ISBe added to Thomas school buses

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

It looks like Daimler Chrysler is extending its relationship with Cummins by introducing the new Common Rail ISB into its Thomas/Freightliner school bus manufacturer division.



http://www.cummins.com/na/pages/en/....cfm?uuid=00030ECE-5FDA-1FA6-980980C4A8F00000



I see a lot of discussion on the Diesel. stop about how Daimler/Chrysler will probably go to a MB diesel in the Ram because the are such superior engines. Heck if they are then why are they fooling around putting an ISB in a school bus? It's not like they're worried about Cummins' image among the school bus buying public. . . we're talking about school districts. It could be the Thomas buses already use B-series engines and therefore a logical step to go to the ISBe but nonetheless it seems D/C thinks Cummins diesels are worthwhile for more than us diesel pickup freaks



Vaughn

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

I looked at buying a 2003 Freightliner Thomas with the ISB for the contract that started this fall. The dealer had ordered ISB's ahead of time since they were not available in the 2003 model F/T. I kept my '99 F/T with 190hp ISB. Will hit 50,000 mi next week and have had absolutely no problems with it. 275 RV's will be installed soon in the quest for better fuel mileage. Currently getting 9. 5 mpg mainly rural stop and go driving, would like to come close to 11 mpg.



A fellow bus driver got a new 2003 F/T with the MB and so far likes it. I don't see how they could get as good fuel mileage as the ISB since it is a larger displacement. Time will tell.



Trent

 

[Ncostello]

Dl5Treez... you forgot American LaFrance... Diamlers very own American made line of fire apparatus that went under and was brought back to life by Freightliner. Lots of American heritage there now owned by somebody else. Oh well... at least there still here.