2016 Mack Granite GU713 Tri Axle Dump Truck: Buyer's Guide

Quick answer: The 2016 Mack Granite GU713 Tri Axle Dump Truck is a heavy-duty workhorse built for high-capacity hauling. It pairs a proven Mack MP8 engine with a tri-axle configuration that boosts payload capacity and stability. Buyers should verify engine hours, frame integrity, and hydraulic system condition before purchasing.

The used dump truck market doesn't reward impulse decisions. It rewards preparation. A 2016 Mack Granite GU713 Tri Axle can be one of the best investments a contractor, excavator, or fleet manager makes — or one of the most expensive mistakes — depending entirely on what you know before you sign anything.

This guide covers everything you need to evaluate a 2016 GU713 Tri Axle with confidence: specs, real-world performance, what to inspect, what red flags to watch for, and what you should expect to pay in today's market. Read it before you make an offer.

What Is the 2016 Mack Granite GU713?

The Mack Granite GU713 is a vocational heavy-duty truck engineered for demanding on- and off-road applications. The GU713 designation indicates a tandem rear axle configuration, and in tri-axle spec, a tag or pusher axle is added to increase gross vehicle weight (GVW) capacity and distribute load across more axle points.

This is a purpose-built construction truck. Mack designed the Granite series to handle repetitive, high-stress duty cycles — quarry work, road construction, infrastructure projects — where lesser trucks wear out fast. The 2016 model year sits in a production window when Mack had already refined the Granite platform substantially, making it one of the more mechanically mature versions of the chassis available on the used market.

Key identifiers for the GU713 Tri Axle spec:

• Configuration: 6x4 tandem drive with lift tag or pusher axle
• Body type: Steel or aluminum dump body, typically 14–18 ft
• GVW rating: Up to 60,000–70,000 lbs depending on axle and suspension spec
• Application: Aggregate, asphalt, demolition debris, general construction fill

2016 Mack Granite GU713 Specifications

Know the numbers before you look at a single listing. The GU713 was offered with several powertrain and transmission combinations. Here's what most 2016 units carry:

Engine

• Mack MP8 — 415 hp or 445 hp (most common configurations)
• Displacement: 12.8L inline-6
• Torque: 1,460–1,660 lb-ft depending on rating
• EPA 2013 compliant (SCR + EGR aftertreatment)

Transmission

• Allison 4500 RDS automatic (6-speed) — common in municipal and fleet spec
• Mack mDrive automated manual — available in vocational configurations
• Fuller 10-speed manual — found in some work-ordered builds

Axles

• Front: Mack FXL 20,000 lb steer axle
• Rear: Mack dual reduction tandem, typically 46,000 lb rating
• Tag/pusher axle: 13,500–20,000 lb rating depending on configuration

Suspension

• Front: Parabolic or multi-leaf spring
• Rear: Hendrickson HAS or Mack walking beam

Cab

• Day cab standard
• Air-ride or mechanical suspension seat
• A/C standard on most fleet units

Hydraulics

• Chelsea or Parker PTO
• Single or double-acting hoist cylinder
• Buyer should confirm cylinder stroke, hoist capacity, and pump GPM match the body spec

That's the baseline. Any listing that can't confirm these specs specifically deserves more scrutiny, not less.

Why the Tri Axle Configuration Matters for Your Work

Adding a third axle to a tandem dump truck isn't cosmetic. It changes what the truck can legally haul and how it handles load.

The practical differences between a tandem and a tri axle:

• Higher legal payload: In most states, tri axle configurations qualify for higher gross weight limits on state highways — commonly 60,000–68,000 lbs versus 54,000–58,000 lbs for a standard tandem. More payload per load means more revenue per cycle.
• Better load distribution: Spreading weight across three axles reduces per-axle stress on pavement. This matters on permitted routes and jobsite roads where axle loading is enforced.
• Improved rear stability: Under load, the additional axle point reduces body sway and improves braking balance, especially on uneven terrain.

