I like it!
But...we had a 3-53 in an articulated 4x4 forklift in Hawaii. The machine might have been called an RT-4000. Or maybe the RT-4000 was the better machine that replaced it. Over 30 years ago, so my memory isn't clear. It was in the gun park at Kaneohe Bay and we used it to move guns around--to the wash rack or into the maintenance bay. The engineers owned it but let us use it. It had a roots blower, because it needed it. I think it read 105hp on the plate. It wasn't a strong engine. Not crisp. It had to wind up to get the load moving. And it was loud as hell. I never liked it. The machine that replaced it had a 4-stroke diesel and the rear tires turned--it wasn't articulated. That second machine was a much better object. Much better engine--very precise throttle, no waiting for power. And the steering was better as well..less relevant to this thread.
I love those 2-stroke diesels, but not when I have to actually use it. The 8 and 12 cylinder motors have a great soundtrack. Over 20 years ago when Columbus, Indiana had a single small Walmart (we have 2 big ones in different places now) on National Road, I was standing in the parking lot and a logging truck took off from a light. That's the best sounding machine I have ever heard in my life. My dad drove a 318, which you know is an 8V71. The Marine Corps had the LVS when I was in, maybe it's still around. It used the same engine I think, but more powerful. I've heard those a lot. But this logging truck had to be a 12 cylinder Detroit. It was the thickest engine sound I've ever heard. No mufflers. Ripping through gears. The driver is hearing the echo off of buildings and maximizing it. Doing it on purpose. I have a Harley with straight pipes and I do the same thing. But nothing sounds like a truck with a 12 cylinder Detroit pulling 50,000 of logs from a stop. Front end of the truck twisting a tire almost into the air pulling gears. Never forget that.
Go for it. I think you will hate it, but I want to see it.
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