New truck time

Stay under 1400 at your cruise mph for economy, 1400-1450 if you want a balance of economy and performance.

 

The new 2012 MF13/11 have a shift light now in the dash. The light comes on around 1350 or so. They really want them running slower than ever before. These engine are designed to be lugged down. They say as long as the RPM doesn't fall below 1100 you don't have to down shift. Don't be scared to run it at 1250 - 1350 if your gearing allows it.

 

Well, thanks again for the info. We have specd both the KW T440 ISL 370 HP and also the Transtar with the MF 11 365 HP both with Allison 3000 HS trannies.

I will probably decide which one by Jan. 15th, the Int. has a shorter hood, which is good for us as we need maximum deck space, but the KW has a much nicer int. and a "somewhat" real sleeper at 38" vs. the EXT. cab on the Transtar.

Stan

 

How can they work with your truck so long and not be finished? I understand it cost a lot but how? You have a work. Had they give you another truck? For me it seems as they have worked very slow or were they without part and gave to wait long for them? In USA everything will go fast or am I wrong?



Lars-Gunnar

 

Hey Lars, I am looking at ORDERING new trucks, I have NOT got them yet. I am still running my KW T2000's

 

Have you ponder upon a Volvo or are you more for KW or Pete?

God luck
Lars-Gunnar

 

I have driven Volvo's nice trucks, I really do like there I-shift. However, we run EVERYWHERE not just major routes or lanes. Service centers on Volvo's are less than KW/PB. INT. Freightliner.

That's the biggest reason. NOW IF they would bring over an FM11, I WOULD go that route as I could pick up a lot of deckspace with cabover.

 

Guess I would opt for 3.42 rears (if tranny had a .73 final) or 3.36 if the tranny had a .74 final for the speed I normally run. Right now, 3.42 and .73 on 22.5 low pro rubber has me at 60-61 mph at 1300 rpm. I normally run between 60 and 62 anyway since I do a lot of two lanes. I never step it over 65 except to not hang out in the passing lane too long. something like 3.21 would be too tall for me.

 

I can´t understand why Volvo not bring over a few ex. to let truckers test it. FMX is a good truck for gravel work but even for local haul. If Merzedes begin i'm sure Volvo will follow.

Lars