The tradeoff is maintenance cost. A third axle means a third set of tires, brakes, bearings, and suspension components. On a used unit, inspect the lift mechanism, air bags or springs, and brake condition on the tag axle specifically — this is where deferred maintenance often hides.

What Does a 2016 Mack Granite GU713 Tri Axle Cost?

Used pricing varies significantly based on hours, condition, body type, region, and spec. That said, 2016 GU713 Tri Axle units in the current market generally trade in these ranges:

• High-hour, as-is units (500,000+ mi or heavy wear): $45,000–$65,000
• Mid-range units, serviceable condition (250,000–450,000 mi): $65,000–$90,000
• Low-hour, well-documented, clean body and drivetrain: $90,000–$120,000+

Auction prices can run below these ranges. Dealer-sold units with inspection reports and short-term warranties typically sit at the top end. Neither is automatically the better deal — the condition of the specific truck is what determines value, not the sale channel.

One number to keep in mind: a Mack MP8 inframe rebuild runs $25,000–$40,000 depending on the shop and the extent of work. A truck priced $20,000 below market with a tired engine isn't a bargain. It's a deferred invoice.

How to Inspect a Used 2016 Mack Granite GU713 Before You Buy

Don't rely on photos or seller descriptions. In-person inspection is non-negotiable on a truck in this price range. Work through this checklist methodically.

1. Pull the Maintenance Records First

A truck with a documented service history — oil changes, DEF system service, brake work, annual DOT inspections — is worth significantly more than one with clean paint and no paperwork. Request records before scheduling a walk-around. If the seller can't produce them, ask why before you proceed.

2. Check the Emission System

The 2016 Mack MP8 runs EPA 2013 aftertreatment — that means a diesel particulate filter (DPF), selective catalytic reduction (SCR), and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). These systems are expensive to repair or replace.

Ask specifically:

• When was the DPF last cleaned or replaced?
• Are there any active fault codes related to SCR or EGR?
• Has the DEF doser or injector been replaced?

A diagnostic scan with a Mack-compatible tool (or a dealer pre-purchase inspection) will surface hidden fault codes that a cold start won't reveal.

3. Inspect the Frame and Body

Look at the frame rails under load points — behind the cab, under the body sub-frame, and at the rear hitch or tow eye. Surface rust is common and manageable. Cracks, welds over welds, or visible deformation are not.

Check the dump body for:

• Floor plate thickness and wear (heavy abrasive loads eat steel fast)
• Tailgate hinge and latch condition
• Side wall cracks at the top rail and corner posts
• Body-to-subframe mounting bolt condition

An aluminum body in poor condition is more expensive to repair than steel. Know which material you're buying.

4. Test the Hydraulic System

Raise the body fully. Watch for drift — the body should hold position without slowly settling when the control is in neutral. Drift indicates seal wear or a bypassing cylinder. Inspect hydraulic lines for chafe marks, especially where they run near the frame or body pivots.

Check the PTO engagement under load. It should engage smoothly without excessive noise or vibration.

5. Examine the Tri Axle Lift System

Raise and lower the tag axle through a full cycle. The airbag or spring mechanism should move without binding. Check air lines for cracks and fittings for leaks. Inspect the axle's brake chambers, slack adjusters, and tire condition independently — deferred maintenance on the third axle is more common than buyers expect.

6. Do a Full Pre-Trip and Road Test

A cold start after sitting overnight tells you more than a warm engine test. Look for:

• Smoke color on startup (white = coolant, blue = oil, black = fuel/air)
• Air system build time to governor cutout (should be under two minutes)
• Transmission shift quality under load (automatics and AMTs both)
• Brake pull or fade during deceleration

Drive it loaded if possible. The GU713 is a working truck. Test it like one.

