Underdog

I have seen them here and there over the past 25 years, don't know much about them. For that price, I would be willing to try them. For years I insisted on premium steer tires (Bridgestone, Michelin, Continental) and paid a premium for them. The last two sets were Yokohama and my current set of Toyo. The Yokohamas gave better service than all others at around $150 less per tire. So far I am liking the Toyos but only 30,000 miles too early to tell.

I have used Lucas in the crankcase of the CX almost since the beginning. Last summer upped the dose to 2 gallons only because oil pressure is starting to drop. Did the rods & mains at 650,000 now getting close to overhaul time at 1,170,000. I tried a different additive (MOTORKOTE) a while back, ran it for a week with low oil pressure and sporadic engine brake, got home and drained out 2 gallons & topped off with Lucas, back to normal. I buy Lucas by the case from a jobber at a good discount, no need to pay truckstop price. I run Lucas hub oil in the steers and trailer, no issues ever with seals or bearings. Trans and rears get a gallon of Lucas each change, all 3 gears original never been touched. I was using the fuel additive for added lubricity,(more important now with ULSD) but switched to HOWE's only due to cost. If you do the math for the recommended dosage, Howe's is much cheaper with the same results. Howe's also gives the cold weather protection, where Lucas does not. No need to seasonally change my formula.

HatCity was right... Just cleaned up my mess...That is an AWESOME F model! Very rare to be sure. Some basic cab and engine parts may interchange, but that is a totally different beast compared to a highway truck. My little F's look like toys next to that one. That's right I said F's (plural). Brought another one home Saturday...Stay tuned. Gregg

Thank You to Other Dog for the hot sauce, and a good laugh besides. The package arrived while I was away, and Sweet Polly text messaged to inform me. Frankly, I had forgotten about it, and was not expecting any deliveries. Polly did not recognize the return address, but as soon as she told me I knew what it was and from who. So I playfully told her to go ahead and open it, but "be careful and stand back. You know I have enemies." Nervously obedient, Polly peeled open the box to reveal a plain brown bottle with a taped up lid. "Perhaps it's a mail bomb", I offered. I let her go on for a bit but then had to tell her the truth, or else my tasty but harmless condiment would have been smashed in the woods across the road! Classic set-up, Tom. Thanks again. Looking forward to sampling your wares. Gregg

Pictures! Pictures! F8956SX I must have pictures! Oh, and Hello, welcome to the forum. We can be a bit demanding but also mostly harmless. Put out some info about your truck and I am sure there will be many to dive in and help. Gregg

Some times I think maybe I don't bitch enough, as I see the a**hole crybabies get taken care of pretty well as you say. The company knows the more "challenging" runs are best left to the more professional operators. I enjoy a good challenge, but GEEZ, throw me a bone once in a while! Gregg

Aint really any BIG ROAD that goes to Rosiclare, now is there, Rowdy LOL. Seriously, I ain't skeered to get off the interstate, I try to pick the straightest line from point A to B and go for it. Well you prolly won't see me this week I am going the other way, starting out Monday AM in Massatooshits so wish me luck!

When considering cost of the job, you also must consider the cost of NOT doing anything to fix this problem. Think of the cost of downtime, towing, legal liability and you still have to fix it after a major failure. Not to mention any injury or property damage. If you are not confident in your ability to do this yourself, you must bite the bullet and get the rails replaced professionally. I know it will be expensive, but if it were my truck it would be going to TransEdge Mack in Allentown, PA. The job will be done right and minimize downtime in order to get back to work ASAP to pay for it. If you sell the truck, you must be honest and forthcoming with any buyer. If not, you are just as bad as the guy that sold it to you. You will probably lose money trying to sell it as is, so IMHO your money is best put to use fixing it the right way. Gregg

I went snowboarding Friday. I was using my daughter's sled as a creeper in the driveway to grease the truck. Great fun but alas, no pictures... Gregg

Good employees are difficult to hire, and retain. I've been there and done that. Heartbreaking to realize how many people don't want to work but certainly expect a fat paycheck. Rob Seems like we could find some middle ground. The larger a company gets, the corporate "heads" seem to forget how to appreciate good employees. As the GEICO man says: "A BIRD IN HAND REALLY IS WORTH TWO IN THE BUSH." And money isn't everything. A bit of respect and appreciation are fantastic motivational tools. Gregg

Speaking of work on Sunday... I have 4 tires to change on the trailer today. 2 on the rear axle are starting to resemble my bald head. I got my C-service done and fixed some lights on Friday when I got home, yesterday was a washout here with sleet & rain all day. Today looks more conducive to working outside. Setting myself up for another "trouble-free" week. PAGE Transportation should have 50 more dedicated operators like me... Gregg

