Red Horse

Well you make a good point regarding roll-off/refuse. But how about beverage-specifically beer? The soda boys will probably always stick to a Hackney type bevrage body with roll up side doors but the beer guys need the flexibility of handling kegs. Most of the beer distributors around here use tandem International (4700s?) or F'liner102/108 for straight jobs and same for tractors that typically pull 32+ ft. tandem trailers. A 23,000 lb single rear axle doesn't cut it. So I think the tandem LCF has a home in that class of trade.

thx Kevin- another WTS intro?

Hadn't heard that. Hino will show theirs next week at Work Truck Show

Hah-I wish but who knows. Looks like a good event though with a lot of equipment suppliers there- Godwin, Altech etc. Don't think we will ever see the big cab overs here but it is crazy that they are not expanding the 750 in particular to other markets with a bigger 6 cylinder diesel and a trans other than the Duratorque. Then again the 7.3 V-8 should get some buyers in 750 for the same reason the 650 gas sells well. Did see a brand new Penske Leasing 650 this morning. Gas of course but still good to see that. I do believe Roger has some sort of interest in the Hino distribution network. When we see him buying diesel 650/750's that will be noteworthy.

Anyone have any experience with Mid West Boot Co. I have been battling an ankle tendonitis issue and while trying to educate myself a link for this company popped up. I went to their sight and its a good one-like choice of made in USA, made in USA of foreign components etc. Plus biggest thing they half half sizes-at least in the boots I checked out, I've been wearing Red Wings-currently switch between 1431, 914, 608 and 2156. four pairs because I can't find anything that is really comfortable. (Although 608's are done- soles finally started to crack and come apart but I've had them quite a while.) I have no arch and 13's are too small and 14's too big. Half size caught my eye.

On the subject of the upcoming Work Truck Show, in looking at the show's website, Ford has the biggest floor space-slightly more than Ram but considerably more than the other big players. As for exhibit staffing, Ford has 182 people registered, while Chevrolet has 140, Hino 138, International 111, Ram 90, Isuzu 83, Freightliner 75 and Paccar 47. I think Mack has around 30 people. We know GM will be introducing their new class 4, 5 Silverados. Ram for sure will be showing their new cabs and if Ford's space and staffing numbers are any indication, you would think they would have some significant product announcements. Hino's exhibit will have their new tandem, class 8 and big 6 engine. Mack does have space and it looks like they will be talking a lot about the new cab interiors Should be an interesting event.

Ah Excellent -Howie Long- the American Trucker. wonder what rear axle ratios were in each? But I doubt there would be any bias in such a test.

Key question is are you going to use the truck? That is carry a load? Commercial plates? if so pay through the nose. "Antique" plates are inexpensive as is the insurance -at least in my state, Mass. But get caught with a load or worse yet have an accident while carrying a load and I think your ins. carrier will say "sorry-no coverage"

Nice weld Rich-thought you were an electrician??

And I would imagine there are all sorts of protections in place to keep the Chinese from pirating this technology?? Yes I know-we are damned if we do and damned if we don't.

Good looking Mack. Can anyone explain to me why you see a lot of west coast dumps with such low side boards? You guys load with skid steers and compacts??

thx-I stand corrected- did not look closely and the opening shot looked like 3 pistons.

Why the siren?? Isn't the 6V-53 enough noise???

Interesting that this "3 banger" does not have that unique stiffener between the block and pan that the 4 has. This stiffener I assume is unique to this Ford 4??

Kevin- Thx for posting this. The gorilla ( F'liner) just gets stronger. Nice to see International making a comeback. On the other side of the coin Ford looks lke they are in trouble. They were doing great in class 6 last year but I suspect that was a lot of low hanging fruit (U-Haul?) who jumped on the gasoline powered 650. the Work Truck Show should be interesting. Hopefully Ford will have some news about the rumored new 7+ liter V-8. And if Hino is going to offer a 9 L 6 cyl. in class 7 that should be a tough competitor for everyone. Perhaps Hino's move with that bigger engine will convince Ford they should think about another diesel option to the Power Stroke.

Hah-Perhaps another "ad" for Allisons in a 25,999 lb truck.........." And you have a greater pool of drivers to choose from". If the guy in the 150 survived for sure a miracle. when you look at the 150 front fender up against the Mack's fender, guess where that puts the hoist?

Well I have to say I have always bought Fram or Purolators thinking they are two trusted brands. The only negative I ever heard actually had to do with Baldwin and I recall we actually had a directive NOT to use Baldwins-I believe it was specific to a particular engine-don't remember if it was Detroit, Cummins or Mack. Now as for air filters, got tired of paying 35 bucks for a Deere element so I called the local parts house and gave them the deere number-said they'd have it in the afternoon. go down to pick it up, guy is ringing up sale so I look at box and its smashed on end and I open it-filter is damaged. "Professional" parts guy say-sorry-I'll have another one in AM. 22 bucks by the way vs. 35 for JD. Filter aside from being damaged did not look as good as the 35 buck Deere. I go on line, cross reference and check Walmart website and they have ONE. Went and picked it up-16 bucks but I would say equal to the JD in quality-at least based on observation.

Well now we know where your "Handle" came from

2 pounds of "JB"! How many miles-? Application? Tractor ? Triaxle dump? Chalmers does have a good rep right?

to add to that-five minutes ago watching the Olympics, the commentators reference the technological power of So.Korea. No doubt about it.

2 and a half weeks constitutes a significant test? I guess if the component is absolute crap! Not sure I would be bragging about such a "rigorous" test cycle.

Well JB I hear you on the Fusion Sport. I do believe it has more interior room than the Taurus correct? And what you say about the Koreans and the Japanese is so true. Apparently they haven't read the same tea leaves that Hackett reads because it seems they are continually updating their four door sedans. The current Taurus is 8 model years old and the only changes have been very minor. I recognize that Fields is more responsible for that error but Hackett doesn't seem to be addressing that. In the meantime, it seems every other year or so there is an upgraded Camry and a new Kia or Hyundai.

Ugh! At this point nothing would surprise me. This guy Hackett-or as some say.."Hatchett"- so far does not seem to be doing anything but spout buzz words. For sure he is no Alan Mulally. I think Bill Ford has swallowed the "autonomous/electrification thing hook line and sinker. Supposedly, they are going to kill the Taurus after a short 2019 model run. If they kill the Fusion too, then they have no sedan bigger than a Focus. Hate to see the Taurus go. I have a 2010 SHO that is pushing 96,000. In 96,000, had to replace the battery and the right "blend door" in the AC failed. But in typical Ford fashion, they have done nothing to upgrade the car or advertise it-just like the Crown Vic. Now they are building a new Taurus in China that is beautiful-but of course-not here!

Kevin- any word on what the big 520 HP motor is? A current Cursor?? Also you have any thoughts on the Work Truck Show news??

Heard two potential announcements for Work Truck Show in March -4 WD Transit - Mid size Transit between Connect and the full size. Unfortunately, no rumors about new gas engine for 650-750 or a 6 cyl diesel.