2012 Crane Carrier Co Low Entry Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs
The 2012 Crane Carrier Co. (CCC) Low Entry is a specialized heavy-duty commercial chassis, primarily designed for vocational applications like refuse collection and municipal services. Its distinctive cab-over-engine, low-entry body style allows for easy ingress and egress, a critical feature for operators making frequent stops. Produced as part of CCC's robust lineup, it stands out for its durability and driver-centric design, popular among fleets valuing operational efficiency and crew comfort.
The Good
Key advantages include the practical low-entry design, significantly reducing driver fatigue over countless stops, and its robust commercial-grade reliability built for demanding conditions. Its high-torque performance is ideal for heavy loads, offering excellent operational value. The specialized design provides superior visibility and maneuverability, appealing to operators emotionally with comfort and practically with uptime.
The Bad
Potential weaknesses include significantly lower fuel economy compared to consumer vehicles, the need for specialized parts and maintenance, and a generally higher cost of ownership. Operators should also be mindful of the emissions systems, which can be complex and costly to maintain, and the large turning radius inherent to heavy-duty trucks despite the cab design.
2012 Crane Carrier Co Low Entry: Quick Overview
- Engine Options: The 2012 Crane Carrier Co. Low Entry typically offered a range of heavy-duty diesel engines from manufacturers like Cummins (e.g., ISL, ISX) or Detroit Diesel. These engines are chosen for their reliability and high torque output, crucial for vocational applications.
- Horsepower: Horsepower figures generally ranged from approximately 260 to over 370 horsepower, depending on the specific engine and its tuning. The emphasis is less on peak horsepower and more on sustained torque for pulling heavy loads and operating auxiliary equipment.
- Fuel Economy: Fuel economy is relatively low, typically in the range of 3-7 miles per gallon (MPG), heavily dependent on the application, load, and stop-and-go driving cycles inherent to refuse or municipal work. These vehicles are not designed for fuel efficiency in the consumer sense.
- 0-60 Times: 0-60 mph acceleration times are not a relevant performance metric for this type of heavy-duty vocational chassis. These vehicles prioritize brute strength and sustained power for operation rather than rapid acceleration, with times likely exceeding 30-45 seconds, if measurable.
- Towing Capacity: While not "towing capacity" in the traditional light-duty sense, these vehicles boast impressive Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR). GVWR can range from 33,000 lbs to over 70,000 lbs, accommodating massive payloads and vocational bodies like refuse compactors or concrete mixers. Actual "towing" would be for specialized trailers, but their primary role is carrying and operating heavy loads.
- Trim-Level Features: "Trim levels" for the CCC Low Entry are more accurately described as chassis configurations and available options tailored to specific vocational needs. These include:
- Axle Configurations: Various axle configurations (e.g., 6x4, 4x2), different axle ratings, and tandem axle options for increased load capacity.
- Wheelbase Options: Multiple wheelbase lengths to accommodate different vocational body types.
- Transmission Options: Typically offered with heavy-duty automatic transmissions (e.g., Allison 3000 or 4000 series) known for durability in stop-and-go applications.
- PTO (Power Take-Off) Capabilities: Integrated PTO systems to power hydraulic pumps for vocational equipment (e.g., refuse compactors, cranes, plows).
- Cab Features: While basic compared to passenger vehicles, features include air-ride seats, air conditioning, AM/FM radio, robust heating systems, and comprehensive gauge clusters.
- Brake Systems: Full air brake systems with ABS for reliable stopping power.
- Visibility Enhancements: Large windshields, multiple mirrors, and often provisions for backup cameras to aid in tight operational environments.
- Suspension: Heavy-duty leaf spring or air-ride suspensions designed for comfort under load and harsh conditions.
2012 Crane Carrier Co Low Entry Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2012 |
| Make | Crane Carrier Co |
| Model | Low Entry |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Truck |
| Category | Heavy Truck |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United States |
| Manufacturing City | TULSA |
Dimensions
| Doors | - |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | 33001 pounds |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 8.3L I6 |
| Engine Size | 8.3L |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | - |
| Transmission Type | - |
| Transmission Speeds | - |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
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What Problems Does the 2012 Crane Carrier Co Low Entry Have?
