Kenworth vs Mack, & T600 vs T800
 

What are the chief points of difference between the T600 and the T800 ? Which one would be more suitable for hauling pneumatic bulkers ( cement & sand mainly ) within a radius of about 800 km ( 500 miles ), combined with city work ?

For the same application as above, which would be a better buy used : Mack or Kenworth ? What other truck would be well-suited for this kind of work ?

Also, what kind of engine would be most suitable ? I'm looking at a GVW rating of 63,500kg ( 139,700 lbs ), 18-speed, minimum 475hp for pulling hills. Key considerations :

-- fuel economy
-- inexpensive maintenance
-- reliability
-- easy availability of spares
-- endure extreme cold

I would really appreciate some advice.....I'm trying to build up an information bank for myself, for reference in the future.

I believe T800 is written all over that job description, but what do i know? :D :roll:
Oh, i forgot to mention C15 550! :wink:

well forget a MACK you can only get a 460hp unless with you with a CH or is it the CL then you can get a 565 cummins.

The T-8 is more suited to what you want to do than the the T-6 plus you might find you can't get a heavy front axle in the T-6. Kenworth over Mack any day. Macks in the last 5 years have had some serious turbo issues in thier higher horsepower engines. Although I'm a CAT man I'd be tempted to go Cummins because ofthier simpler EGR system and Cats seem to be harder on fuel than some others.

I would probably go with the T800 given the choices you mentioned. I prefer CAT and have had good service out of them. A cummins is less expensive to work on. Detroit also makes a good engine, but for heavy haul I would go with CAT. I think they are better put together. In any case, I would stick with one of the big 3 engines: CAT, Cummins or Detroit. Availability of parts and service should be comparable. Fuel mileage will probably be slightly higher with Cummins, although I consistently do more than 6 mpg with my CAT's. CAT is known for their torque, which is important with heavy loads and mountains. If you go with at least a 500 hp engine, the new Cummins have been doing well with torque. Most people I know who do heavy haul seem to prefer CAT.

I'm ashamed of you Mackman.

Go with a Mack get a 460HP 18spd it will pull anything you want it to.

I'd vote for the T-800. I've got one running OTR and for the most part have been happy. I've got some compatibility issues between my suspension and s-cam setup, but you'd be running a heavier suspension so it wouldn't be a problem. It's a solid truck and is very easy to work on. I've got a ISX ordered at 475 and 1850 but since bumped to 550. Have had no complaints with that engine. Decent fuel mileage and no real issues. Going through the spec process, you've got a lot more options with the T8 than the T6 when it comes to heavy apps like you're looking at.

What would you recommend for the suspension ? What kind would be suitable for the application that I have in mind ? Also, when we talk of front / rear ends of, for eg 12,000 & 44,000 respectively, what exactly do those figures mean ?

Finally, when it comes to the power aspect, which is the key...horse power or torque ? Would it be okay to go in for something with average hp, say 430-450, but a huge amount of torque ? How would it affect pulling power and performance ?

Definitely torque, especially for your application!

fuel economy? in a heavy haul truck?


BWAHAHAHAHA

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