I know this isn't exactly a Ford vs. a competitor type thread, but I was just curious as to how most truck guys feel about the big diesel makers, Caterpillar vs. Cummins vs Detroit Diesel.

This is not for discussion about the PSD vs. Cummins vs. Duramax.

 

From a mechanics standpoint I'd definately go with CAT Diesel Power! CAT is just a three letter way to spell power & reliability. I have dreams of seeing a bright yellow Twin Turbocharged CAT V8 under the hood of my 550.

 

One more thing....Saying "I've got CAT power" sounds so much more manly than cummins or detriot.

 

Yes, I prefer Cat as well, but in order to keep this thread open, I think some technical info needs to be incorporated. Thanks.

 

Cats are great. They are more expensive to buy. Also much more expensive to repair. For cheap reliability. Id take an international. If your talking big otr engines. Then cummins, detroit, and cat all have their shining stars.

 

Coming from an 18 yr veteran of trucking and an additional 10 years riding with my dad, I have quite a bit of experience with class 8 trucks.


For me there is no choice...a 3406 CAT. My truck is a 1998 Kenworth T-600B, with a 475 hp CAT, 10 speed od and 3.90 gears. 0-60 is measured, but it will run out at 115 mph (if ya got the nerve) at 2200 rpm and will pull a 7% grade at 79,500 lbs at 40 mph. (that 1790 ft lb of torque!!). The engine has 896,000 miles and will be needing a major overhaul pretty soon.

My company has some of the 60 series Detroits, and they are good engines. They don't have the low speed torque of the CAT, but seem to go 1,000,000 miles before rebuild.

The Cummings is almost a disposable engine. The older "Big Cam IV" engine needed rod and main bearings at 250,000 and an "in frame" at 500,000.

All good engines, just a matter of preference.

 

I have heard great things about that cat. A guy I know said he would outrun signature 600s with the 475 3406.
I know a man run one for 1 million before an inframe. No major repairs along the way. An in frame set him back 15 grand though. Aint cheap.

 

I have a quote from my local CAT guy that says $11,500 +/- $200.-$300. I have that in my truck account, and I am determined to run this baby to the end. My luck, I'll be in CA when she goes.

 

edited out off topic comments


anyhoo, i have no experience with any of them, and likely nor do many of our members, but i will be watching to see posts from some of the guys that do..... and ill wonder why john deer was not included in the comparison, but again, not from experience, but because it is a big name, that i hear lots of good things about

 

Cat, hands down.

BTW, where's the International option?

 

We have Volvo diesels in our trucks... they don't make as much power, but the speed limit is 65, and the contract doesn't pay more if you are early.

The Volvos average 8.43 MPG, up to 9.2, depending on the truck (we have some lighter duty 60,000Lb trucks, and mostly 80,000Lb)

I prefer Caterpillar, they have an awesome reputation, make more power, and theres nothing cooler than saying you have CAT power.

We keep running Volvos because we have had the 60 series Detroits, and Cummins N14 engines, both of which cost us more in maintenance, and ironically they both caused several (very $$$$) transmissions to fail prematurely.

 

I've driven all the big truck motors. cat, cumalongs and Detroit's. cats are so smooth and quiet compared to the others. nothing sounds (feels) nicer then a 500 kitty cat working hard pulling a grade like Vail or Eisenhower through a set of 6" straights. if cat came out in a pickup thats the only reason i would ever consider buying a diesel pickup.

 

anyone have some specs of the different lines of cats, cummins, internationals, volvos, etc...?

 

No offense meant on the CA comment

I live in VA...I would tow my truck home to have the engine rebuilt if that is what was reasonable. I like having it done with someone I can hold resposible if they don't get it right.

 

I would have included John Deere (I own a couple of them myself), but John Deere does not make a engine for OTR trucks, that was my main purpose, to get comparisons of road engines. JD does make a natural gas engine used in public buses though.