|
NC Kansas | Use them everyday I work. Main reason is that Ford has an "Ambulance Prep package" that none of the others do. Bigger radiator, a little heavier springs, high idle kit and dual alternators. Doing that Ford allows the warranty to be used as an ambulance till 36 months or 36,000 miles. The other manufacturers allow them to be used as ambulances, but can use the "it's an ambulance, the warranty is void" line if they like. All of the ambulance manf. like the commonality the Fords have. Now for the problems: Dual alternators are OK, but, puts more strain on the water pump so we have a few water pump failures. And power steering pumps, being on the same belt, the same problem. The engine itself is great. Ours are all 7.3's and do a very strict preventive maintenance program. Our budget allowed no new truck with a 6.0 and got a used 7.3 from another service that needed quite a bit of work.
If it were me buying the units, I would look real hard at a Freightliner or IH chassis, an inline 6 diesel, auto, air ride,etc. These Fords are fairly hard on tires cause they're maxed on weight most of the time and the springs give out fairly quick also. The ride is bad at best. Course here at the station, I'm the only one used to something bigger than a pick-up.
Our's are "new" by most standards. One has 50,000; two have 100,000 and another with 145,000. The one with 50,000 is a 2000 and really should be yellow. Seems like it always has a problem.
I'll add that the local Agco dealer does our maintenance and repair work and give us 150% all of the time. Doesn't bother them to stay an hour late to get us back in business. Getting parts is a tougher issue than getting the work done.
Edited by shade 6/19/2007 18:28
| |
|
For all you guys whining about Powerstroke diesels
