I work for a school bus/coach company, have driven pushers and front diesels. For what its worth, pushers have a nice smooth quiet ride. However the new front Cummins on the Freightliner chassis have come along way with additional engine insulation for quieter/cooler operation and air ride is becoming a standard feature on the coaches, 50/50 for school buses.
I'm totally disappointed with the noise, heat, ride and drive of our Ford V10 , and not going to keep battling with it. So I talk to the mechanics at work with the question which diesel and why?
They prefer front diesels because they can work on and around them, the pushers they climb into. Apparently as the mechanics age its a major pain to service and repair the coaches compared to removing the hood of a front diesel. If you have all service done its probably a non issue, maybe just a few more dollars. But if your doing most or all of your maintenance maybe you don't want to climb into the limited space of a pusher.
The other issue I have is driver seats, the truck chassis has a much better seat, its not furniture, my experience is better thigh, hip and lumbar support. These are big deals to me because I'm short.
Comes down to personal preference, good luck with choosing whats best for you.