The 2012 Crane Carrier Co. Low Entry, like many heavy-duty vocational trucks, is built for durability but isn't immune to problems, particularly due to the strenuous nature of its work. Frequently reported problems often revolve around the complex emissions systems mandated for this era. Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems can be prone to clogging, sensor failures, and issues with Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) quality or injectors, leading to costly repairs and downtime. Engine-related issues, while less common on the core engine, can arise from auxiliary components or persistent hard usage.
Transmission problems, especially with automatic units under constant stop-and-go conditions, can include shifting irregularities, overheating, or component wear requiring rebuilds. Air brake system components, such as air lines, valves, and compressors, are also subject to wear and occasional leaks, demanding regular inspection and maintenance. Electrical issues, ranging from sensor failures to wiring harness problems in a harsh operating environment, can also be a nuisance.
Regarding recalls, commercial vehicles are subject to various safety and component recalls issued by manufacturers or the NHTSA. These can cover anything from steering components, brake system parts, specific engine or transmission modules, to lighting and visibility issues. Owners should always check the NHTSA database using their VIN for any outstanding recalls. As for long-term reliability concerns, constant heavy loads and exposure to the elements (e.g., road salt for municipal vehicles) can lead to frame fatigue, corrosion, and accelerated wear on suspension components, steering linkages, and vocational equipment mounts. Diligent preventative maintenance is paramount to mitigating these long-term issues and ensuring a robust service life.
Transmission problems, especially with automatic units under constant stop-and-go conditions, can include shifting irregularities, overheating, or component wear requiring rebuilds. Air brake system components, such as air lines, valves, and compressors, are also subject to wear and occasional leaks, demanding regular inspection and maintenance. Electrical issues, ranging from sensor failures to wiring harness problems in a harsh operating environment, can also be a nuisance.
Regarding recalls, commercial vehicles are subject to various safety and component recalls issued by manufacturers or the NHTSA. These can cover anything from steering components, brake system parts, specific engine or transmission modules, to lighting and visibility issues. Owners should always check the NHTSA database using their VIN for any outstanding recalls. As for long-term reliability concerns, constant heavy loads and exposure to the elements (e.g., road salt for municipal vehicles) can lead to frame fatigue, corrosion, and accelerated wear on suspension components, steering linkages, and vocational equipment mounts. Diligent preventative maintenance is paramount to mitigating these long-term issues and ensuring a robust service life.
How long will the 2012 Crane Carrier Co Low Entry last?
The 2012 Crane Carrier Co. Low Entry is designed for exceptionally long service life in demanding environments. With diligent maintenance, these vehicles routinely achieve average mileage well into the hundreds of thousands, often exceeding 300,000 to 500,000 miles, and can remain in service for 10 to 20 years or more within municipal or private fleets. Their long-term durability is a hallmark, attributed to robust chassis and heavy-duty components. However, weaknesses over time typically include accelerated wear on suspension bushings and steering components due to constant heavy loads, corrosion of the frame and body in harsh climates, and eventual overhaul needs for major components like engines and transmissions, particularly emissions systems components. Regular preventative maintenance is critical to achieving and extending these service lives.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
The 2012 Crane Carrier Co. Low Entry, as a commercial vocational vehicle, focuses on functional technology and robust safety rather than consumer-grade entertainment or advanced driver-assistance systems. Built-in tech is typically utilitarian, encompassing basic instrumentation, such as analog gauges for speed, RPMs, air pressure, and fluid levels, alongside digital displays for odometer and diagnostic information. Entertainment is basic, usually an AM/FM radio, sometimes with a CD player, and perhaps an auxiliary input. Connectivity beyond standard commercial fleet telematics systems is minimal.
Driver-assistance features are primarily mechanical or foundational to heavy-duty vehicle operation. This includes full air brake systems with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for improved stopping power and control, and often Traction Control Systems (TCS) to prevent wheel spin. Some models might have offered optional basic telematics for fleet management, GPS, and engine diagnostics. More advanced features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, or automatic emergency braking were generally not available for this class of vehicle in 2012.
Safety features prioritize operator visibility, robust chassis integrity, and basic occupant protection. The low-entry cab design inherently provides excellent forward and side visibility. Large mirrors, often heated and power-adjustable, are standard. The robust steel cab construction offers passive safety. For vocational operations, safety interlocks often prevent accidental operation of equipment (e.g., compactors) when not safe. Crash-test ratings, as understood for passenger vehicles (e.g., NHTSA or IIHS ratings), are not applicable or performed for heavy commercial vocational trucks of this type. Safety is assessed through adherence to commercial vehicle safety standards, robust component design, and operational procedures.
