Top Factors to Consider When Buying a Truck-Mounted Attenuator (TMA) Truck

Buying a TMA truck is a five-figure decision. Get the test level, weight rating, and paperwork right before you sign.

A new TMA truck runs roughly $40,000 to $165,000 depending on the chassis, the attenuator, and the boards mounted on it. That spread is wide because the trucks are built for different jobs. Match the truck to the work you actually do rather than the sticker price.

Start with the test level

The posted speed of your work zones decides the test level. TL-2 covers zones at 45 mph and below. TL-3 covers 50 mph and above, which is most freeway work. Buying a TL-2 unit to save money is a false economy if your crews spend any time on fast highways.

Then check the essentials

• An FHWA Hardware Eligibility Letter for the attenuator model.
• A host truck at roughly 26,000 lb GVWR or more to prevent underride.
• Compliance with MASH 2016, not the retired NCHRP 350 standard.
• The right boards for your work: a 15 or 25-lamp arrow board, or a CMS message board.
• Parts availability and a service center that can re-certify the unit later.

Is buying always better than renting?

Not for occasional work. If you only run closures a few weeks a year, renting or leasing can cost less than owning and maintaining a truck.

Can one truck cover both TL-2 and TL-3 work?

A TL-3 unit satisfies both, since it meets the higher impact requirement. Buying to the top level you need keeps the truck flexible.