[AT] Statistics In Tractor Manufacturing

[James Peck]

Where do you get the information that an engine failure at 8000 hours is common with that engine. How does that square with the statement that tractors with that engine have gone 14000 hours without failure.

[Cecil Bearden] From my investigation and experience, I think the tractor was originally sold to a county and used mainly for mowing roadsides or it was used by a contractor mowing highway roadsides for the state.  The state now mows the roadsides again as the contractors could not make enough money doing it.  It was a boondoggle by a former governor who thought he could streamline the ODOT.   They sold all their mowing tractors retired a bunch of mechanics and now 25 years later they are back to mowing.  At 2500 hours on the meter it had a failure that usually happened with that engine at 8000 hours.   Several of these tractors have been in service in the UK with over 14000 hours on them and no major repairs.

The OKla DOT specifies a single axle IHC dump truck that is their main utility vehicle.   It has a 4 yd bed with a 5 speed trans and a 2spd 30K +/- axle geared for 60mph top speed.  Then use a DT360 diesel engine. Most would spec the DT466 engine, but with the DT360 and the low gearing the truck will last over 600000 miles in severe service.  I have loaded 7 yds of shale on mine and hauled it for short distances.