Driver-assistance features are primarily mechanical or foundational to heavy-duty vehicle operation. This includes full air brake systems with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for improved stopping power and control, and often Traction Control Systems (TCS) to prevent wheel spin. Some models might have offered optional basic telematics for fleet management, GPS, and engine diagnostics. More advanced features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, or automatic emergency braking were generally not available for this class of vehicle in 2012.
Safety features prioritize operator visibility, robust chassis integrity, and basic occupant protection. The low-entry cab design inherently provides excellent forward and side visibility. Large mirrors, often heated and power-adjustable, are standard. The robust steel cab construction offers passive safety. For vocational operations, safety interlocks often prevent accidental operation of equipment (e.g., compactors) when not safe. Crash-test ratings, as understood for passenger vehicles (e.g., NHTSA or IIHS ratings), are not applicable or performed for heavy commercial vocational trucks of this type. Safety is assessed through adherence to commercial vehicle safety standards, robust component design, and operational procedures.
What Colors Options are Available?
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2012 Crane Carrier Co Low Entry Prices and Market Value
When new, a 2012 Crane Carrier Co. Low Entry chassis alone would have commanded a price range of approximately $120,000 to $200,000, significantly increasing to $250,000 to $400,000+ once specialized vocational bodies (like refuse compactors) were added. The new cost is substantial due to its commercial, heavy-duty nature. In the current used market, prices vary wildly based on condition, mileage, hours, and the specific vocational upfit, typically ranging from $20,000 for well-used units to $80,000 or even over $100,000 for exceptionally well-maintained units with desirable bodies. Depreciation is significant initially but then stabilizes. Factors affecting resale value include the overall mechanical condition of the engine and transmission, recent maintenance history, condition of the vocational body, hours of operation, emissions compliance, and regional demand for used heavy-duty vocational equipment.
2012 Crane Carrier Co Low Entry Cost of Ownership
Owning a 2012 Crane Carrier Co. Low Entry is definitively costly. Insurance will be significantly higher due to its commercial classification and heavy-duty usage. Fuel costs are substantial, as its diesel engine averages low single-digit MPG under load. Maintenance and repair expenses are high; parts are specialized and expensive, labor rates for heavy-duty mechanics are premium, and preventative maintenance schedules are rigorous. Emissions system components (DPF, SCR) are particularly costly to maintain or replace. Long-term ownership involves significant investment in parts, labor, and fuel. While designed for longevity, these costs are inherent to operating a heavy-duty vocational vehicle, making it a high-cost asset rather than an economical one.
2012 Crane Carrier Co Low Entry Fuel Efficiency
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Fuel Capacity
-
City Mileage
-
Highway Mileage
-
2012 Crane Carrier Co Low Entry Warranty
Basic
Original warranty
0 months / No data
Estimated remaining
Expired
Powertrain
Original warranty
0 months / No data
Estimated remaining
Expired
Rust
Original warranty
0 months / No data
Estimated remaining
Expired
2012 Crane Carrier Co Low Entry Insurance
Insurance for a 2012 Crane Carrier Co Low Entry is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Truck with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2012 Crane Carrier Co Low Entry Compare to Other Truck?
The 2012 Crane Carrier Co. Low Entry competes in a specialized segment against rivals like the Autocar ACX (Xpeditor), Mack LR series, and various vocational chassis from manufacturers such as Peterbilt (e.g., 320) and Kenworth (e.g., K270/K370, though often lighter duty).
In terms of performance, all these heavy-duty rivals offer similar robust diesel engine options (Cummins, Detroit Diesel, Mack MP series) providing high torque essential for vocational tasks. The CCC Low Entry typically matches its rivals in raw power and heavy load-carrying capability, designed for stop-and-go operations where rapid acceleration is less critical than sustained grunt.
Features are largely dictated by vocational application. The CCC Low Entry's primary distinguishing feature, the low-entry cab, is directly rivaled by the Autocar ACX and Mack LR, which offer similar ergonomic benefits for frequent ingress/egress. Other features like heavy-duty transmissions (Allison automatics), air brakes, and various axle configurations are standard across the class. CCC, like its rivals, offers extensive customization for PTO, wheelbase, and specialized equipment integration. There isn't a "better" in terms of features as much as a "more suitable" for specific fleet requirements.
