Heavy Haul Miscellaneous Thoughts, Ideas and Questions

You are right about the east coast taking the weight you have to watch turns also. Back when we had to use stingers to get 120,000 in Ohio one of our other drivers was pulling a beam with his stinger in and a M85 Manitowoc loaded on it, he pulled out of a job making a left down a hill and the stinger took all the weight while in the turn it kicked the trailer to the right at the stinger pivot point. It threw the crane sideways on the beam broke a couple of chains and yanked 2 d rings off, I was behind him and it scared the heck out of me. To this day I don't know how that crane didn't go over, it was a good experience for a young driver to witness.

 

For several years I pulled a west coast nine axle I didn't like doing it but I had no choice, I did however like the west coast style set up, no shimming or adjusting to do really just figure where to put the load and you where good. The company I work for now has a 60 ton east coast style 9 axle that we need for two of our big excavators. I hate that trailer, you go out empty then you have to shim everything then load then after you drop you have to remove your shins to make it set right empty its a pain makes you miss the old west coaster!

 

I've made a deal on a west coast 9 axle but I don't think it is big enough. My customer is waffling now on how heavy the loads going to be they are saying it is 112,000 right now but has 5000 feet of pipe cut off so that adds another 25k if they add the footage next string. I think I'm going to change directions and find a west coast 232 and be done with it.

 

I read there is one being built in April. Make the mad dash to Mitchell before he can get it picked up. lol

 

I'll have to think about that.

 

Is anybody running a late model 2010 or newer Western Star with heavy haul specs? How are they for comfort, visibility & comfort? My part time employer is looking to replace the KW I drive now & said; find something. I've always had petes, but the WS is not a bad looking truck.

 

I know you asked about a 2010 or newer (I'll get there). I run a 2004 4 axle, it has a 20,000 front and 46,000 rears and 240" wheelbase. It rides rough and turns like a battle ship. Another local company bought a 2014 speced off of my truck and from what that driver say's it's about the same, he came out of an 06 386 pete and said he's misses it everyday. I don't think its a bad truck but for what I do I wouldn't get another one.

 

4020 What didnt you like about the WC 9 axle you pulled & what type was it?

 

Ron, Has newer Star car. Ask him
Plus a buddy of mine has a 4axle Star Car and do not remember him complaining about the ride.
But like Oscar has said, your seat will make a big difference