Beverage Industry’s annual medium- and heavy-duty truck roundup is a compilation of vehicle offerings suited to beverage industry applications. For 2011, truck manufacturers once again are supplying a wide variety of trucks and options from which to choose.
FORD COMMERCIAL TRUCKS
For model year 2011, Ford has three medium-duty conventional truck models: the F-650 Pro Loader with a gross vehicle weight rating (gvwr) of 27,000 pounds, F-650 with a gvwr of 29,000 pounds, and F-750 with its 37,000-pound gvwr.
All are available in three factory-built cabs - Regular Cab, SuperCab and Crew Cab - and come with a host of standard and optional upgrades for enhanced flexibility, comfort and utility.
The F-650s and F-750 share the same standard engine — an in-line six-cylinder Cummins 6.7-liter ISB intercooled and turbocharged diesel, in ratings from 200 to 360 horsepower (hp). Transmission choices include Allison five- and six-speed automatics and Eaton Fuller and Spicer five-, six- and seven-speed manuals.
The trucks are standard with the HPB/Quadraulic Brake System, which combines Meritor-Wabco’s Hydraulic Power Brake (HPB) control and Meritor Quadraulic calipers. The HPB delivers antilock braking and automatic traction control (ATC) capabilities, while Quadraulic disc calipers provide improved stopping power through four-piston design.
Website: commtruck.ford.com
FREIGHTLINER TRUCKS
Freightliner’s Business Class M2 models come in 106- and 112-inch bumper-to-back-of-cab (BBC) platforms.
Available as a truck or tractor, the M2 106 features up to a 55-degree wheel cut, set-back front axle and swept-back bumper for excellent maneuverability in tight urban situations. With a gvwr of up to 60,000 pounds, the M2 106 features a Cummins ISB diesel engine with ratings from 200 to 360 hp, and is available with manual, automatic and automated transmissions.
With a gvwr of up to 80,000 pounds, the M2 112 features the Detroit Diesel DD13 diesel engine with 350- to 450-hp ratings with manual, automatic and automated transmissions. The M2 112 also is offered in truck and tractor configurations.
The M2 lineup includes the M2e Hybrid, which has a parallel electric hybrid system from Eaton. This system enables the truck to operate using the diesel engine alone, or in combination with the hybrid electric motor. The hybrid motor provides additional power to launch the vehicle and improves fuel economy in stop-and-go operations.
The hybrid electric system recovers the energy normally lost during braking and stores that energy in its batteries.
Freightliner’s aerodynamic Cascadia tractor combines long-haul capacity and driver comfort with maximum operating efficiency. Detroit Diesel engines with the BlueTec selective catalytic reduction (SCR) emissions system are offered in ratings from up to 560 hp. Among the transmission selections are Eaton Fuller 10-, 13- and 18-speed manuals and Eaton Fuller UltraShifts and AutoShifts.
The Coronado is Freightliner’s traditional on-highway tractor, available in day and sleeper cab configurations. The engine selection is Detroit Diesel power up to 16 liters and 600 hp, or the Cummins ISX, also in hp ratings to 600 hp.
Website: freightlinertrucks.com
HINO TRUCKS
Hino Trucks says it is the only conventional medium-duty truck manufacturer that meets the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2010 emissions standards without the use of credits. The company says its standard J-08 Series turbocharged intercooled six-cylinder diesel engine is certified at 0.2 g/hp per hour of diesel oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and its SCR emission system design will produce better fuel economy in the range of 3.5 to 5 percent.
The position and location of the SCR unit, along with the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tank is located under the passenger entry, providing for easy body installation.
Hino says its J-08 Series engine has the highest B50 life rating of its competitors at 500,000 miles. B50 is often referred to as “average life to overhaul.” These values are indicators of the robustness of a design and are estimates of when 50 percent of the engines of a certain type will require major repair. These are repairs that require dropping of the oil pan or removal of cylinder heads, and do not refer to rotating components attached to the engine.
In September, the manufacturer announced its industry best new standard engine warranty of five years/250,000 miles. In addition to the standard items covered by Hino Trucks’ past engine warranty, the new coverage has been expanded to cover key components such as fuel injectors, the fuel injection supply pump and the turbo charger.
