SELECTION OF VEHICLES FOR PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICE 600438

Motor vehicles for a public utility are WORK machines, not moving billboards and not even payload haulers. Simple, functional designs are favored, and multifunction design is urged. The midrange of trucks, 20-60 thousand gvw, has been designed for pavement operation, with many features completely unsuitable for public utility across field, across lots, and in rough-country construction and maintenance work. Better bottom protection of parts, components, and accessories is needed for PU, construction, mining, and export services. Engines and cooling systems should be designed for near-continuous stationary operation. Dual-engine trucks or auxiliary engines as stationary power source, are needed for wider range of performance and reasonable economy. More hp is needed in PU work. Manufacturer options are limited. 348 cu in. engines are available for sedans, but the same manufacturer offers a maximum optimum of only 283 cu in. engine for a 22,000# gvw truck. Flotation needs suggest more space for tires and a wider tire-size option. Torque bias and lock-type differentials are a must for PU trucks. Intermittent service and very long service life show up a need for corrosion protection in fittings, small parts, controls, and body-sheet metal. Fleet needs for standardization, to keep parts stocks, service tools, and training at a minimum and to improve safety with nonpro and changing drivers, strongly support standardization of panel and control arrangement, components, accessories, and even parts. An attached list of user gripes, suggestions, and photographs shows a need for seller attention and the market is not small.