Starting to think about upgrade to the tow rig. Mainly haul smaller equipment (4 tons or less) around but looking to maybe add a 7 ton mid size excavator. Came across an FL 70 which is on my list to consider. It has the mercedes benz in it. Anyone run one of these power plants? Fuel economy isn't a huge concern as I would not be putting on a ton of miles but reliability is the priority. There is also an international with the DT and a spicer tranny that looks promissing Both trucks have hydraulic brakes. The FL has only about 60k miles on it and the int. about 130k. Thanks.
I personally would go with the 466 without question. Parts are cheap and readily available. That alone would be a big selling point.
DT 466 was a fantastic engine until Navistar added the current level of emissions equipment. If you can find one that is older than say 2010, it's a no brainer. Those Mercedes make a lot of power, so they will spec better than the IH, but the reliability is another story all together.
i would run away from anything with a mbe in it
My vote goes to the 466. Super reliable, cheap parts, and easy to work on
A freightliner with a Mercedes? I'd rather walk, truthfully you might end up walking either way. I'd go or the IH with the 466 as long as it isn't a late model with the emissions equipment on it.
It could be worse. Like a Sterling with a Mercedes. Or anything with a MaxForce...
There's definitely worse, but there's sure a lot better out there.