Cat C7 ??

[RJNH]

What's the opinion of the Cat C7 engine?

I think the price is up the, yet how's the mechanical's on this bus?

Year Of Mfg 2004
Make FREIGHTLINER
Model THOMAS
Capacity 30/20
Engine C-7 CAT
Brakes Hyd
Miles 163,872
Price $12,000
Description 190 horsepower, non emissions engine, 25500 GVWR, 78 inch headroom, two roof hatches, four push out windows. LOTS of POWER!, Tinted glass, white roof! Very nice bus!

I'll also ask opinion on dealer. PM me if this is not allowed please.
2004 FREIGHTLINER THOMAS - USED BUS

[s2mikon]

It has hydraulic brakes. Run from it.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by RJNH

What's the opinion of the Cat C7 engine?

I think the price is up the, yet how's the mechanical's on this bus?

Year Of Mfg 2004
Make FREIGHTLINER
Model THOMAS
Capacity 30/20
Engine C-7 CAT
Brakes Hyd
Miles 163,872
Price $12,000
Description 190 horsepower, non emissions engine, 25500 GVWR, 78 inch headroom, two roof hatches, four push out windows. LOTS of POWER!, Tinted glass, white roof! Very nice bus!

I'll also ask opinion on dealer. PM me if this is not allowed please.
2004 FREIGHTLINER THOMAS - USED BUS

Price is high, even for a dealer, IMO. 190 hp isn't "LOTS" even in a shorty. Its adequate. a c7 is an emissions engine, just not DEF or DPF. It has egr.
C7 is one of the better emissions era engines if properly cared for. But that price, IDK if I'd wanna play the skoolie game if that's the entry fee.
You can get a better bus for less than that but that will require a lot of looking watching and waiting.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by s2mikon

It has hydraulic brakes. Run from it.

not a big fan of those myself, although the 98 Amtran with hydro brakes I used to own had the best stopping action of any bus I've owned.

[RJNH]

Thanks folks!

I have to ask.. Why run from hydro brakes? My pickup has fluid (hence hydro) pressure. Please explain a bit if you would...Figure I'm not understanding something here..

[s2mikon]

Juice brakes are really good on lighter vehicles used in light service, but as the vehicles become heavier air brakes are more reliable and more economical to repair and maintain. Air brakes do not deteriorate and decay as fast as juice brakes in vehicles that are left parked for long periods. They are being pushed by manufactures to get around air brake endorsements on licensing for bus fleets in order to attract drivers that don't have a clue about how brakes work. Most bus fleet buyers have never driven a bus much less repaired one. That is why most bus yard parking lots are full of bad decisions. If it has the Wabco/ZF SAHR system parts can get into the thousands to repair. I should also add that as the vehicle gross weight goes up the price of parts ti repair goes up exponentially. Do you really want to put all of that hard work and money into something will be a headache later?

[cadillackid]

I love the juice brakes on my shorty bus.. the little 6 window Bluebird.. those anti-lock disc brakes are wonderful..



on my heavier busses.. the DEV bus and the long Superior.. the air brakes are far superior.. whiole drums will fade if they get too hot.. i find there is much more mass to the drums of air brakles than there are to the rotors of juice brakes.. so in a heavy bus during a quick stop situation.. air brakes all the way..



in a shorter bus.. Juice disc brakes all the way

[RJNH]

Good info and thank you for that.

I take your experience and knowledge of air vs. fluid. To me, not knowing, I see as much possible loss in either. Since I'm dealing short bus, I think I'm seeing it does matter as much.