What's the best tractor?

I only drove 2 models in my career, A Freightliner Century, and Freightliner Classic XL. The Century turned better and was quieter. The Classic pulled better and with upgraded seats rode better. Note to self if I ever decide to get back in this business, if I buy a truck, the 1st thing I'd do is up-grade the seat.

 

i gotta agree with all the above
all the manufacturer's have pretty much the same offerings
Cummins, Detroit,Maxxforce,Paccar, mack and Volvo(think i got them all)
far as trannies
Volvo, Mack, Eaton fuller, Rockwell.
have a good running drivetrain for YOUR application THEN worry about hte plastic on top of the frame

 

John Deere

 

I have owned an International 9900i, a Peterbilt 379, a Freightliner Coronado, and a Western Star 4900EX. Before that, I have driven a Volvo 610 and 670, Western Star 4964FA, Peterbilt 378, Kenworth T800, T600, and W900L, Freightliner Columbia, Classic XL, FLD 120, and an International 9400.

Strangely enough, the trucks I've liked the best were the ones I owned. Loved the ride of the 379 but didn't really like the narrow cab or the sleeper layout with the 63" bunk. It had electrical issues. The 9900 made money but rode rough, rattled, and was not well insulated. I would have liked the Coronado a lot better if it hadn't been constantly in the shop for issues with the DPF and DEF systems. I like the 4900EX Star better than any of them, including the 4964 company truck I had for a while. It was crap, with a Mercedes engine, cheap seats, 9 speed, and 54" bunk that just didn't have enough space for long haul work.

So, who makes the best truck? Whoever was working on the line while my Star was being built. It might not win any fuel mileage contests against Cascadias and Volvos, but it does get 6.7 mpg like clockwork hauling reefer, and just about any monkey that can hold a wrench can work on the Detroit Series 60 that powers it.

 

someone beat you to that one ahah

 

Have always been partial to Freightliner myself (yes I know that's not popular to say with all the Billy Big Riggers around here).
Don't know why the FLD 120 ever disappeared. Loved the dash layout, and the head room in those...and the interior cabinets did not rattle like the Century and Columbia (the 2 Freightshakers I DON'T like) that preceded it. The Classic XL is 'purdy' and has a nice ride...but the turning radius is horrible---it is an experienced drivers and Owner/Operators truck. The Cascadia came a long way, and is (in my opinion) the best OTR tractor manufactured today.

Just about any truck can be spec'd (engine, transmission, gauges, rear-ends, etc...) the way you want them if you got the money.

The narrow Kenworth's and Peterbilt's are by far my least favorite trucks to LIVE in. I like space. The T660 I drive now has a nice ride and decent turning radius...but it gets old squeezing past the stick and between the seats to dive into the sleeper.

 

Horsepower is what the costumer orders. KW, Pete , Mack all have about the same HP choices.

 

Wasn't aware that Kenworth and Peterbilt started making engines.

 

Yep the paccar engine

 

You don't get out much do ya?? LOL

They have been offering a "proprietary" engine since late '09......it's a DAF designed & built; building them here in MS I believe since 2011. New engine plant for the North American market. 13 Liter is the biggest they go as of now.