Reliability across this class is generally high, as these vehicles are built for demanding commercial service. The CCC Low Entry is known for its durable frame and robust components. Reliability largely depends on the specific engine choice and, crucially, the rigor of maintenance. Problems with emissions systems, common for this era, affect all manufacturers. Autocar and Mack also have strong reputations for vocational reliability.
Price new would have been competitive across these brands, with initial chassis costs for a 2012 model in a similar range. Used market prices show similar depreciation patterns, heavily influenced by overall condition, maintenance history, engine hours, and the value of the vocational body attached. Therefore, the "better" alternative often comes down to fleet preference, local dealer support, parts availability, and the specific needs of the job. For a low-entry application, the Autocar ACX and Mack LR are strong, directly comparable alternatives. For more conventional cab-over vocational work, Peterbilt and Kenworth offer viable, albeit sometimes different, solutions.
In terms of performance, all these heavy-duty rivals offer similar robust diesel engine options (Cummins, Detroit Diesel, Mack MP series) providing high torque essential for vocational tasks. The CCC Low Entry typically matches its rivals in raw power and heavy load-carrying capability, designed for stop-and-go operations where rapid acceleration is less critical than sustained grunt.
Features are largely dictated by vocational application. The CCC Low Entry's primary distinguishing feature, the low-entry cab, is directly rivaled by the Autocar ACX and Mack LR, which offer similar ergonomic benefits for frequent ingress/egress. Other features like heavy-duty transmissions (Allison automatics), air brakes, and various axle configurations are standard across the class. CCC, like its rivals, offers extensive customization for PTO, wheelbase, and specialized equipment integration. There isn't a "better" in terms of features as much as a "more suitable" for specific fleet requirements.
Reliability across this class is generally high, as these vehicles are built for demanding commercial service. The CCC Low Entry is known for its durable frame and robust components. Reliability largely depends on the specific engine choice and, crucially, the rigor of maintenance. Problems with emissions systems, common for this era, affect all manufacturers. Autocar and Mack also have strong reputations for vocational reliability.
Price new would have been competitive across these brands, with initial chassis costs for a 2012 model in a similar range. Used market prices show similar depreciation patterns, heavily influenced by overall condition, maintenance history, engine hours, and the value of the vocational body attached. Therefore, the "better" alternative often comes down to fleet preference, local dealer support, parts availability, and the specific needs of the job. For a low-entry application, the Autocar ACX and Mack LR are strong, directly comparable alternatives. For more conventional cab-over vocational work, Peterbilt and Kenworth offer viable, albeit sometimes different, solutions.
Final Verdict: Is the 2012 Crane Carrier Co Low Entry a Good Truck?
The 2012 Crane Carrier Co. Low Entry is ideal for commercial operations requiring a heavy-duty vocational chassis where frequent stops and easy cab access are paramount. This includes municipal sanitation departments, private refuse collection companies, street sweeping services, and some construction or utility applications. It is not designed for personal use.
For its intended purpose, it is absolutely worth buying, especially as a used vehicle. Acquiring a well-maintained used 2012 model offers significant cost savings compared to new. Key conditions for purchase include a thorough inspection of the engine and transmission, verification of the emissions system's health (DPF, SCR), and a comprehensive maintenance history. Checking the integrity of the chassis for rust or fatigue, particularly given its age and potential operational environment, is also crucial. Specific "trims" or configurations should align precisely with the vocational body intended for use, ensuring appropriate axle ratings and PTO capabilities. A well-vetted used CCC Low Entry can provide many more years of reliable, cost-effective service for the right application.
For its intended purpose, it is absolutely worth buying, especially as a used vehicle. Acquiring a well-maintained used 2012 model offers significant cost savings compared to new. Key conditions for purchase include a thorough inspection of the engine and transmission, verification of the emissions system's health (DPF, SCR), and a comprehensive maintenance history. Checking the integrity of the chassis for rust or fatigue, particularly given its age and potential operational environment, is also crucial. Specific "trims" or configurations should align precisely with the vocational body intended for use, ensuring appropriate axle ratings and PTO capabilities. A well-vetted used CCC Low Entry can provide many more years of reliable, cost-effective service for the right application.
Simon A
Simon is a contributor to VinCheck, where he provides articles and reviews on various automotive topics. His work focuses on delivering accurate and up-to-date information about used cars, helping readers make informed decisions.