13spd or 10spd on a tandem Pete & Western Star

I really can't see how the "over" gears are going to give any advantage in "soft fields" and up/down "small hills" On "short hauls" you'll be thankful for them when hauling grain but in the field simpler might even be better. Gear ratios make a difference. What's the rear ends in these trucks? Also power. Bigger is better in farming as far as I'm concerned. Don't buy an underpowered rig because it's not the tool for the job. The jake is a major plus.

 

1st gear in a 10 speed is actually slightly lower than low in a 13 speed. 12.69 10 speed. 12.31 13 speed. Thats not a big differance but every bit helps getting rolling on soft ground. I think the Pete not having a Jake would rule it out for me. The 13 will be nicer on the road.

 

I'd go for the western star with the N14 and 13 speed. The WS trucks I have been around have been well build and durable. I have been told that the N14 are a good engine and they aren't to expensive to repair if something does go wrong. I am a big fan of the 13 speed, but a bigger fan of the 18 speed. Rear axle ratio will make a difference in the pulling power out of the field. The fact the the N14 has a jake would be a deal maker for me.

I'm not a big fan of the M11, Mind you I we did have one blow up on us in a combine a few years ago.

 

Myself personally... I hate a ten speed!!! The one we have if your not loaded you dont have to use the bottom four gears to get started!! granted it's geared low I guess but I don't like them. I'd rather have the thirteen.

 

That western sounds like a lot better outfitted truck... just my .02
jake is a big plus. 13 is as well. makes a lotta difference with the both of them.

 

We've had both WS and Petes. The cabs on the petes are narrower.

 

Based on he info provided, as much as i like a Pete, I'ld go with the WS. I have 2 of each and they both peterbilt and WS are good trucks. I wpuld think that the Star has the better engine/trans but I can't say for sue as I run all cats and 18 speeds.