Suggestions for reliable log hauler truck?

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by TNSquire, Jul 21, 2020.

  1. TNSquire

    TNSquire Medium Load Member

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    Friends, the wealth of knowledge and experience here is beyond compare, and I'm figuring that a mechanic's insight is a strong place to start.
    If your brother were to ask you what trucks you'd suggest for hauling logs daily, what would you advise?
    I hear good and bad on all, as there's always a turd in the punch bowl for someone.
    I am leaning towards Mack, as I see so many older ones in the industry, but I'm not sold on anything in particular.
    Anything you'd say stay away from?
    I've never seen a sterling on a logging jobsite, and there may be solid reasons for that.
    Thanks in advance!
     
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  3. Judge

    Judge Road Train Member

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    Mack, or Freightiner.

    Long hood KWs and Pete’s sometimes have fun on turning into log trails.
     
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  4. olddog_newtricks

    olddog_newtricks Medium Load Member

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    R model Mack with camel back suspension 350 hp and 13 speed. Get the gold dog.... All Mack.
     
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  5. TNSquire

    TNSquire Medium Load Member

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    Gold dog? I'm not familiar with that, aside from seeing it in a for sale listing.
    Parts availability ?
    I like older stuff, and see lots of those R models around...but not knowing worth confidence I can get whatever I need to keep it rolling is concerning.
    Anything long nose is pretty much off the table, as I watched one really struggle to turn around at a landing.... Waaaaaaaay too long and horrible turning radius... Poor driver must have done the forward and back 30 times to swing that trailer into the slot to load...
     
  6. TNSquire

    TNSquire Medium Load Member

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    Any particular models I should be looking at for my application?
    Any to avoid?
     
  7. not4hire

    not4hire Road Train Member

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    KW T800; Western Star 4800, 4900, or 6900 if you're into serious logging; Freightliner SD is probably the bargain option.

    Yeah, there are others, Volvo has heavy-duty model I've seen in logging and oilfield. One of the main factors is not just the purchase, but operating; parts, service, etc. The "best" truck is no good if parts are a five hour drive and/or you have to take it there for service.
     
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  8. TNSquire

    TNSquire Medium Load Member

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    I have mack, kenworth, and Pete shops within an hour of me that I know of. There's also a couple heavy diesel shops right up the road, plus 3 loves within 30 minutes.
    Western star I've heard excellent things about, but I was concerned about pays and service availability.
    Guess I'll look a little harder at those...
     
  9. CousinVinny

    CousinVinny Medium Load Member

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    Macks with the gold dog have a 100% Mack drivetrain.
     
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  10. olddog_newtricks

    olddog_newtricks Medium Load Member

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    The gold dog simply means the color of the bull dog on the hood. The gold means the truck has all Mack components. A Mack with a silver bull dog will have other manufacturers parts like an Eaton transmission or maybe Spicer rear ends etc.
     
  11. black_dog106

    black_dog106 Road Train Member

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    A'lil off topic of brands(and opening a can of worms)..
    For my truck I look for low, slower rear end gears. I will pay for the fuel to save wear 'n tear on driveline, when leaving the woods, slightly overloaded.
     
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