Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/328674
FIRST CLASS 13 Meisel's Peterbilt purchase included about 150 trucks. Model 337s made up the bulk of the order, and he's put them to work as a "bucket truck" which serves as a base for a manlift typically used in servicing overhead wires. PG&E's Model 337s are powered by PACCAR PX-6 and PX-8 engines, with Selective Catalytic Re- duction Aftertreatment Systems for meeting 2010 federal emissions standards. Meisel says he's satisfied with the performance of the SCR systems and pleased that PG&E has been a leader in advancing the environmental technology. Meisel also ordered Peterbilt Model 365s, in two-axle configurations equipped with both 10 and 12-yard dump boxes. Beside moving material to and from con- struction sites, these vehicles are expected to tow a flatbed trailer bearing con- struction equipment. "People and equipment have one thing in common around here," says Meisel. "They're built — or trained — to perform very specific tasks." Positive feedback Although variables in haul, workload and idling make monitoring fuel ef- ficiency a challenge, Meisel said he's been able to make some broad com- parisons and has seen positive results since integrating Peterbilts into the fleet. He's also very satisfied with the feedback he's getting from those running the trucks. "Our operators give us feedback on a lot of things, good and bad," he says. "They've never been shy about it. The feedback they give us on the Peterbilts has been fabulous. The 'creature comforts' are first class. Our bucket trucks have to get into a lot of tight spaces in cit- ies, and the maneuverability of the Model 337s helps us get it done. When you consider the functionality of these trucks, we've hit a home run." That functionality has been a partial result of Meisel working closely with engineers, both in Denton and at the PACCAR Technical Center in Mt. Vernon, Wash., to develop specs that meet Meisel's needs. "We've taken the Peterbilt team issues and they've given us solutions," he says. and Peterbilts recently made their debut in the PG&E fleet, starting with Model 365s and Model 337s. Each are designed to perform specific tasks for the California utility.