A redesigned exterior with a stouter look with the addition of a larger front grille and more chrome are among the new features on Hino’s model year 2011 trucks. There also is a redesigned instrument cluster with added large LED interactive screen, providing several new features (i.e., percent acceleration, drive time, idle time, total operating time, current and average fuel economy and more) to help the driver maximize the truck’s performance.
Hino is offering five 2011 Class 6 models, beginning with the 23,000-pound gvwr Hino 238. It is equipped with a 220-hp diesel engine and an Allison six-speed automatic transmission. Next in line is the 258ALP (air brake low profile) and 258LP (low profile) models, both with a 25,550-pound gvwr, and the same engine and transmission as the 238.
The 268 and 268A (air brake) top Hino’s Class 6 offerings at 25,950 pounds gvwr. These also are powered by a 220-hp Hino diesel. Standard transmission choices are a six-speed Eaton Fuller manual or a six-speed Allison automatic.
The model 268 received the “2010 Medium Duty Commercial Truck of the Year” award. Presented for the first time at the American Truck Dealers Convention & Expo earlier this year, the award is based on innovation, design, fuel economy, driver and owner satisfaction, ease of maintenance and safety.
Hino’s highest gvwr models are the Class 7 338 and 338 CT (city tractor) models. Both have a gvwr of 33,000 pounds. They come standard with a 260-hp diesel engine and the choice of an Eaton Fuller six-speed manual or Allison six-speed automatic transmission.
The engine torque on the model 338 has been increased from 585 pound-feet to 660 pound-feet. There also is a new optimized fuel economy option that mates this higher torque diesel to an Allison 2500 RDS transmission equipped with Shift Energy Management (SEM). SEM provides better engine and transmission integration to optimize the entire driveline system.
Website: hino.com
ISUZU COMMERCIAL TRUCK OF AMERICA
For model year 2011, Isuzu introduces the new NPR Eco-Max to its lineup of N-Series low cab forward (LCF) trucks, available in gvwrs from 12,000 to 19,500 pounds. The new model has been engineered to achieve up to 20 percent better fuel economy than the previous 12,000-pound gvwr NPR.
The N-Series models - NPR-HD, NQR and NRR - are available with the new 4JJ1-TC 150-hp turbocharged diesel engine and Isuzu’s 4HK1-TC turbocharged diesel, now generating 210 hp. Both engines meet the EPA 2010 and CARB HD-OBD emissions standards using SCR technology.
Isuzu is the only LCF manufacturer offering two certified diesel engines compliant with 2010 standards.
The 4HK1-TC engine, which is B-20 bio-diesel compatible, is now equipped with electronic high-pressure common-rail direct injection and a water-cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system to achieve 210 hp for trucks equipped with the automatic transmission and 190 hp for manual transmission models.
The 4HK1-TC still can run up to 10,000 miles between oil changes reducing maintenance costs and downtime, and has a B10 durability rating of 310,000 miles - meaning 90 percent of Isuzu diesel engines will reach 310,000 miles before requiring an overhaul.
Standard on every 2011 Isuzu N-Series truck is an Aisin heavy-duty six-speed automatic transmission with PTO capability. Optional is the manufacturer’s MZZ fully synchronized six-speed manual transmission with overdrive.
Trucks equipped with the 4HK1-TC engine will achieve approximately 8 percent better fuel economy than the models they replace, the company says.
Isuzu’s 2011 trucks are more agile, with an increased wheel-cut angle for a tighter turning circle. “The new N-Series trucks are the most maneuverable N-Series trucks ever built,” Isuzu says.
Isuzu trucks can provide a computerized Vehicle Health Report that provides data on vehicle performance and driver operating habits.
The manufacturer offers its Priority Service Maintenance Program that will guarantee preventive maintenance costs with fixed parts and labor expenses for three to six years depending on term, mileage and use. Additional services such as brake and tire options are available. This program can be wrapped into lease or finance options for a single monthly payment.
It is discontinuing its heavier-duty F Series models: FTR, FVR and FXR. The company also no longer offers its H-Series line of conventional Class 6 to 8 trucks.
Beginning in the second quarter of next year, the Isuzu N Series will once again be available in a gas-fueled chassis. The powertrain will employ a General Motors 6.0-liter V8 gasoline engine with six-speed Hydra-Matic transmission.
