Freightliner vs. Kenworth

If you rip the cab and hood off they are all the same. So as far as brake down a cummins with a KW cab wont get you no farther than a cummins with a Freightliner cab a RTOL18913A is the same in both trucks

 

KW,Pete,Western Star,Mack are the most popular PNW log trucks.

 

Western Star yuck!! I don't like the rounded sides. Never have...

 

I understand that chassis and drivetrains are basically the same, but driving 3 fleet-special Columbias over the span of 2 years sure left sour taste in my mouth.

Interestingly, I ended up with a T600 because it was cheaper than a Century and a 780 I was eyeballing. Odometer is about to roll 550k miles, and it's still quieter than a year-old Columbia I drove, and I am spoiled by KW Smart Wheel now.


If I had to do go through first-time truck purchasing experience all over again, I'd try to find the most well-maintained unit within my price range regardless of the outer skin. BUT, given a choice, I'd pick a truck made by PACCAR over a Freightshaker.

 

my brother was an o/o for years he bought a 88 t600 and replaced it with a 98 w900 he had very good luck with both..the company I work for untill lately ran freightliners I drove a 96 and 01 fld they were descent then I got a 04 columbia it was fair then 07 columbia it was poor..now have an 2010 prostar its the worst thing I have ever driven..I used to drive a brigadere way back in the day and it was more reliable and comfortable than a prostar...back in 01 we bought out a co that ran kw t800 I ran one of them for a few weeks it had 800000 miles and was quieter and drove better than the new 01 fld I normally drove...I guess what Im trying to say is from what little exp Ive had with a kw I would highly recammend them ....just stay away from cornbinder prostars...( my father had a 78 paystar and an 80 transtar...back in the day International was a quality machine...back in the day)

 

You would really need more information on the specs/mileage of the trucks to make an informed decision. Rule of thumb though... if similarly equipped the KW will be a much better truck in the long run. It will also keep you from pulling your hair out finding all the sqeaks and rattles in the freightshaker...

 

I have driven Peterbilts and KW's that had rattles and Freightliners that were quiet. It is how they were maintained and treated by those who drove them. All of them will have screws that will eventually work themselves loose and need some attention. Door latches will wear out and need to be replaced regardless of the name on the truck.

 

in recent years all of the trucks have been lightened up and cheapened up ....everybody going to plastic,clips,pins,snaps....the days of the all metal dashes and bolts and screws are gone...steel cabs ,1/2 inch thick fiberglass and steel brackets are no more..

 

I'll take my Mack CXU over either choice