Honest Opinion

[truck713]

I am helping with a build of a new brush truck for my fire company. I have done some research between the big 3 and compared them and it seems like the ford is the best option. I compaired all the trucks in the 1 ton model range. My problem is that I my self LOVE ford trucks and most of the guys on the commitie are chevy fans. So what I need is a little more help proving that the ford super duty is the best option. Since I dont have a 6.7 I want your honest input on wheather they are the best or not.

For thoes that dont know what a brush truck is look at this link to get an idea.
Brush trucks that extinguish the fires...and our competition!

[Mikey's250]

Cant help you with your decision but that brush truck is bad a$%

[colo_dually]

I would agrue that first based on Chevy's having an IFS. Which is prone to breakages when used on an off-road application. The Ford solid front axle, and its heavier capacity when equiped, would be a much better platform for your application.

In my opinion, the new 6R140 is a much better transmission than Chevy's as well. Keep us posted on what they end up with.

[2003kingranch]

the 6.7 seems like its been a good motor so far. so i say go for a 6.7. on a side note a 2011 would look bad a$$ as a brush truck

[truck713]

@mikey, i have spent 2 hrs on the phone with the owner of that company and the cool thing with them is they will ONLY build on a ford chassis. The dvds they sent me for them were crazy as well

@colo, thats some good info about the trans. I never thought of that.

[truck713]

@ kingranch, heres the only pic I can find of a 2011 from this company.
Brush truck media

Do any of the other 2 companies offer a pto?

[colo_dually]

Originally Posted by truck713

@mikey, i have spent 2 hrs on the phone with the owner of that company and the cool thing with them is they will ONLY build on a ford chassis. The dvds they sent me for them were crazy as well

@colo, thats some good info about the trans. I never thought of that.

Yeah, both have the select-shifting now, but the Ford has the better ratios for the weight of that truck. Particularly, since the brush truck needs to be capable off-road.
The following are the gears between the two transmissions
Gear - Ford - Chevy
1st - 3.97 - 3.10
2nd - 2.32 - 1.81
3rd - 1.52 - 1.41
4th - 1.15 - 1.00
5th - 0.86 - 0.71
6th - 0.67 - 0.61

[truck713]

@colo, Ok im an idiot. what the hell do thoes numbers mean?

[colo_dually]

Those are the gear ratios, sorry.

[truck713]

ok, so basicaly with thoes ratios are good for off road lugging ability