While I spend my years in the automotive engineering sector, I
went into many types of vehicles. However the one that would most
likely accompany me longest are buses.
I'd like to comment that buses are actually the most sophisticated
vehicles I've ever managed. Of course, there'd be definately some
that people prefers some that people do not.
My personal favourite is the Mercedes Benz. Way back in the days
when I was still in the military, I have always prefered Mercedes
Benz over Landrover in the light chassis category. Even in the
medium chassis category, the Mercedes Benz Unimog is aways my
choice over FIAT or IVECO. Now in the bus business, Mercedes Benz
O405 is still my favourite over Volvo and Leylands. I'd anytime
prefer a Mercedes over any Volvo or Leyland. Even when I was
purchasing a car recently, I did think of the Mercedes Benz A class
1.7L but got a Peugeot instead due to price.
The reason is because:
(1) Mercedes Benz is very simple & straight forward to
understand. Therefore making maintenance easy and fast. And
therefore helps to put buses on the road earlier. And you all have
to wait lesser. Complicated parts doesn't necessary mean higher
technology. Being simple yet gives the same outcome is the true
high technology.
(2) Operates on mostly separate entities. Unlike Volvo which links
almost everything together. If my steering is heavy, it can be due
to anything from gearbox to cooling system.
(3) Cheap if you know how to buy the parts. And plenty of room for
technical modifications to suit different usage.
(4) Light and powerful. The engine does not require a turbo to
operate the vehicle to give magnificent performance. Do not always
think turbo charged is good. If you are knowledgable enough, you'll
appreciate superchargers or those non power charged engines yet
giving comparable performance standards.
(5) Finally, a hot favourite amongst SL Depot BC.
Of course there're always strong competitors. One I've heard of is
Scania. The performance and technology particularly lifespan is
lengendary as I've heard mainly good feedbacks from other depots.
But if in future, SBST decides to buy any of them to use as
replacement for single decks, doesn't mean that bus is better.
However, as technical personnel, I have to concede that whatever
the company buys regardless it's a good or bad decision, I must
always tell the company I will maintain it.
Also, despite having 1st hand experience and knowledge eagerly
contributed by suppliers in exchange for businesses from the
company, I still think that I do not know too much to learn more. I
maintain a fleet of 400 over buses of several makes, trained in
both technical and theoretical aspects, pioneers & design
several technical projects, leads a engineering component overhaul
section, fight several technical wars internal and external
inclusive of warranty claims, be part of the management on both
technical and financial aspects of an actual workshop, I still feel
that I'm still green to be able to start firing at anyone in a
forum who's even greener.
I urger you all who're really interested into engineering to pick
up an engineering diploma/degree and join this industry. Make your
voice heard. Be the one to make decisions instead of suggestions.
Make this your full time job. Fuelled with passion & driven by
knowledge, you'll surely contribute tremendously to the
industry.
