granitefan713

Ok, I'll add this, I love the looks of "restored" B and R models and wouldn't mind having one, except for one thing. I've been told they are no where near as comfortable in the cab as a Granite. I'm one for creature comforts and would demand A/C and power steering. So maybe if you guys could shed some more light on this on how comfortable these older R models and such are, you may change my mind. The RD Legends are nice.....if that counts as a "MACK".

Well, I don't doubt that the older trucks have more uptime, I see the same thing here in my area. However, the downtime with new trucks is not just limited to Macks, I see all brands of new trucks in the shop getting various things fixed. From what I've read and heard from others, most of this downtime is related to the emissions technology, not just 07, but 04 as well. Using Cat as an example, it seems that the C7s have more problems than the 3126s. And I will agree with you that Granites have very little true Mack in them, but they still look nice.

As far as my comment on the power of the MP series, it is really only based on what I've read in Heavy Duty Trucking and one personal experience. During the Performance Tour, I rode in a 2008 GU713 quad axle dump loaded with 24tons, it had a 415hp MP8 and a 10M transmission. During the ride, this 2008 out ran an older Granite tri-axle with 427hp on a hill. Hence my comment on having "more power".

But to sum it up, I don't doubt the older Macks were more durable, but like I said, everything nowadays is made cheaper. You see it in cars too. You barely have to hit something hard to put huge dents in them. It all comes down to $$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Volvo owns UD (Nissan Diesel)

Thanks for the correction.

But you know, all of this was bound to happen. Its happened all across the board, American companies, with foreign alliances/ownership.

Mack---Volvo

Pete/KW---DAF

Freightliner/Sterling/Western-Star---DiamlerAG

International---MAN

General Motors---Isuzu

Ford---International---MAN

Hino---Toyota

UD---Volvo

I can't see any easy way we can stop this (aside from boycotting them--but where would that leave us? Truckless.).

Despite the fact that Volvo has headed Mack in a completely new direction (whether good or bad), I will continue to be a Mack fan. Seeing how I am young yet a, I am most familiar with the "Granite era" of Mack trucks, I would never buy anything older than a Granite. Therefore, I am just going to focus on the performance of these "Volvo" Macks, which, in the end, is what really matters isn't it? So far, I have yet to hear a bad thing about these new "2007" MP7 and MP8 engines. I was very impressed with the MP8 powered Granite I rode in, and so were many others. I can't see any other way. And you can't really blame Volvo for all the problems with the newer Macks, blame the Gov't who put all of these emissions regs in place.

Nice, I got a hat too and hot dogs . The CHU at my dealer had a 485hp MP8 and a 13spd pulling a loaded 53'van, and the GU dump had a 415hp MP8 and a 10M transmission.

Hey all, just wondering if anyone attened the Performance Tour at their local dealer and if so, what'd you think?

I attended it at my dealer. They brought 2 trucks (2008 CHU603 daycab) and a (2008 GU713 quad axle dump). I rode in the dump and I was very impressed. They also had a Pinnacle sleeper, but it was in a small accident the night before, so it wasn't "displayed".

Ahh, its making sense now. Thanks for clearing it up a bit.

Interesting, very interesting. Thanks for clearing it up. Maybe you guys could explain something else for me.

I've been desperately trying to understand these bridge laws and can't seem to figure it out. Recently I rode in a 2008 Mack GU713 quad axle dump here in PA, it was part of the Mack Performance Tour. Obviously, we don't run quad axles here in PA (I'm referring to 4 rear axles in case it wasn't clear). So I asked the salesman if it is legal to run quad axles in PA and he said "it is but drivers just can't get the weight out of them" and I'm not quite sure I understand what he meant. I understand that the federal highway limit in most states is 80,000lbs, and if PA's limit is 72,380 on four axles, why don't they add an extra axle and "distribute" the axle capacities accordingly to get an 80,000lb GVW? I have played around with the actual bridge formula to calculate weight capacities, but it didn't help me much.

Basically, I'm asking "Why don't they run quad or quint axle dumps here in PA while they do out west if the federal limit in both states is 80,000lbs"?

I was told by a retired Mack engineer that Mack would put whatever you want in a Mack if you requested it. He said they would build a Mack with a Cat engine for you if you wanted. He said he knows they built alot of Macks with Detroit engines for Roadway freight.

Hey guys, I'm hoping someone can help me out. Most of the RD888s I've seen have had "coal dumps" like this ( http://www.teamworldwide.com/images/eq_120...62607081230.jpg ). And the new versions are on Granite chassis like this ( http://www.teamworldwide.com/images/eq_127...80307110836.jpg ).

