Sterling introduces enhanced Acterra class 5-8 truck line

Sterling Truck will make major enhancements to its Acterra line of Class 5-8 trucks this month, including chassis changes that promise better handling and ride.

The truck’s frame features stronger single-channel steel rails rated at 50,000, 80,000 and 120,000 pounds per square inch, reducing the need for rail inserts for many applications. With less need for rail inserts, the frame is lighter overall, so operators can haul more payload. The rails’ single-channel design also helps diminish the chance of corrosion and reduces maintenance requirements.

A new front suspension incorporates single-leaf springs as standard equipment. Taper-leaf suspensions are available in a range of capacities from 8,000 to 18,000 pounds, with maintenance-free rubber bushings. Flat-leaf springs are also available rated at 14,600, 16,000 and 18,000-pound capacities. Maintenance-free front spring bushings are standard.

For 4×2 applications, a replaceable spring deflection pad is used instead of a shackle on the rear of each front spring. The 12,000-pound front suspension option is supplied with the single-leaf spring with a rear spring shackle, plus rubber spring bushings on both ends, for longer life and improved ride.

Some of the most significant enhancements to the new Acterra models come in the rear suspension system. The suspension’s rear shackles are spring-mounted, contributing to a smooth and quiet ride, and a slipper pad is standard. The improvements to the Acterra’s rear suspension enhance the truck’s ride, and the suspension is now lubrication-free.

Two suspension packages are available. The 52-inch variable rate taper leaf rear suspension is standard in a six-step range of capacities rated from 18,000 to 23,000 pounds. Shock absorbers can be added to improve the ride, and an optional low maintenance rubber helper pad provides extra load support and stability. An optional rear stabilizer bar improves handling.

The optional 60-inch two-stage spring rear suspension package comes in 18,000-, 21,000- and 23,000-pound ratings. Optional 60-inch air rear suspensions are available in ratings from 10,000 to 40,000 pounds, plus extra-duty ratings of 40,000 and 46,000 pound capacities. The stabilizer bar is available for both the spring and air suspensions.

For vocational applications, customers also can specify the optional TufTracTM suspension rated from 40,000 to 46,000 pounds capacity. Hendrickson rear suspensions are available at 40,000 or 46,000 pounds in the RT/RTE or HN series. Hendrickson’s RS series suspension is another option, rated at 52,000 pounds.

In addition to the major component enhancements, Sterling engineers made a number of design changes to facilitate body and equipment installation as well as ease maintenance.

Customers can order the new Acterra models from Sterling Acterra dealers. Production begins this month.