I am all ears/eyes

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by FleetM13, Feb 9, 2011.

  1. FleetM13

    FleetM13 Bobtail Member

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    Feb 9, 2011
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    Hello all,

    Please bestow upon me your wonderful knowledge. Just joined this forum, and I am glad I have stumbled across it. Ok so I have recently become a fleet manager for a smaller type building supplies company. For the last few years my main job has been to track expenses, set up PM schedules, set up all repair work to be done, and generally just look after the fleet. We are currently running around 17 units and they are (mostly) all medium - heavy duty tandem axle trucks.

    I have now started the search to replace (2) units that we have.

    (1) Freightliner (2003) FL80 Tandem axle, has a CAT 3126 250HT engine, and a GVW of 53999 lbs (Has a 24' flat deck on it, with a mounted fork truck on the rear of the truck)

    (1) GMC (2002) Topkick TC7H042 Single axle, has a CAT 3126E engine, and a GVW of 33928 lbs (This unit has a 24' vanbody on the back)

    We would be looking to replace these units with something similar, although the we are getting away from that single axel type set up. All of our trucks are used to transport anything you can think of in regards to building supplies, (Lumber of all sorts, shingles, windows, doors, anything you need to build a house..........including the kitchen sink!)

    So my question is, based on what applications we are usiing these trucks for, what can everyone here suggest? Now I will say that we have not had the greatest luck with our freightliners, however we have also never had a person whos sole job it is to maintain these units, so it could just be poor maintenance on our part? These trucks are expected to go into muddy job sites everyday, but for the most part they do not get run too too hard.........depending on the operator I guess LOL!

    Let me have it, what is out there that would be a good fit to replace these trucks? I have been looking into Internationals at the moment, but I have heard from a few people now to stay away from the maxxforce engines? Our budget is of course limited, however I would rather pay for toughness and realiability, then buy something cheap just because it is cheap.

    If I can provide any more info please let me know, again I am VERY new to this. A few years ago I was the one carrying the drywall up the stairs, so I want to make sure my buddies have nice trucks LOL!

    Thank you for your time and advice.

    Drive safe out there.
     
    bullhaulerswife Thanks this.
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  3. black_dog106

    black_dog106 Road Train Member

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    Welcome to the forum FleetM13.
    Yep, some very knowledgable member here(unfortunatly, i am not one of them). They will be able to give you many great ideas.
    Wishing you all the best in your new position...:biggrin_25514:
     
  4. FleetM13

    FleetM13 Bobtail Member

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    Feb 9, 2011
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    Thank you Sir!

    I must admit I am a little nervous, I really want to do a good job, and see if I cant help to reduce some of the costs of running our fleet. Basically I dont think that we ever really had a good maintenance program going. Well actually it was the store managers at each location that delt with the their own equipment expenses. This I feel was not the best way to go about it, only because they have enough to worry about with day to day operations. There was just no way they could give the equipment the attention needed.

    So as a result we are left with some rather expensive repair bills. Or even simple things like looking at the invoice and comparing part prices, or labour costs. Well that is what I am aiming to fix!

    However I lack alot of understanding when it comes to trucks and what to look for when buying a new unit? As I said we have mainly been a freightliner company, and for the most part they do the job, I just thought it would not hurt to really look around and see whats out there. Plus I have been reading things, (on this board as well as other sources) saying that the quality of both Freightliner and International is suffering due to them moving their manufacturing down to Mexico. (nothing against mexicans at all, jsut what I have read)

    I actually was pretty sold on an international Durastar class truck, however I have not heard the best things about the new Maxxforce 9 engines, and as a result I am second guessing it.

    Anyways enough rambling from me. What are the professional's thoughts here. Teach this rookie whats up LOL!

    As always thank you for your time, it is most appreciated.
     
  5. RAG

    RAG R.I.P.

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    First Welcome:yes2557:

    I don't know jack #### about trucks as I just bought my first one 5 yrs ago

    I would visit the job sites that your trucks deliver to and see what other folks are buying then call the companys using them and speak with whoever does the truck buying

    Folks don't mind sharing info and there experiences both good and bad

    Good luck
     
  6. SL3406

    SL3406 Medium Load Member

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    Both Peterbilt and Kenworth also build smaller trucks have you priced them? I don't believe they would be much more expensive than what you're currently looking at and the quality of the trucks and dealer support would be much better IMO.

    This truck is an example: http://www.truckpaper.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=2020637&
     
  7. stranger

    stranger Road Train Member

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    GM is out of the medium duty business. Ford doesn't offer anything heavy duty enough. KW and Pete only offer the Paccar engine, which I believe you don't want. International only offers the Maxxforce engine, something else you don't want, nor do you want a Volvo engine.

    That leaves Freightliner, which still offers the ISC and ISM Cummins engines, and a wide variety of weight ratings.

    http://www.freightlinertrucks.com/trucks/find-by-model/m2-112/
     
  8. mrdcb

    mrdcb Bobtail Member

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    Kenworth uses Cummins engines in both the T370 and T440 series vocational trucks. Some are branded as Paccar PX6 and PX8 but they are built by Cummins. Peterbult has the same components. The Pete has 2 more inches of leg room than the KW. Kenworth builds the BEST vocational trucks at very competitive prices.
     
  9. stranger

    stranger Road Train Member

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    I didn't know that about the rebranding. All I saw listed was the Paccar engines. Are they exactly the same, or do they change some things on them?
     
  10. Hardlyevr

    Hardlyevr Road Train Member

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    perhaps one of the aspects most important is what brand dealerships are convenient to you, and which of these has the best service reputation. That may be as an important factor as the actual brand of truck you choose.
     
  11. Big_Red_Machine

    Big_Red_Machine Bobtail Member

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    Feb 10, 2011
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    They are exactly the same internally, just painted a different color I believe.

    You did not mention are you looking at buying brand new trucks to replace the old ones or looking used? If you are looking new you will really need to make sure you understand the new technology out there, ie: Diesel particulate filters and Diesel exhaust fluid(DEF). Since 2007 all the manufacturers have been using Diesel particulate filters to clean up the exhaust, but in 2010 the laws changed again and Cummins, Detroit, Volvo, all now use DEF as their 2010 emissions strategy, which requires a second tank on the truck that holds the DEF. Basically the system has a pump which sprays the fluid into the exhaust after the filter to clean up the Nox levels. International went another way with their Maxxforce, what is called enhanced EGR, which does not use DEF, but does run higher EGR levels in the engine (sometimes upwards of 50%). I am not saying one is better than the other, you will have to make that decision for yourself.
    Just make sure you understand each and what fits your company the best. Also, with newer engines you will also need to stay up on your maintenance. Clean fuel filters, don't use any additives and NO extended oil drain intervals will make your life much happier.
    You will also need to decide if you do go the DEF route are going to want to store DEF onsite, and if you do that you understand the requirements for storing it.
    I would definetely take the advice of another member and see what dealerships are close to you. Go out, look at the trucks and get information. Also, in the event or a needed repair, you'll want someone close. Nothing worse than having to drive a truck two hours to a shop, or worse, have it towed.

    Good Luck and don't be nervous,
     
    stranger Thanks this.
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