This is my first post on the forum, and at this point I am truly glad I found the site. With no local mentors available, the opportunity to reach experts here is going to be invaluable. I hope someday I can return the favor to someone in need on this board.
I am sitting on top of a local contract for straight-truck work, and if we can come to an agreement on fuel surcharge, things will happen very quickly I believe.
I have not as of yet purchased my truck. This is where the stress and confusion comes in,,,and I know all of you out there have been thru it before. I also know there are previous posts concerning my questions, but would like to request a new input from you folks. Thank you all, sincerely, in advance for your help.
It appears my choices have come down to an M2-106, an Intl 4300, a FL 70, or a KW T-300. The C-7 Cat seems to have a good reputation, but more costly repairs. The DT466 in the Intl seems to be a good engine, but I read about a lot of electrical problems. The Hino trucks seem to be rate very highly in customer satisfaction, but in a rural area, I don't know about repair shops handling those. The Cummins engines in the Ford F650 I know are of high quality, but that truck would not perform as well on the job, or ride/handle nearly as well I do not believe.
Rear end specs are all over the place (4:11, 3.9, 5.29, 5.57???) and I have no idea what the best combo for fuel economy would be, but as we all know,,,in these times this is super critical IMO. What should I be looking for as far as good fuel mileage vs. repairs vs. overall maintenance reserve costs etc? What, if any, are the benefits of a 6-sp vs auto, as far as reliability, mileage, etc. Given the same overall condition of trucks, would the T300 be a better long-term choice for less repairs and overall performance, or will they break the bank? (I Do like those trucks!) I apologize for dumping all this on the forum at one time, but I believe I am probably in a time critical situation,,and again,,,thank you all very very much. Gus
I am sitting on top of a local contract for straight-truck work, and if we can come to an agreement on fuel surcharge, things will happen very quickly I believe.
I have not as of yet purchased my truck. This is where the stress and confusion comes in,,,and I know all of you out there have been thru it before. I also know there are previous posts concerning my questions, but would like to request a new input from you folks. Thank you all, sincerely, in advance for your help.
It appears my choices have come down to an M2-106, an Intl 4300, a FL 70, or a KW T-300. The C-7 Cat seems to have a good reputation, but more costly repairs. The DT466 in the Intl seems to be a good engine, but I read about a lot of electrical problems. The Hino trucks seem to be rate very highly in customer satisfaction, but in a rural area, I don't know about repair shops handling those. The Cummins engines in the Ford F650 I know are of high quality, but that truck would not perform as well on the job, or ride/handle nearly as well I do not believe.
Rear end specs are all over the place (4:11, 3.9, 5.29, 5.57???) and I have no idea what the best combo for fuel economy would be, but as we all know,,,in these times this is super critical IMO. What should I be looking for as far as good fuel mileage vs. repairs vs. overall maintenance reserve costs etc? What, if any, are the benefits of a 6-sp vs auto, as far as reliability, mileage, etc. Given the same overall condition of trucks, would the T300 be a better long-term choice for less repairs and overall performance, or will they break the bank? (I Do like those trucks!) I apologize for dumping all this on the forum at one time, but I believe I am probably in a time critical situation,,and again,,,thank you all very very much. Gus