Common Issues to Watch for on 2016 Mack Granite GU713 Units

No truck this age and this use-case is issue-free. Know where the problems concentrate:

• EGR cooler failures: The MP8's EGR cooler is a known wear item. Coolant in the oil or milky residue in the coolant cap is a red flag requiring immediate investigation.
• DPF clogging: Trucks used in low-speed, short-haul duty cycles (constant quarry loops, for example) accumulate soot faster than highway applications. A clogged DPF affects power and fuel economy significantly.
• Air dryer cartridge wear: Vocational trucks cycle their air systems constantly. Inspect the air dryer and wet tank for oil contamination, which indicates compressor ring wear.
• Body pivot wear: The dump body pivot pins and bushings take heavy lateral loads. Check for play at the pivot point and look for elongation in the pin bores.
• Tag axle tire wear: Irregular or accelerated wear on the lift axle tires indicates alignment problems or improper inflation management.

Finding one of these issues doesn't automatically kill the deal. It does give you a concrete basis for negotiating price — or walking away.

Is the 2016 Mack Granite GU713 Tri Axle Right for Your Operation?

The GU713 Tri Axle fits a specific buyer profile. It's the right truck if:

• Your work involves consistent high-payload hauls where legal GVW limits matter
• You operate in states with favorable tri axle weight allowances
• Your maintenance capability or access to Mack dealers makes drivetrain support practical
• You need a truck that can handle off-road and on-road conditions without a dedicated off-highway machine

It's less appropriate if your operation involves short, stop-start cycles in tight urban environments where the longer wheelbase limits maneuverability, or if your payload requirements don't justify the additional maintenance cost of the third axle.

Make the Right Call on Your Next Dump Truck

A well-maintained 2016 Mack Granite GU713 Tri Axle can deliver years of reliable, high-capacity service. A neglected one can drain your operating budget before the first year is out. The difference between those two outcomes is almost entirely determined by what you do before you buy.

Inspect it in person. Pull the records. Run a diagnostic scan. If the seller won't support any of those steps, treat that as your answer.

Browse current GU713 Tri Axle listings, request inspection reports, or contact our team directly to discuss specifications and availability.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Mack Granite GU713 Tri Axle

What engine does the 2016 Mack Granite GU713 Tri Axle use?
The 2016 GU713 is powered by the Mack MP8 engine, a 12.8L inline-6 rated at 415 or 445 horsepower depending on configuration. It produces up to 1,660 lb-ft of torque and meets EPA 2013 emission standards through a combined DPF, SCR, and EGR aftertreatment system.

What is the payload capacity of a tri axle dump truck?
Payload capacity depends on the truck's tare weight and applicable state weight regulations. Most tri axle configurations qualify for gross vehicle weights of 60,000–68,000 lbs on state highways, yielding net payloads in the range of 18–25 tons depending on body weight and spec.

How many miles is too many on a used Mack Granite?
Mileage alone is a poor indicator of condition. The MP8 engine is capable of exceeding 750,000 miles with proper maintenance. A 500,000-mile truck with documented service history and a recent DPF service is often a stronger buy than a 200,000-mile unit with no records and deferred maintenance.

What should I inspect on a used tri axle dump truck before buying?
Prioritize the emission system (DPF, SCR, EGR), frame integrity, hydraulic hoist function, tag axle lift mechanism, brake system, and transmission condition. A pre-purchase dealer inspection and diagnostic scan for active fault codes are worth the cost on any unit priced above $50,000.

What transmission options are available on the 2016 GU713?
Common options include the Allison 4500 RDS 6-speed automatic, the Mack mDrive automated manual, and the Fuller 10-speed manual. The Allison is most common in fleet and municipal spec. Confirm the specific transmission before purchase, as parts availability and rebuild costs vary.

How much does it cost to rebuild a Mack MP8 engine?
An inframe rebuild on the MP8 typically runs $25,000–$40,000 depending on the extent of work and the shop performing it. Factor this into your purchase price evaluation if engine diagnostics suggest significant wear.

Where can I find 2016 Mack Granite GU713 Tri Axle trucks for sale?
Units are available through equipment dealers, auction houses (IronPlanet, Ritchie Bros.), and private seller platforms (TruckPaper, MachineryTrader). Dealer-sold units often include inspection reports and short-term warranties; auction units typically sell as-is. Verify condition independently regardless of sale channel.