truck and Bus Regulation unless the truck has been repowered with a 2010-or-newer engine or has an approved compliance pathway. Always verify engine family and emissions label, current CARB status, and any retrofit or repower documentation before planning California operations.
What wheelbase and axle layout should I consider for 20 to 30 yard boxes?
Match the wheelbase and CT to your longest container so the hoist tail clears the rear axle group and maintains proper overhang. A 6x4 with 40k to 46k rears and a 16k to 20k front is common, and many operators add a steerable lift axle for bridge compliance and payload. Shorter wheelbases improve alley access but reduce stability with long boxes. Review your typical route geometry, state bridge rules, and tare-to-payload targets before finalizing specs.
What should I inspect on a used Sterling rolloff before purchase?
Start with the hoist: pins, bushings, sheaves, cables or hook assembly, cylinders, and the subframe for cracks or elongation at mounting holes. Operate the PTO and verify hydraulic pump flow and pressure under load. Inspect the frame rails for rust scale and prior repairs, suspension bushings, brake linings and drums, air system leaks, and tire condition. Check tarp system function, rear body locks, guides, and lighting. Confirm engine health with blow-by, oil analysis if available, and scan for fault codes on electronic engines.