[JB Express Transport]

Originally Posted by Bigmon

If you're looking at Petes have you checked out the ones that TMC are selling? I think the only color is black.

Thanks Bigmon.....Where do I find them...?

[JB Express Transport]

Originally Posted by Bigmon

If you're looking at Petes have you checked out the ones that TMC are selling? I think the only color is black.

I found them...Thanks again Bigmon !

[Mackman]

Mack doesn't seem to have a huge fan base for OTR trucks. I like the mack just for the Fact they make everything for the truck. Motor, Trans, Rears etc. They been doing that forever. So if you have any problems the dealer can fix it all. There are some bigger fleets that run Mack. Maybe cuz im 1hr south of Allentown pa where macks are made. I see them everywhere. But im sure out west you don't see as many. To each their own i guess. Just dont write the mack off all together. They are great trucks.

[firebird_1252]

not true entierely. last time i was at WW engine one of the head mechanics told me the new macks are volvo motors just with one thing diffrent for the PTO's. i'm almost positive they're still making their trans still though. i actually love the way the new macks look and the interior. just have a hatred for volvo motors.

[Mackman]

Originally Posted by firebird_1252

not true entierely. last time i was at WW engine one of the head mechanics told me the new macks are volvo motors just with one thing diffrent for the PTO's. i'm almost positive they're still making their trans still though. i actually love the way the new macks look and the interior. just have a hatred for volvo motors.

I heard they took the best of both motors and put them together. But who really knows. I do know for fact mack still makes their own trannys and rears. That you can only get in a MACK. All i was trying to say is. Mack has been using their own motors since the start. Now all these truck makers are making thier own motor. Nothing new to mack.

[classictruckman]

My engine block is a Renault with Mack parts on it.

[Scottt]

This company has some Volvo's for sale with a Cummins and auto shift. The company is pretty close to me and they take excellent care of their trucks.

Trucks for Sale | Dickey Transport

[DCSAN20]

Originally Posted by firebird_1252

lol i think i'm the only one that likes the columbia.

I like Columbia too ,better if is a kitty cat under the hood.
The best of automatics is the I Shift on a Volvo , but I drove a Volvo with a Meritor (12 S) with stick shift not push buttons which if you now to shift properly on manual ( not auto) it will get you good MPG `s. Also you buy the truck to make money and you should look at the truck specs. to match what type of trailer and load you pull also what type of highway you drove most uphill flat etc etc. If you buy a truck to be pretty and you stay on the shop most of the time you will not make money you will spend only. All the best Alex

[GMAN]

Originally Posted by JB Express Transport

Thats how I originally started out with the truck search...before I started acquiring all of the advice & oppinions. Volvo & Mercedes are definitely out for the same reason you stated. So that left me with I wanted a large sleeper & automatic. Everything else as far as engine,rears tires etc...I kind of looked at each vehicle's list of equipt.
I'm not looking at brand names...I dont know which one is better than the other. Just a collective of oppinions and BS is all I'm weighing at this point. I've drove or rode in all of'em...except the Mack ( Sorry Mackman) I keep coming back to the Pete.

Volvo's- Parts are a problem and being captive to a dealer for service
KW- Motors are unreliable
Pete- Cost a fortune to fix
Freightliner- All plastic and rattle apart...but good value

Mack-???
International-???

Thanks for the help GMAN....BTW...are you a Giants Fan...? Just a guess..?

I don't recall it costing more to fix my old Pete than any of the other brands that I have owned. My KW has a CAT engine and it just purrs along just fine. Now, if you are talking about the new Paccar engine, I have no idea about the reliability. They do make them in Mississippi, but I would want more of a history before considering purchasing one of them. I still prefer CAT. Other than CAT, I would stick with Detroit or Cummins for ease of getting parts and general reliability.

I have driven Freightliners, but never owned one. They are fairly reliable and many fleets run them. I have also never owned a Mack. I think that they make a good truck, but I would not likely buy one for an otr operation due to the proprietary parts with the engine and drive train.

International is one brand that I have had many years exprience. They are a real work horse and you can get a lot for your money. I would stay away from their engine. If you can get a CAT or Cummins then you should have a very reliable truck. The sleepers are well laid out and excellent for driver comfort.

You are welcome. I am not much of a pro sports fan, but do like the Braves and Rangers.

[firebird_1252]

thats great advice from above post. depending how things go for me i'll be int he market for another truck. international is high on my "watch" list.