Truck Advice -Log Trucks

Lots of variables on this question, looking for used? Or new? If new, freightshakers don't hold their value as well as a kenworth or Pete, if your looking for used? You may be able to find a fairly decent freightshaker, also what type of weight are you going to be hauling? You will need to make sure the truck you buy is spec'd out to what your going to be doing, best of luck

 

If your dead set on a detroit buy western star. IMO frieghtliners arent built for the woods. Kw pete mack and western star are way better trucks and will hold up better in vocational use like logging and construction. Just my personal opinion. 6nz cat will run forever great motors but detroit is cheaper to overhaul. In the northwest where im from logging is big and I can maybe think of a handfull of guys running frieghtliners

 

There's a few guys running some heavy spec Coronado's in logging and light oil patch work around here. Never looked too closely at one though so I can't say how well they hold up. Personally I'd stick with either KW or Western Star. Heavy spec'd with 46k rears, full lockers, 4:10 or 4:33 axle ratio, 18 speed and 3/8" frame. Ground clearance is king in the bush so keep that in mind too.

 

Dont have any persoal experience with N14 but I imagine its as reliable as a detroit. Life in the woods is tough on a truck. Ran a lot of western stars for a guy I worked for all had detroits except last one had the signature 600 cummins it was a great motor loved that truck . Went to work for owner op with just 2 trucks bought the truck I was driving from him 378 pete 6nz cat 46 rears 18spd alpine rigging was a great truck hauled logs everyday in some awfully harsh Conditions no real problems it just went to work.

 

My main question would be: are you goin down woods roads to pick up product? We do a lot of heavy logging up here, both double bottom self loaders and 5-7 bunk crib trailers. In our experience the freight shaker is an awesome highway truck but not so much in the woods. Of course if you're only haulin in the neighborhood of 80k you might make out ok. If the trucks gonna take a beatin and you need it to put food on your table I'd seriously consider a heavier spec'd truck. Just my two cents. Good luck with the new endeavor!

 

Just got done doing a short stint as a logging truck driver. KW- Forget it. Those Paccar motors will NOT work for you.

PM me and I will give you contact info for the company I was working for, whi will be happy to share out their specs. I know we were running PETE 579s with Oversize drive tires and Cummins motors. Best running truck I've ever driven. Runs 6% grades fully loaded at 65 MPH.

 

Anyone else see the headline and thought it had to do with Logbooks? LOL