Towing a Backhoe - Suspension and HP Question

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by Angelo778899, Apr 25, 2015.

  1. Angelo778899

    Angelo778899 Bobtail Member

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    Apr 25, 2015
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    Hello I am new here -
    I have a small foundation company and have been struggling with the current 16' flatbed truck we have. It is only 210 HP with a CAT C7 and doesn't seem like enough power. I am looking at purchasing a 2013 International 4400 with 270 HP and air suspension. I have never had air suspension before. Does anyone know if this will be okay with towing a backhoe (19,000 lbs) most of the time? I also carry 2 cubes of block with sand and a mixer on the 16' flatbed. I'm wondering if the 270 HP will be enough. The truck I am looking at has a DT466 Engine with a Eaton Fuller trans.

    I would appreciate any advice -- Thank you so much,
    Angelo
     
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  3. dannythetrucker

    dannythetrucker Road Train Member

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    the suspension will be fine for towing and you can never have enough horsepower, but 270 will get the job done. International 4400 with DT466 sounds like a good choice for what you want to do with it. You may be able to turn the engine up to 350 hp, you'd have to check with International.

    p.s.- hello !
     
  4. Cetane+

    Cetane+ Road Train Member

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    A 6.6 DuraMax has double the pulling power of that C-7. The C-7 is a rebranded 3116 :puke:It is one of the worst engines ever built. A guy I know has a chev 5500 with the 6.6, and a chev 6500 with the C-7, the 6500 doesnt move empty. The difference you will find with the DT466, is that it is a much larger block. This gives it more room for stroke. The stroke makes torque you need to pull loads. The C-7 is a tiny engine, with far less stroke to make torque to pull what you need. The next problem is CAT did the worst job in designing the engines smaller and newer than the 3304. They almost seemed to give up, and just send out whatever. Good luck with your new truck.
     
    dannythetrucker Thanks this.
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