Tough Customers

Even if there were a slew of brand-new truck models taking the stage in Louisville, one would have hogged the spotlight based on sheer size alone. The mighty new Western Star 6964SX (below) is the company’s largest custom-built truck and the first Constellation model designed for off-road and severe-service applications, replacing Heritage Series models.

The cab, radiator, and engine have been raised in relation to the frame by more than three inches, allowing the frame rails to be extended intact under the radiator. The cab has been moved back so the engine is entirely in front of the firewall. The result is less potential for damage to critical components and easier servicing of the engine and under-hood systems.

The latest from Sterling Trucks is a car hauler-a specially engineered LT9500 tractor with a 101-inch BBC, 19.5-inch tires, a low-profile, reverse-cambered taperleaf front suspension, and a 40,000-pound Sterling Airliner low-ride air suspension out back. The cab mounting brackets have been re-designed, lowering the entire cab by a full four inches. The truck comes standard with a 400-horse Cummins ISM engine and a Meritor 10-speed transmission.

International Truck and Engine has stripped 1500 pounds from the dry weight of its 5500i chassis, and a special spec for the ready-mix market (above right) could mean one-third of a yard more concrete in the barrel. The spec starts with the International 530E diesel engine, a 330-horsepower rating with 1150 pound feet of torque. International redesigned the truck’s crossmembers, resulting in a frame weighing 200 pounds less than previous models. Switching to an all-aluminum air-ride cab, along with aluminum wheels, air tanks, and other components, adds to the savings. International now uses a progressive front suspension for a smoother ride when empty, and a transition plate that eases the weight shift on the frame when using a booster axle.

Other truck announcements from Mid America:

> Western Star showed a 4964FXL Constellation Series tractor that tipped the scale at just 14,000 pounds, 960 pounds lighter than a similar model introduced a year ago. The 4964FXL is a standard Constellation Series truck optioned with a 62-inch Star Light Sleeper, dual exhausts, dual air cleaners, Jake Brake, and dual 100-gallon fuel tanks.

“This isn’t a stripped-down show truck,” says Western Star’s chief engineer, Mark Gobessi. “We worked hard to build a lean truck that doesn’t compromise toughness for weight.” It includes a Cummins ISM engine, new 1300-square-inch crossflow cooling module, an aluminum rear-axle carrier, and a lightweight wheel and tire package.

> Freightliner plans to offer its Columbia tractor as a 120-inch BBC day cab for regional, inter-city, and bulk haulers. The truck has a set-back-axle, 50-degree wheel cut, and lightweight aluminum cab, and can be ordered with engines up to 600 horsepower. The truck also sports a redesigned front suspension with leaf-and-a-half spring shock absorbers.

> Mack Trucks has improved the interior of its 2001-model CH day cab tractor, with a more functional dash design, electronic “plug-and-play” gauges, an improved HVAC system, and a roomy new seat which has a three-way adjustable armrest and variable shock absorbers. Also included are the latest electronics from Mack, such as the Mack V.I.P. (Vehicle Information Profiler), which displays fuel efficiency and other trip data. Mack also updated its CH sleeper models, creating wider sleeper opening (it stretches the entire width of the cab) and engineering both the driver and passenger seats to swivel a full 180 degrees. Remote HVAC and lighting controls combined with ample storage space, a personal workstation, and entertainment-centre options make the CH sleeper more operator-friendly.

> Peterbilt’s Model 379 now sports new premium sleepers and a redesigned dash. The Unibilt sleepers are available in mid- and premium-level interior trims, with a 42-inch liftable bunk sitting atop a 25-cubic-foot storage area accessible from both sides of the truck. The sleepers feature full-length wardrobe closets. The new, ergonomic designed dash features highly visible gauges and easily accessible switches. It’s available in three colors-gray, tan, and black. The company has also started production of its long-length BBC Model 387.