Thinking about a 5500 with a Cummins and 6 speed. Have not been keeping up w/ all the things these engines have (such as particulate filter, DEF, EGR, etc.). How bad are they maintenance wise (my reference point is a 5.9 Cummins).

I know that it is not good to idle these trucks. How do they do when running a PTO for prolonged periods? The load would be around 40 hp. Also, would it be possible to relocate the exhaust to a vertical stack configuration? I would be concerned about all that heat building up under the truck while it is stationary.

 

Maintenance costs will be the same as a 5.9 with the addition of DEF fluid. No issue for a stack, can do what you want to the exhaust after the exhaust filters. Extended high idle time should be no issue, the 5500s are designed for this and use DEF and stationary regeneration to keep filters clean while idling.