Andrew Ryder
| Special to Transport TopicsE&MU: 2002 Engine Changes Affect Spec’ing Choices
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Adding new emissions control equipment and changing engine performance characteristics for the October 2002 Class 8 emissions deadline did more than simply add up-front cost to new engines.Many fleets have spent years developing and fine tuning specific engine and driveline packages that are the most cost effective for their applications. These packages consider factors such as fuel economy, resale value, warranties and life to overhaul. Changes to engine performance profiles, added weight or added maintenance complexity can all upset the balance and increase the fleet’s cost per mile. Fleets that purchased trucks since October 2002 say they could still spec virtually the same packages as before and engine performance has been as good or even better than previous engines. But there are still many unanswered questions about durability and long-term maintenance costs.For the full story, see the October/November issue of Equipment & Maintenance Update, a supplement to the Oct. 13 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.
Adding new emissions control equipment and changing engine performance characteristics for the October 2002 Class 8 emissions deadline did more than simply add up-front cost to new engines.Many fleets have spent years developing and fine tuning specific engine and driveline packages that are the most cost effective for their applications. These packages consider factors such as fuel economy, resale value, warranties and life to overhaul. Changes to engine performance profiles, added weight or added maintenance complexity can all upset the balance and increase the fleet’s cost per mile. Fleets that purchased trucks since October 2002 say they could still spec virtually the same packages as before and engine performance has been as good or even better than previous engines. But there are still many unanswered questions about durability and long-term maintenance costs.For the full story, see the October/November issue of Equipment & Maintenance Update, a supplement to the Oct. 13 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.
