Cabovers

Those gliders were 2 leftover from an order of 6 that an oil company in Tulsa didn't finish when the biz went down. Heavy haul, double frame long wb with 8' frame behind the rears.
1 is complete, the other is not, engines installed by Freightliner at plant.

 

I'll take one. Lol

 

Here you go.....

 

The main reason cabovers are gone is because the 55' limitation was lifted.

 

Cat,that truck has very poor acces to the engine.
The cab hardly tilts.

 

The cab tilts all the way over if you like.
The salesman just lifted enough to see the engine. Its actually got the best access to the engine out of any north American truck with a hood.

 

Conventionals are cheaper to manufacture and on average to maintain. Ride quality has come a long way in conventionals to the point that it is not a legitimate reason anymore.Aerodynamics are no reason as cab overs are as and by some research better than conventionals.In many countries where steering axle weights are better than in the USA with conventionals you can't get weight onto the steering.

 

Like Les2 said Cabovers are gone because drivers wanted conventionals for the comfort.
if drivers wre flocking to dealerships demanding COE they would be all over the road.

and I do agree that COE are more aero than conventionals, while every tuck mfg is trying to make the most efficient truck that cost $200,000, Peterbilt did it almost 30 years a go wit a COE and a small 3176 350 hp, with today's technology that truck will be doing 12 mpg with 75'000 lbs in the box.

unlike the owner operators out there claiming 9.5, 9.75 mpg with 1,500 lbs in the box, with single diff and super singles, and many other add ons to help achieve fuel mileage.

 

Actually it's a combination of factors. With the restrictions on vehicle length being lifted here in the US back in the late 80s and more customers flocking towards conventional cab tractors, cabover trucks became redundant, at least here in the US. However, cabovers are still feasible in other parts of the globe,like Europe,Africa and Australia were restrictions on length and/or weight are still in force. I personally could use one in my neck of the woods as most truck stops,service plazas and loading docks are really tight for conventional tractors. At least Freightliner still offers a cabover in their catalog. Glider only,yes but that just means you can get it fitted out to suit your needs.

That being said,I like these.

http://www.truckpaper.com/listings/trucks/for-sale/17464473/2001-freightliner-argosy

http://www.truckpaper.com/listings/trucks/for-sale/7209013/2006-freightliner-argosy

http://www.truckpaper.com/listings/trucks/for-sale/16970575/2014-freightliner-argosy

 

Cabovers have always been a creature of regulation, determined by locale and operational necessity. the mega carriers abused many thousands of drivers by forcing them into a flat top spring ride short wheelbase cabover for weeks at a time, resulting in the universal hatred.
There are still valid applications. Ex: Deliveries to fast food joints, Auto Zone, Dollar Stores etc, where the driver is away from home for 2-3 days, but needs maneuverability in small parking lots loaded with cars. But they use a 34" flatop conventional instead. The driver could have a 110' condo cabover with an even shorter overall length, but nooooo. Werner hits dozens of cars in those parking lots every month. Penske logistics the same. Both could be avoided easily.