I need some opinions. I currently have a f-350, diesel, 1-ton dump that I haul wood and chips in. I have been interested in getting a 2nd truck probably to haul wood most of the time. My area has many steep driveways that I either have to go up to, or back my equipment down into. I've looked at something a little larger, like an International or Chevy 4500. My question is how do you guys like the cab-over trucks? I'm thinking that I would need 4x4 no matter what. Thanks guys
I used to have a 2000 Mitsubishi Fuso. 6 Speed manual, 175 hp. Steel chip body 11 foot long 6 foot high.
I loved the truck, it turned on a dime, pulled my BC1000 Chipper reasonably well, had a good amount of space for chips. Also it was short and fit into small spaces. It had an I box which had a lot of room for gear. The current Fuso's I have heard don't have the torque to pull a chipper. Also it had a super exaust brake which slowed the truck very well.
In the end it rusted, had front end issues and was damaged in a minor front end accident.
I deceided to replace it with a 2007 Freightliner with a 14' chip box which I built, underbody boxes, 210 hp Cat C7 and automatic trans. I deceided to get away from the cab over because the minor front end collision (2 mph) caused signifigant damage and pushed into the drivers area. A more serious front end accident would be fatal for the driver/ passenger in one of these trucks in my opinion. I also switched to automatic because the pool of good manual drivers is very small and I need a truck everyone can drive.
Hope this helps,
Mike