2012 volvo 780

We get that show here as well.
They are just trying to fill the hour with drama.
They wont let you drive those roads if you cant shift.
As Ive said any one can do it with out thinking after some practice.

We have three owner operators hooking up 3 of our telescopic/extendable trailers this weekend.
They are heading for Kolwezi in the Congo.
One has a Kenworth anteater RHD.
There weren't many sold here.
The other two had FH13 Volvos.
I showed them the pictures of the 780.
They said "American space with European quality" had to be a winner.
On the right type of roads I could see the point.
Somehow I get the idea the Americans have a different view of "European quality".

 

Wow ! Congo? Would the journey there from south Africa be dangerous?

How do u mean a different view of european quality?

 

The pre EGR engines were better here too, but the expectation a little different here. My old (untouched!) Detroit has 2.1 million kilometers, and I just purchased a set of new tires....And I hope I am not too optimistic.

 

I'm looking at a new Volvo, like the idea of the Cummins engine but having the Volvo d13 allows you to get the ishift. I think the ishift and d13 combo would get you the best fuel economy and that's what its all about, more cash in my jeans!

 

Yup, plenty of old v8 Scanias running around here with well over 2 million kms on the clock too, I wouldn't be too worried about it, if it's not burning oil, using water and has been well looked after I'd say you are pretty safe putting on new tyres! Sounds like it's running sweet!

If it's any consolation I've an old scania 142 with almost 4 million kms on the clock, never been rebuilt but always been cared for! Needs a rebuild now but god it's been the backbone of this family since new!

Anyway if the truck seems ok put your tyres on, at least if it fails you can take them back off again, it's not like rebuilding an engine!

 

My volvos were d12's, pre-egr! Probably a bit more reliable but the d13 on all accounts ain't bad! The I shift def is worth it! It's the best auto box there is! We've had it here for nearly 10 years, it's bulletproof! Well proven, very smooth operation. But if you are to buy one spec the retarder too, trust me, you won't regret it! It can hold any load downhill, it's integrated with the ishift! Meaning; you select your speed on your cruise control, say 60 mph, the ishift gears down going uphill and the retarder kicks in going down and if it needs it , it will gear down and apply the service brakes, itself! No imput from the driver! Such a nice toy! Only about $2000 extra with the new truck and considering the saving on brakes and fuel

 

I was actually wondering if you could get the cummins engine with the ishift?

 

Thanks Scania Man! There seems to be a lot of Volvo bashing here, I don't understand that but whatever, all I hear from owners is how great they are and how well they drive. As far as the shift I do only think that it's available with Volvo power.

 

Thanx Scania Man. No oil burning, so I have the new tires....I am serious, the previous set was good for 800,000 kms.
As I hear the I-shift is the best automatic-automated in the industry... But I believe I can do better.
As for now, my next truck will be a Kenworth T680, with a Cummins ISX 15, 425 HP, smart torque 1450-1650, direct drive Eaton 10 speed, 2.50 rear ratio with tag axle (6x2), one piece aluminum drive shaft and SS wheels with Michelin x-one XDA energy tires. I pull dry van in Ontario and upper mid States, gross weight 80,000lbs. My "speed limiter" (my right leg) set at 62mph.

 

Hey. No Volvo bashing here. Maybe you missed, I own a Volvo for 12 years now, she is my faithful partner, made a bunch of money for me, and I would buy it again in no minutes. But I would not buy a new one, because upsetting me what Volvo " achieved" since. That is it.