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Freightliner/ Volvo

M

mac61

Seasoned Expediter
Hi guys I need a help to make decision for buying a truck, so any one if share his experience advise on following my questions, it will be appreciated.


Q 1: Which choice is better in Freightliner (Tractor Medium Size) Century OR Columbia?

Q 2: Which engine is best for above Freightliner Tractor, Cat- Det- Com- or Mercd ?

Q 3: which transmission is best for these (Automatic Point of view)?

Q 4: What about Volvo (Medium size Tractor With automatic Transmission)?

I’m first time buyer I need help, Just like you guys are most experience in this field, Specially from (A team ) if in detail , its good for me to make a decision.

I'm glad to be here!


Any advice is appreciated. Thanks. Mac 61
 
greg334

greg334

Veteran Expediter
1: Which choice is better in Freightliner (Tractor Medium Size) Century OR Columbia?

Either one, I think that it is a styling difference and the working stuff is the same. The same goes for an Argosy, it has the same stuff as a Century/Columbia.

Q 2: Which engine is best for above Freightliner Tractor, Cat- Det- Com- or Mercd ?

If I was going to buy one, it would be a DD, Cummins and then Cat. Merc is a good engine but I never had the chance to work with on for a truck, only small stuff Unimog and so on.

Q 3: which transmission is best for these (Automatic Point of view)?

Autoshift or Ultrashift.

Q 4: What about Volvo (Medium size Tractor With automatic Transmission)?

Medium size? Volvo is a good machine but.... I don't know. I would think a 670 would be a good start but again there are a few out there other than Phil who has them.
 
ATeam

ATeam

Senior Member
Retired Expediter
Arrow Truck Sales sells used Volvo trucks. Mark Cantrell of Arrow specializes in expedited trucks and advertises on EO. See this ad. He can help you with the Volvo part of the questions you asked above.

A number of Freightliner dealers specialize in expediter trucks. See the ads for them on the EO Home Page. They can help you with the Freightliner part.

I would call them all to compare the information and prices they offer.

Having driven and lived in some Freightliners, one Western Star and one Volvo (all straight-truck expediters), I can say the Freightliners and Volvos provide more usable inside space than some trucks, and way more than the Western Star.
 
Streakn1

Streakn1

Veteran Expediter
In our experience having driven and owned several Freightliner trucks, we found that the interior of our Century Class was of better quality than the Columbias we drove. The Freightliner Coronado is even nicer inside as its built more with the O/O in mind than being a disposible fleet truck. I have no experience our input regarding the new Cascadia.

Having only seen ATeam's Volvo I will say that the cab interior has many nice features over the Freightliner but I like the exterior lines of the freightliner better. Just my personal preference.

With that said, what about Kenworth? We are the proud owners of our first KW T-600 (2007) and will never go back! The quality is un-surpassable in my opinion and the difference in the ride is like night and day. Kenworths also are said to maintain one of the highest resale values in the truck market. Just a thought if you decide to sell later on.

As far as engines, I prefer the Cat even though it can be more expensive to maintian than a Detriot and I've had both. Note: Cat will stop building commercial truck engines in 2010 according to reports involving the emmissions regs. Several freinds of ours have the Mercedes and love then. Currently I have the Cummins ISX engine and so far its performed well.
 
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M

mac61

Seasoned Expediter
Thank you Greg, A team and Streakn1 for your input.

I am still doing my research and have not decided what to buy as yet. I have an appointment with Freightliner on Tuesday.

Please post your comments on model, engine and trans to help me narrow down the search.

Thank you all once again.

Mac61
 
ATeam

ATeam

Senior Member
Retired Expediter
mac61 said:
Please post your comments on model, engine and trans to help me narrow down the search.
Click to expand...

