Turning circle radius

Thornapple · Oct 22, 2007

Does anyone know what tractor would have the best turning radius?

Somewhere on here something was said about the T600 haveing a tight radius, and it seems like I read that the Volvo does to.

So if you had a Volvo, KW T600, Argosey, Int. 9800 CEO and a KW K100E all with the same wheelbase (165" to 220") which one would make the tightest turn.

I got some other questions about short trailers but they can wait till we figure what tractor to pull them with.

Thanks.
t.

arkjarhead · Oct 22, 2007

Any set back front axle will be good. The problem with the T-600 is it has a cramped cab compared to some of the other set backs. Such as the Freightliner Columbia and the Volvo. A cabover would be even I would think for the simple fact you don't have that hood hanging out there.

LDB · Oct 22, 2007

You need a set back steer axle and as short a wheelbase as possible combined with the greatest wheel cut available. The highest I've heard of is 54 degrees. I'm not sure what truck that was on anymore though. When you find the best combination of those factors you've found the sharpest turning radius, in theory.

Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB
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Refer Hauler · Oct 25, 2007

I have driven a Century Class,T600 and IH 9400I the Century class had the longest wheelbase by 7 inches and turned the tightest by far!!. The KW and IH both have 231 inch WB.

D Team Brothers · Oct 28, 2007

Just bought a 08 Western Star 4900SA with a 285 whellbase. Tightest turn I've every experienced. Very happy with the turning ability of this vehicle.

ATeam · Oct 28, 2007

That goes to show that turning radius is a function of truck specs and not truck brand. The turning radius of the Western Star we once drove was such that if we were in Rhode Island, we could not make a U-turn without spilling into an adjacent state.

Broompilot · Oct 28, 2007

Ark gona play devils advicate here.

Have owned both a KW and now a Volvo. I still like the cramped conditions in the KW to much room inside of the Volvo and lighting is terrible at night. KW had many lights right above my head in the Center of the truck for spotting on a map. Volvo is right above my left wrist and does not shine well at all.

To much room means more space not to be able to grab something the KW was nice as nothing was out of reach and still very comfortable for the driver. Volvo very large if it falls onto the floor since its such a long reach accross the dash or passenger seat forget it until you stop. Both trucks rode nice, Volvo is a very impressive smooth ride for such a large truck.

Sleeper Bentz vs Volvo 770 both are equal in comforts Bentz more plush Volvo better laid out. Miss my SINK though in the Bentz. I love the Upper Bunk with the Stairs but would be terrible for a heavy person, and KIDS wow they love the idea of sleeping above the dinning room table. Making the bed up with clean sheets is a pain. Trade offs with everything when they put so much in tight spots.

Volvo by far has a better turning ratio. Use to joke that an Aircraft Carrier could turn tighter than that KW straight truck did.

Tennesseahawk · Oct 28, 2007

Far and away I have to say the Argosy. I have never experienced anything like it, in big trucks, for turning.

-True independence can only be gained if you're trully independant.

LDB · Oct 28, 2007

It won't change your turning radius or make it any easier to reach things but you can put the sink into the 770 even if it didn't come with one. I don't know the kit number, and it isn't cheap, but it puts the factory sink in.

Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB
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D Team Brothers · Oct 28, 2007

Phil hit it on the head; our dealer stressed from the start both the need for a tight turning radius on a straight truck and the need to build the right platform from the beginning to accomodate this need. As a clear example there is a great difference between the Western Star 4900sa and the 4900fa, yet they look alike.