ALTHOUGH dealing with a subject of unlimited breadth, this paper touches on the primary guides for an operating engineer in the purchase of automotive equipment from a practical standpoint, treating only lightly the operating phase of the subject. Torques, engine displacements, ability factors, gross vehicle weights, and recommended practices, together with their relative relationship one to another, are discussed in detail, and also are shown in chart form as a ready guide for a prospective purchaser.
The economical fields of operation of four-wheel trucks, six-wheel trucks, and tractor semi-trailers, together with basic operating costs, acting as a further purchasing as well as operating guide, are brought out, the general conclusion being that each type of transportation under discussion has a definite economic field of operation and should be held definitely in its respective field as indicated advisable by operating surveys.