Buying a Semi

3.90 will get things rolling easier than 3.70.

 

What He said +1

 

Uhh, check with some other local log haulers ?
To see what they are running.

30 years ago the only tractors log haulers were R model Mack day cabs .
But now you see long nose Pete’s with huge sleepers and all kinds of highway tractors pulling logs.

 

3.90s and a ten would work on flatter ground, 13 or 18 for mountains.

A 3.70 even would probably be fine for your application too, and give you longer legs on the highway.

For your application, I wouldn't rule out either, and wouldn't rule out a good truck with a 10 since no hills. Look for the best truck first.

 

I used to haul logs in Arkansas. Mostly flat country. Many of the drivers liked a 13 speed but I always thought an 18 would be nice for granny low when pulling away from the loader in mud. Also full lockers would be really nice. Good ground clearance of course. About any truck works though if you need it to bad enough lol.

 

One thing to consider though is you get paid by the ton so keep it light as possible. For an overall money maker you won’t beat a day cab Freightliner Columbia with 10 speed tranny. Probably give you an extra 2 tons at least payload. I was lighter in a sleeper Freightliner Century than a day cab double framed Mack by about 4,000 pounds. He could have probably drove up a skidder trail though. Kinda just depends what you want.

 

T800 or a western star are pretty much all that’s run off road for a reason, 44-46k rears and 4.10-4.30 with a 18 or even a bag of #### 8ll should work fine, 3.90 and 40s will probably be fine if you know how to drive and aren’t up to the axles in mud every load trying to take off