My questions are what are these trucks primarily used for? Coal??

Also, what states do these trucks commonly operate in?

And are they "highway" legal?

Just realize, that even if Volvo decided to built Mack's the way they were many many years ago, the cost of them would be outrageous, owners would never get the payload out them that is demanded in today's economy. It wouldn't pay for them to "stand out" from the competition. If they were to build Macks out of all steel like they did in the past, few large companies would buy them due to the cost. Its better for Mack to built trucks like the rest of the country to remain competitive. I've rode in a 2008 Mack GU713 quad axle dump with 24 tons in it, and it pulled like it was empty. I was VERY impressed with this truck, even though it was apparent Volvo had its design it in. (It had a 415hp MP8 engine and a Mack 10M transmission)

I plan on attending the one at my Mack dealer later this month, can anyone tell me what I can expect to find? Seeing as I don't have a CDL (yet), I hope to at least see some nice trucks.

Hey, how many of you have seen the new Cascadia in person? I was able to check it out yesterday at my Freightliner dealer. They had that big black sleeper thats on Freightliner's website with their demo trailer, and a plain white day cab. I think it looks pretty good, the interior isn't all that much different that their current models, but the exterior is definitely different.

Just out of curiosity, what is the advantage of spoke rims? And are the still as "dangerous" as they used to be? Most companies I've seen have switched to hub-piloted, such as Penndot, they used to be all spoke, now they are all disc. It also seems Mack is one of the few companies that still offerers spoke rims in large quantities.

Also, are budd wheels still made? If so, what is their advantage? It seems silly to have a wheel design that requires you to take the studs off just to get the brake drum off.

There are plenty of guys here in nj still getting 24" tube rubber on their heavy spec tandems. Nothing like 11.00r24s in the dirt on a tandem dump. New york city still gets 12.00r24 on alot of their new trucks. there was a new granite on the plant tour last sat that had 24" rubber. it also had a unimax front axle with spoke wheels. i was in love.

The unimax front axle with spoke rims, was that the one with the really wierd looking front spoke rim? I saw a lime green Granite at the plant on that Sat. that had a strange front spoke rim, I took a pic and its posted below. The window tag said "BOGIE DUMP"

I'M IN NORTHEAST PA [HAZLETON], I'VE SEEN ONE LEGEND, GREEN TRI-AXLE DUMP. SEEMS GREEN AND RED WERE POPULAR COLORS. ANYONE SEEN OTHER COLORS?

I'm also in Northeast PA (Tunkhannock), I've see 3 Red Tri Axle Dumps, and one Green Rolloff. On the net, I've seen red, black, green, and magenta with grey. You can see them in my Legend Album (http://www.bigmacktrucks.com/index.php?automodule=gallery&req=si&img=1575).

I'll be there, probably only for the plant tour though.

Thanks, is the plant walk-through offered only on Friday and Saturday, or Sunday also?

This might be slightly off topic, but I've been hearing rumors that International will be offering Cat engines in their Medium-Duty trucks and Buses (IC Corp) in the near future. It will be interesting to see what happens.

I understand that 07 engines put a HUGE dent in the truck market, but comparing the "Freightliner Group" to the "Chrysler Group", Freightliner is the stronger of the two. From my research and understanding, Freightlienr has a VERY strong presence in the over-the-road market, and Sterling has a great presence in the municipal market (especially here in PA, Penndot buys all Sterlings for thier single axle trucks). I'm guessing that Daimler will monitor sales and make a decision on what to do.

P.S. My info on Freightliner making Daimler money came from a Freightliner salesman.

From what I understand, Daimler has no intention of dropping those brands. Unlike the Chrysler Group, Freightliner, Sterling, Thomas Bus, etc. acutally make them money, so they plan on keeping them. But, I could be wrong.

Just a bit of interesting info, the company that just bought Chrysler, Cerberus, also owns Blue Bird buses. Blue Bird's newest bus, the 2008 Vision, was designed by none other than Volvo (Its actually a really nice bus).

I agree, but I'm wondering if its to accomodate a large radiator for 07 engines. I know other mfgs. grilles aren't that big but......

It seems everyone here sees the fuel tank half empty.

I have two questions about the Macungie show since this year will be my first one.

1. I understand the assembly plant is open for walkthoughs, will the "stock yard" be open also as it was at the 100yr Celebration, or just the plant it self?

2. Other than at the assembly plant, how many "newer" trucks can I expect to see (2000-2008) at the show? Nothing against old trucks, but I like new ones better.