Hello, Glenn
As far as "advice" my input would be to start by thinking about how you will ACTUALLY use the truck as opposed to daydreaming about how you MIGHT use it. I guess it's the MV version of the true story of the guy who owns a paddle sports shop who says that he is perpetually amazed at the number of shoppers looking for a two person canoe who state that they do not have a regular paddling partner.
To get the most out of a tractor you'll need one or more trailers with the attendant increase in initial and ongoing costs of purchase, maintenance, storage and etc. Do you have the money, time and storage space for semi-trailers?
Unless you want or need to haul really large or particulary heavy loads the cargo truck is a lot friendlier to your time and cash budgets.
A tractor will also increase your licensing, insurance and registering costs in most cases.
A tractor without a lot of weight over the fifth wheel will tend to beat the stuffing out of you. The M813 is 3-4,000 pounds heavier and rides smoother. Not smooth, just smoother.
Tractors don't work well for chores like moving firewood, hauling a load of topsoil for the yard or making a lumber run for your next project.
I'd suggest that for most of us a tractor should be a second or third truck in the herd and not the only big truck.
As DH wrote, prices have been as low as $3K. Last month I bought an M813A1 with winch, less than 11K miles and hardtop at Fort Drum, NY for $3,098. In the same auction there were other M813s at Drum without winches or hardtops that went much nearer $4K and some in VA went over $5K.
Sometimes it's just a question of picking your battles and being patient. I waited about six months to get a good truck within 300 miles of home at the price I wanted to pay.
Lance
