Your "perceptive" remark is most keenly appreciated. :roll:

He is telling the truth.

He most definitely is, there's no denying that....but everything, even fuel economy ( or consumption ) in a heavy haul truck, needs to have certain benchmarks or standards. Otherwise, how do you try to make astute business / operational decisions ?

I would get a 13.2 front axle or preferably a 14.6. It seems that once you go over 14.6 a lot of times you have two steering boxes which I think is overkill for a highway truck. I would run "super 40's" or full 46,000 lb rear axles on 46,000 rear suspension. You'll save a little weight if you run super 40's on a 46 rear suspension. You'll have better resale with 14.6 and 46 IMO.

Thanks, most kindly. Since I'll be looking out for an used truck to start with ( as I don't have the money for a brand new one ), it would definitely take me some time to get a truck as per my required specs, within my tentative budget. However, I'm in no hurry...I've given myself about 12-18 months to set all my ducks in a row.

Here's a thought though....if I'm unable to find an used truck of the above specs, how feasible ( both financially and practically ) would it be to buy something somewhat similar, and then make the necessary modifications ?

It depends on what modifications you want to make. Sometimes it is more expensive to make the alterations than buy it already spec'd as you want. If you are on a budget, I would look more for a truck that has the spec's you want rather than a specific brand. By broadening your horizons you will expand the possibility of finding the right truck as a good price. And about the only difference between a T600 and T800 is the hood. :wink:

As always, your words of wisdom make a lot of sense Gman. You're so right about looking for a truck with the specs, rather than a specific brand. As always, I salute you !! :)

Glad I could help.

Actually, there are options available on a T-8, particularly relating to heavy and vocational operations, that aren't available on a T-6. The T-8 is the most versatile truck that KW makes when it comes to specs. You can spec a W-9 with some options that you can't on a T-6 and vice versa, but a T-8 can include any of the options available on either of the others two.

When it comes to your axles and suspensions, I agree with going heavy. I don't know what the weight your talking about hauling translates into as far as axle loads, but I'd never error on the side of too light when I'm dealing with heavy-haul. I'd check with someone who knows more, but you may need to think about a double-frame at those weights, especially if you're working on rough roads or off-road.

Go with the t800 and isx cummins. In the logging business in northern Ontario cat was the preferred choice for years,but lately have been switching to cummins because of better reliability and better fuel milage. I had a 475 cat in my last truck-04 t800 and an isx 530 in my w900 and the cummins outpulls the cat and is easier on fuel. If your looking for used there are lots of trucks with heavy spec for sale in n.w. ont now with the forest business going into the toilet like it has,in fact richie bros is having an auction on june 28 in Thunder Bay, lots of trucks,not to old might go cheap