Scheduled for availability in the second-half of 2011 is Isuzu’s new van body. Designed and manufactured by Utilimaster Corp., it is fitted on Isuzu’s new NPR Eco-Max chassis. Isuzu says this new van “will combine the functionality and design flexibility of a custom-built work truck with the styling and ergonomics of a cargo van.”
Website: isuzucv.com
KENWORTH TRUCK COMPANY
Kenworth offers a variety of medium- and heavy-duty trucks with engine offerings using SCR technology.
The truck lineup begins with the T170 Conventional, available in gvwrs from 16,000 to 19,500 pounds. It comes standard with a Paccar PX-6. An Eaton Fuller six-speed manual or Allison five-speed automatic are the transmissions selections.
Next is the 19,501- to 26,000-pound gvwr T270 Conventional. There is the choice of a Paccar PX-6 or PX-8 engine and Eaton Fuller six-, nine- and 10-speed manuals; Eaton Fuller six-speed UltraShift; and Allison five- and six-speed automatics.
The new Paccar PX diesel engine offers enhancements in torque and horsepower options. It features a fully integrated electronic control system for increased power density and fuel efficiency, enhanced reliability, durability, serviceability and optimized performance.
Ratings for the Paccar PX-6 are 200 to 325 hp, with torque from 520 to 750 pound-feet. The PX-8 engine is standard with ratings to 350 hp and 1,000 pound-feet of torque.
The Kenworth T270 also is offered in diesel-electric hybrid version. A Paccar PX-6 and Eaton Fuller six-speed Hybrid UltraShift are standard.
The T370 Conventional Tractor has a gvwr of 26,001 to 55,000 pounds and the same engine and transmission variety as the T270.
There also is a diesel-electric hybrid T370 offering that comes with a Paccar PX-6 engine and Eaton Fuller six-speed Hybrid UltraShift. As a straight truck model, it is available in gvwrs of 26,001 to 33,000 pounds; gross combined weight rating (gcwr) of up to 55,000 pounds for the tractor version.
All of the aforementioned models have a BBC of 109 inches.
The T440 Conventional Tractor comes in BBCs of 117 inches and 123 inches with the Extended Day Cab version, and gvwrs are 33,000 to 68,000 pounds. Engine choices are the Paccar PX-8, Cummins ISL9 engines and Cummins Westport ISL-G natural gas engine. These can be mated to Eaton Fuller six-, nine-, 10-, 11- and 13-speed manuals and Allison five- and six-speed automatics.
With the same gvwrs is Kenworth’s model T470 Conventional Tractor, with a 118-inch BBC or 124 inches with the Extended Day Cab. With the exception of the natural gas engine, it has the same engine and transmission choices as the T440.
The T660 Aerodynamic Conventional comes in day cab and sleeper cab models. The gvwr ranges from 35,000 to 60,000 pounds and gcwr from 80,000 to 140,000 pounds. BBC is 124 inches and the Extended Day Cab is 130 inches.
The Paccar MX, Cummins ISX15 and Cummins ISX11.9 are the engine choices. Available transmissions are Eaton Fuller nine-, 10-, 13-, 15- and 18-speed manuals; Eaton Fuller 10-, 13- and 18-speed AutoShifts; and Eaton Fuller UltraShift PLUS 10-, 13- and 18-speeds.
The new Paccar MX is a 12.9-liter diesel engine that, Kenworth says, has an industry-leading 1 million mile B10 life and superior power-to-weight performance. It is available with a hp range of 380 to 485 and torque outputs up to 1,750 pound-feet.
The Cummins ISX15 engine is rated from 400 to 600 hp and 1,450 to 2,050 pound-feet of torque. The Cummins ISL9 engine is rated up to 380 hp and 1,300 pound-feet of torque.
The 120-inch BBC T700 Aerodynamic Conventional Sleeper Cab, which has earned EPA SmartWay program certification, offers a spacious wide-cab and 75-inch Aerodyne sleeper with an 8-foot cathedral ceiling. It comes with same gvw and gcw ratings, transmission and engine offerings as T660, except the Cummins ISX11.9 is not an option. SmartWay certification recognizes technologies that provide fuel saving and/or emission reduction benefits.
