Biglorryblog's thanks go to Bob Tuck I'm reminded that in the latest edition of Truck & Driver readers are asked nominate their Top 5 Trucks in a competition being launched in the aforementioned issue. "Well," says Bob, "To get the ball rolling, why don't we ask for nominations of your blog reader's Top Truck?" Not a bad idea either BT.
"And while my mind is full of all sorts of nominations," says Bob, "I reckon the Peterbilt 379 (a couple of tasty images attached) must be my top of the tops numero uno. It's hard not to nominate a Brit for such an accolade but obviously they'll take up the next four slots in my top five which would read Scammell Contractor; Leyland Marathon; AEC Mammoth Major and ERF KV. What a teaser of a tester to bring the New Year in. Happy 2009! Bob."
Well not a bad idea at that. So here's what we'll do. Send Biglorryblog your nominations for your all-time top trucks AND a picture of your all-time number 1 which heads up that list. I'll forward each response to T&D editor Will Shiers for his poll and also post up the pictues of everyone's top truck and have a grand final/shoot-out on BLB too....so what are you waiting for? In the meantime click through here for one of BLB's all-time favourites....
Yes the high-roof Steyr....but is it my number one? You'll have to wait and see. Meanwhile, get cracking with those nominations and number 1 pictures!
Sorry Brian had to smile when I saw the Steyr image in close proximity to your suggestion it could be a top truck.
In days of old when I regularly wrote the Truck in Service feature for Truck magazine (interview three different operators of the same truck and ask how they stood up in service) I recall doing this sort of Steyr. I laugh because one of the complaints from a big Scottish user (red & white bulk artic tippers - can't recall their name, Stirling perhaps) was that they wouldn't start in the bad winter conditions as it was too easy for snow to got into their air intakes. And this was a motor built in the snowy country of Austria.
At least you gave me a big smile to end the year with. Happy Days - cheers again.
happy new year all.it's difficult for me to pick just five favourite trucks.but here goes.
1. aec mandator mk5
2.volvo f88.
3.volvo f16 globetrotter.
4.peterbilt 359.
5. atkinson borderer.
Thats rubbish about the Steyr not starting in cold weather I drove a steyr all over europe in all weathers including Austria, the Swiss alps the lot, Scots really dont know bad weather.
Regards Johno
Best ever Top truck? Sorry to come out with the same boring old views but the AEC Mammoth Major Mk.III must surely be a contender for this accolade. Remember it came on the market way back in 1948 and for its time it was a powerful machine with full air brakes, albeit very basic. Nearly all the leading hauliers and own account fleets ran them at one time or another. They were also successful on the export market. A lot of drivers might have criticised them but (maybe I have strange tastes?) I thought they had and excellent driving position. Sixty years on you can't compare them to a modern wagon and I've no doubt a Mk.III wouldn't cope with today's intensive use (especially if geared up to maintain 90kph!) but in their day they were hard to beat.
Bob
I seem to remember that article. The firm, I believe, was Stirlings at Linwood, Nr Paisley. They had a number of those Steyr's, usually hauling animal feed.
Happy New Year
Alex
It looks as if AECs are getting the nod here so far, and I'd have to agree, but I'll nominate the Mk V rather than the Mk III. I drove Mk III, tin-front and Mk V tractor units (prime movers) here in NZ, all in Mandator and Mammoth Major form, and my opinion at the time was that the Mk V Mandator was then the best truck on the road; it had a better ride than the Mammoth Major or Minor.
Of course it wouldn't keep up with what we are driving now, but in its time, it was the best! Even Atkinson and Foden fans, and I am one, would say, if they were honest, that they would prefer to spend a whole day in an AEC Mk V than one of the other two.
My Aussie Top 5:
5. Mercedes Axor 1833 (16 speed Telligent tranny)
4. Freightliner Columbia CL112 (MBE4000)
3. Sterling HX9500 (MBE4000/S60/C15 ACERT)
2. Kenworth C508
And my favourite all time truck:
1. Peterbilt 379 (Kent Collision and Kustom coversion LHD - RHD... see http://www.amtruk.com.au/page1.htm for more information!)
Well here is one Atki fan who would not agree. Give me a 3800 or 4870 Atkinson any day.
Pete,
There is a nice 3800 Atki in Dubbo with a "Sludge Pump" Detroit under the cab! I will email you a pic of the truck if I see it stationary!
Joe
Hi Pete, even though I don't really know your driving history, I can say with absolute certainty that you've never driven an AEC Mk V. How do I know that? Because if you had, you couldn't possibly think any sort of Atki was better to drive! Happy New Year.
With out getting to specific,I reckon a @ stroke Detriot (just call me victa),and a bonnet (preferably long),are 2 ingrdients to a good start.
1) Bonneted FBW L40 circa 1958. Elegant, refined, smooth as silk, exquisite! The best ever.
2) Ford CL9000 cabover. Air-suspended cab, Cummins BC 350, Fuller RT-9515 and big sleeper. Not bad for the 1970s.
3) Sisu SR bonneted tipper. 470 Cummins, Fuller RT 12515, Sisu hub reduction drive axle in tri-axle Finn-bogie. Tight, rattle-free powerful and manoevrable. A real eye-opener.
4) Hayes HDX off-road logger. Only driven empty in the yard but an unforgetable experience just the same.
5) Volvo FH16 logger. How much farther can truck development go?