You hit on something, there Gambi. I own my trailer so I am able to maintain it as I see fit. This way I can minimize surprises out on the road. My company pays contractors the same rate your trailer or ours, then charges back trailer rent ( $275 a week!) for pulling their junk. At least I don't have to chase after them to fix the trailer or go out of route to their shop for repairs. I am out generating revenue Monday to Friday and I see company equipment in the shop missing loads losing money. Very rare that I call in with a breakdown or a missed load during the week. My only gripe is that the company should show a little more appreciation for us "trouble -free" operators. Gregg

My dispatch used to be "cool" but as the company gets bigger, it seems that the "corporate" attitude has taken hold in a big way. Rowdy you prolly see our trucks in your neck o' the woods cuz we are BIG and BAD and NATIONWIDE according to the owners. (PAGE TRANSPORTATION out of Weedsport, NY. There is a terminal in Marine, IL. I am dispatched out of the NY office, but I have been known to tour southern IL in and out of exotic places like Mounds and Rosiclare, western KY and Cape Girardeau, MO. I am glad that the company is strong and has lots of freight to offer, but I feel like "Secret Agent Man" they have given me a number and taken away my name. Gregg

And all your dispatcher wants to know WTF took so long. Not even a pat on the back for a job well done. Gregg

Name: Mack CX613 Vision (2000) Date Added: 13 September 2008 - 04:27 AM Owner: Underdog Short Description: Bought this truck new in August 2000. It had 800 miles on it being driven up from the plant in SC. As of August 2008 this truck has over 900,000 miles all put on by me. Trailer is 2008 MAC end dump. View Vehicle

Sounds like a cry for help... poor fellow works for Rob, and has developed an itch. In any event, welcome to the forums, Jamie. Gregg

I see some folks go out to local motels to stay then return to the show. Best to make reservations in advance for that. There is also camping space available at Macungie if you are self-contained. Most with sleepers just stay in the their trucks, as I do. 2010 was the first year I was able to get to Macungie on Friday. The ATCA picnic and fellowship made it definitely worthwhile! There are also food vendors at Macungie & Lititz open for breakfast and that all important morning coffee!

Southbound, I am not too far away in eastern PA if you want to take a Sunday ride! Always happy to show off my F model and talk trucks with friends old & new. I am at Macungie & Lititz PA shows every year too. I don't want to give out too many details until it happens, but I am trying to "adopt" another F model as well... Gregg

I could prolly cut my tare weight 1/2 ton if I take out my tools & spare parts...What DON'T I carry with me? Gregg

I have always kept a photo of the current president on my desk. However, in 2008 I resurrected my picture of Ronald Reagan to put on display. So far, our current President has given me no reason to alter my decor. Gregg

Thank You, Dave. Well said. I would consider you to be somewhat of an authority on the subject. The brand name is too valuable to be eliminated. If not for Volvo's R & D and financial strength, the name would be gone already. Like it or not guys, the steps we have seen toward integrated products are necessary to be competitive in the global economy of the 21st century. Gregg

Rob, It is tough to efficiently avoid all the tolls when travelling to New England. I also try to minimize tolls. My best route from Canton, OH would be as follows: I-76 east from Akron to I-80 east into PA. to I-81 north into Scranton, PA. then I-84 into NY, thru CT into Massachusetts. I-84 ends at the Mass. Turnpike, go east 10 miles on the Pike then exit and go east on I-290 through Worcester to I-495 north. From there you can take route 3 north into Manchester (toll) or I-93 (a few extra miles but no toll). This route also minimizes city traffic and DOT scrutiny, although I do hear that Connecticut truck enforcement is getting a bit frisky. I haven't been up there recently to know. Greg is right to say the "not for hire" signs should save you any harassment. Tell them you are from AMERICAN PICKERS pursuing your hobby... If you want the NYC experience on the way home, you could take I-95 across the George Washington Bridge to I-80 west. That will put you right past Bangor, PA. where you are always welcome to stop for a spell. Gregg

Here is the new plow truck in my town, Upper Mt. Bethel Township, PA. I didn't see a referendum on the ballot for a stainless visor, but it looks good anyway.

I am glad this topic came up... As most of you know I lost my turbo a couple weeks ago. The old Schwitzer just gave up after one million miles. In its place I am totally not satisfied with the #5173AMX Borg Warner $2400.00 P.O.S. Mack sold me. Fuel mileage down, power down, and noises like I never heard before! I guess I will be calling Antrim. Gregg

Sorry to say John, I traded the MH at Allentown Mack in 9/2000 and it went overseas to Africa from there. Long gone. If it was still around it would be back in my driveway by now. I do believe the twin to it (one serial# off) is still in use around Schuylkill County, PA. I have seen that one in at Blue Mt. Mack several times over the years for service. Gregg