Kenworth’s T800B Conventional comes in both day cab and sleeper cab configurations. The BBC is 123 inches and 129 inches for the Extended Day Cab. Gvwrs range from 33,000 to 105,000 pounds and gcwr from 80,000 to 330,000 pounds.
Transmission offerings are Eaton Fuller nine-, 10-, 11-, 13-, 15- and 18-speed manuals; Eaton Fuller 10- and 18-speed AutoShifts; and Eaton Fuller UltraShift PLUS 10-, 11-, 13- and 18-speeds. Available engines are the Paccar MX, Cummins ISX15 and Cummins ISX11.9.
Also in day cab and sleeper cab versions is the W900B Traditional Conventional, in BBCs of 120 and 130 inches. Its gvwr range goes from 35,000 to 89,000 pounds and gcwr, 80,000 to 200,000 pounds. It shares the same engine and transmission options as the T800B.
The W900L Traditional Conventional comes in day cabs and sleeper cabs as well. BBC is 130 inches; 136 inches on the Extended Day Cab model. It has the same weight ratings as the W900B, but the gcwr goes up to 285,000 pounds. Engine and transmission selections are the same as the T800B and W900B.
Website: kenworth.com
MACK TRUCKS
Mack Trucks says the most appropriate models for beverage industry applications are its Pinnacle Series of 6x4 aerodynamic conventional highway tractors. Well-suited to line-haul and pick and delivery operations, these tractors come in single- and tandem axle and axle back or axle forward configurations.
There are day cab and sleeper cab versions as well with the option of removing the sleeper box on the sleeper cab models.
The Pinnacle’s cab features lots of space, a nicely appointed ergonomic dash and “unmatched visibility,” Mack says. “The maneuverability of this highway truck is enhanced to navigate tight spaces and is engineered to make servicing a snap.”
The lightweight-but-strong Mack Advantage chassis helps to maximize payload. It also helps deliver a high level of productivity through improved maneuverability with outside wheel cuts of up to 50 degrees, vibration dampening and noise reduction engineering for reduced driver fatigue and improved comfort and improved ride and handling for better performance and driver satisfaction. Advanced engine and vehicle electronics help reduce downtime and increase productivity.
The single rear axle Pinnacle Axle Forward has a 34,700-pound gvwr and an 80,000-pound gcwr. The tandem-rear axle model has a gvwr of 59,220 pounds and a gcwr of 80,000 pounds. Both are powered by a Mack MP8 diesel engine with hp ratings from 425 to 485 hp. Transmission options are Mack six-, nine-, 10-, 13- and 18-speed manuals; Allison five- and six-speed automatics; and Eaton Fuller nine-, 10-, 13-, 15- and 18-speed manuals.
The Pinnacle Axle Backs come in the single rear axle 34,700-pound gvwr and 80,000-pound gcwr model. The tandem axle version is rated at 59,220-pounds gvwr and 80,000-pounds gcwr.
Engine choices for the these two tractors are the Mack MP7 in 325 to 395 hp ratings, or the Mack MP8 from 425 to 485 hp. Mack six-, nine-, 10-, 13- and 18-speed manuals; Allison five- and six-speed automatics; Eaton Fuller nine-, 10-, 13-, 15- and 18-speed manuals; and Eaton Fuller 10- and 18-speed AutoShifts and UltraShifts are the transmission offerings.
Like all Mack Trucks, the Pinnacle features the manufacturer’s ClearTech SCR technology to meet EPA emission requirements, while at the same time “improving fuel economy by up to 5 percent and reducing active regenerations of the diesel particulate filter,” Mack says.
Website: macktrucks.com
MITSUBISHI FUSO TRUCK OF AMERICA
There are no sizeable changes to Mitsubishi Fuso’s current models, but its next generation of trucks is scheduled to be launched early next year.
Mitsubishi Fuso’s model line starts with the 12,500-pound gvwr FE 125 and the 14,500-pound gvwr FE 145. Both have a 185-hp Mitsubishi turbocharged intercooled diesel and an Aisin six-speed automatic transmission.
Next is the FE 180, a 17,995-pound gvwr model. It has the same engine as the other two FEs, but its standard transmission is a Mitsubishi six-speed manual. The Aisin six-speed automatic is an option.
The manufacturer announced earlier this year that it will concentrate on Class 3 to 5 vehicles and is discontinuing its heavier-duty FK and FM models.