You can read our truck specs by clicking the "truck specs" link below. Beyond that I don't have much to say about engines and transmissions. They change over time and I'm not deep into the used truck market or truck powertrain interests like some are.
 
davekc

davekc

Senior Moderator
Staff member
Fleet Owner
Kenworth/Peterbilt would be my personal choice. Ease of service, reliability and trade in are the biggest sells.
Had to give up on Freightliners as many shops either take too long for the simplest repair, to charging delivery for parts they don't have but should, or not having anyone that can diagnose anything unless there is a code. Way too many high school parts changers.
There is a few decent dealerships, but they are never in the location that we need them.
Same problem with Volvo's as far as service. Seem to be limited on where to get them worked on, but they are a nice truck.
 
M

mac61

Seasoned Expediter
Hi Dave ...But problem is this if I buy from select trucks (freightliners any model) then my carrier will contribute $3000/ in down payment. If I’m buying any other companies they will not contribute $3000/.
I have choice to buy from freightliners any model (century or Columbia) OR I lose $ 3000/
Mac61
 
Tennesseahawk

Tennesseahawk

Veteran Expediter
I just checked one Select Trucks location, and they had two T600s. More than likely, you'll find what you want if you search their inventories.
 
davekc

davekc

Senior Moderator
Staff member
Fleet Owner
As mentioned, I would look to see if you have some options within the Select Trucks plan.
If you had to sit a week waiting on a part, or a week for service, 3k suddenly doesn't mean much.
Just my penny in the pond.
 
moose

moose

Veteran Expediter
I think that the Bavarian Engine is the best for a freightliner ,its working real well with a 13 spds.
the automated trans will normally costs more.

R U buying a St. Truck , or a Tractor ?

Please read back on the forum , for tips on how to buy a used truck.
items like having money set aside for by pass oil , centrematics , or break downs , EXT...



Moose.
 
iceroadtrucker

iceroadtrucker

Veteran Expediter
Driver
Auto Shift

Cough Cough Cough Cough Cough Cough Cough Cough.

Fur Ball Willie

Ha HA Ha Thats a joke.

Get a 13 speed or a 10 or even an 18 less problems.

Hint.
 
guido4475

guido4475

Not a Member
davekc said:
Kenworth/Peterbilt would be my personal choice. Ease of service, reliability and trade in are the biggest sells.
Had to give up on Freightliners as many shops either take too long for the simplest repair, to charging delivery for parts they don't have but should, or not having anyone that can diagnose anything unless there is a code. Way too many high school parts changers.
There is a few decent dealerships, but they are never in the location that we need them.
Same problem with Volvo's as far as service. Seem to be limited on where to get them worked on, but they are a nice truck.
Click to expand...
I have to agree with Dave on this one.I used to have a Kenworth t-300 and absolutely loved it.It was not the fanciest one out there, but it was a great truck in every aspect.And the dealer support was awesome.Everything was fixed right the first time.And yes, the majority of the mechanics were old school, who took pride in their work.I kick myself everyday for trading it in.It was paid for.What was I thinking?
 
davekc

davekc

Senior Moderator
Staff member
Fleet Owner
That speaks volumes.
I can't tell you how many times we have had to go back and redo repairs on the Freightliners. They also eat a a/c unit about once a year as well. Cheap condensors, followed by the compressor, followed by a dryer, and the list goes on. Finally once out of warranty, we had a different after market condensor installed, and so far it seems to be holding. It just amazes me that they have three different types of condensors now for the same unit. Tells me they have had very limited success with what they have been using.
With the KW's, not had a problem short of replacing the heater/control valve. 10 minute repair.
The other issue with FLT is all those high dollar electronic modules. What a total waste. Good for the dealer, bad news fo the owner.
 
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ATeam

ATeam

Senior Member
Retired Expediter
Something came to mind overnight that should be added. In an earlier post, I referred to our truck specs. The Volvo D-12 engine is no longer available, unless you happen to find one in a used truck. That engine has been discontinued. The D-13 would be the next closest thing in a new Volvo truck.
 
M

mac61

Seasoned Expediter
Hi Dave……. I really appreciated for your advise, always you are watching bright side of aspect, and your opinion is showing how much deep your observation and experience.
Once again… Thanks you guys for open my eyes, now I changed my mind, and thinking other options.
Mac61
 
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