Cummins or Cat ?

2hellandback · #1 (**permalink**) 11-11-2007, 11:58 AM

As an owner/ operator If you could set up a truck what engine in a cummins would you choose? And what engine in a cat would you choose? Also what tran would you go with?

Dirtball · #2 (**permalink**) 11-11-2007, 06:06 PM

All depends where in the countrty you are gonna primarily run.With the proper rear ends I would take a 350 or 400 Detriots anyday. Cummins second.Just make sure the oil is checked everyday and that the company doesn't demand that the engine be cut back. Just because an engine is set to let you run at say 80mph doesn't mean ya have to run that speed. My equipment was leased thru PENSKEE and I can tell you they were great as far as maintaining the stuff I ran. I guess it also depends where you run out of.I ran out of Harrisburg Pa.
But like it is said in other posts it is a driver thing.Today they are all good and bad.

pro1driver · #3 (**permalink**) 11-11-2007, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2hellandback

As an owner/ operator If you could set up a truck what engine in a cummins would you choose? And what engine in a cat would you choose? Also what tran would you go with?

i have never owned my own truck, and frankly i don't think i ever will. this being said, i have however driven so many trucks with just about ALL the engine makers available. Detroit Diesel, Caterpillar, Cummins, Volvo, Mack, International.

to me, as a driver, they were all very good. i do believe that its only a matter of personal preference much like, "what car maker is the best".....?

we all have based our collective opinons from our past or current experiences. one man's (or person's) opinon on a certain engine make will always be another man's (or person's) trashy talk.

detailed maintenance, judicious records, and proper driving techniques make for a long lasting drive train, not neccessarily the name brand that made them..........

as far as horsepower ratings, i'll at least want a 450-500 hp engine.

Santaclause · #4 (**permalink**) 11-11-2007, 07:55 PM

I have never owned my own truck either but have driven the majority of the makers ,I would have to say If I was specing a truck today I would probably spec it with a C15 cat rated at 450-500 and a eaton fuller super 13 spd...

junction · #5 (**permalink**) 11-12-2007, 04:02 AM

I used to drive a Cummins ISX 550 w/ 13 speed. That truck rocked.

04 MT · #6 (**permalink**) 11-13-2007, 02:56 AM

I drove a International with a N-14 once, that thing had amazing low end compared to the detroits I'm used to. It's too bad they dont make the N-14 anymore. If I had a choice, I would buy a used truck with the N-14 with either a 13 or 18 spd.