Anybody in the trucking industry?

[GeoffMiller]

Ok, this isn't about motorcycles but at least its about vehicles with wheels and engines so it isn't as off topic as some of this stuff! ;) I'm looking at putting a mid size truck on line (33000gvw). After shopping all of the regular players, I'm finding that trucks equiped with the 260 hp 900 series Mercedes Benz engines to be significantly much less money than International and Caterpillar. I have also heard some nasty rumors about the longevity of the Mercedes product. Anyone out there with actual experience? Of course, every dealer has the best truck in the world and the others are all junk. Looking for some honest imput. Thanks

[BradfordBenn]

We are about to get the fourth tractor for our mobile show room at work. We are once again going with a Cat. The last two have gotten 250K no problem - then the lease was up.

[freebee]

I have been a Mechanic,Owner Operator, Driver for more years than I care to reveal.
I have never owned or wrenched on a MB class III engine.
I have owned I/H , Detroit Diesel, CAT, Cummins.
All of which are good engines.

The Cat's are considered the "Cadillac" of class III world, they are Expensive to buy and even MORE expensive to maintain.

Detroit's are bulletproof and relatively in expensive in comparison.

I/H has a similar design, I logged 500K on my 1989 with no major mechanical issues.

Cummins has to be my favorite of current times, their electronic engine control is State of the art for 2006.

Be aware that the EPA requirements are changing radically in the near future.
I believe Cummins is the only player that is 2008 compliant at this point in the game.

What kind of Gross weight are you going to use vehicle to pull??
If you are going to be anywhere near the 80,000lbs legally allowed you will want to re-think HP.numbers and get closer to 450-500HP 1400lbs ft. TQ.

Bear in mind diesel engines are as subjective as motorcycles if not more so.
Opinions vary greatly and mine is merely another.
Although mine have a tendency to be more accurate than others........ :) ;)

[The_Veg]

For a slight hijack, anybody have direct experience with or accumulated knowedge of Sprinter vans (also M-B powered)? I know that a lot of BMW shops have them! :D
If my team parts ways with our corporate parent, I'll be in the market eventually.

[GeoffMiller]

Well, being the old school kind of guy that I am, I popped for a Binder today. I heard some more bad stuff about MB. Plus, it kind of bothers me that Chrysler and MB are the same company. I have had really rotten luck with Chrysler products over the years.