LOUISVILLE, KY.Here at the Mid-America Trucking Show, Mack Trucks unveiled a new high-horsepower 13-liter Econodyne diesel and two new suspensions, one for on-highway tractors and one for vocational models.
The OEM said its new Mack MP8 Econdyne+ is a “powerful and high-performing engine ideal for on-highway customers who require additional muscle to move their loads. “
Available in Mack Pinnacle on-highway models, the 13-liter MP8 Econodyne + engine produces 505 hp with 1,860 lb-ft of torque when operating in either of the top two gears.
According to Mack, this capability “maximizes fuel efficiency while providing the necessary power to help drivers conquer long and steep grades.”
“When ascending a steep incline, engine rpms drop to around peak torque output,” said David McKenna, director of powertrain sales and marketing. “Once the driver applies 100% throttle and the rpms reach 1300, Mack’s EconoBoost intelligent torque-management strategy kicks in to give the driver an additional 200 lb.-ft. of torque, which enables the truck to remain in top gear for a longer time period until the hill is crested. “
The upshot, he explained, is that drivers get more torque at lower engine speeds, allowing the vehicle to remain in higher gears for an extended period of time for greater fuel efficiency.
“Customers demanded greater power and we delivered it with the advanced MP8 engine platform,” said McKenna. “Mack customers working in mountainous areas requiring higher torque output can remain in top gear for longer, supplying more power and preserving fuel economy.
“Mack has a heritage of offering fully integrated and customized solutions to our customers for diverse applications,” he added. “And Econodyne + is another way Mack is tailoring advanced technology to help our customers get the job done in the most efficient, cost-effective way possible.”
According to Mack, its new Twin Y air suspension is the industry’s first suspension to use an innovative Y-shaped high-strength steel design. The OEM said it delivers “unmatched comfort, handling and fuel efficiency for highway customers desiring a smoother, more stable ride.” In addition, the Twin Y is up to 403 lbs lighter than other air suspensions.
The Twin Y has been field-tested by customers for more than three million miles and is available on Mack’s Pinnacle Axle Back and Axle Forward models. The Twin Y also features Mack S38 and S40 series axles with C125/126, C150/151 and 200 Series carriers.
The OEM said its new Mack mRIDE spring suspension is offered with Mack axles and is “ideal for vocational customers demanding a durable, stable ride with greater articulation.”
Paired with Mack C150/151 series axle carriers, the mRIDE is available on the Mack Granite, Titan by Mack, Mack Pinnacle Axle Forward and Mack TerraPro trucks.
“Customers want a durable, rugged truck that gets the job done, but they also demand outstanding performance, handling and comfort,” said John Walsh, vp of marketing. “This is where Mack excels. The fully integrated Mack Twin Y and mRIDE suspensions featuring our proprietary Mack axles offer improved stability, fuel efficiency, and ultimately a greater ROI for our customers.”
The design of the Mack Twin Y air suspension includes two stamped high-strength steel Y-shaped blades per wheel end. Clamping the axle with both upper and lower axle seats, the Twin Y blades greatly reduce suspension windup and significantly improve tire traction and braking control and will increase tire life by up to 25%, according to the OEM.
Other Twin Y features noted by Mack include:
· Axle seats that are clamped to the axle housing by Huck U-bolts on both sides so theynever need to be re-torqued
· Bushings in the upper and lower axle seats that offer greater roll control and deliver easier handling with a more comfortable ride.
· Unit’s lighter weight and reduced torque reactivity means less maintenance and extended tire and component life
· Suspension is designed so the load on the suspension is entirely on the air ride and not on the pivot bushing
As for the mRIDE, Mack said the use of spring leafs over four separate rubber block packs provides stability and articulation while also allowing the clearance needed for larger tires and brake components required in construction and vocational applications.
The OEM said that along with being lighter than other spring suspensions, the mRIDE “delivers a smoother ride, improved stability and greater ground clearance over difficult terrain” and that it provides constant ground contact for all wheels over its articulation range to maximize traction at jobsites.
In addition, according to Mack, the parallel pinion angles of the Mack axles extend driveline joint life. “Coupled with the greaseless mRIDE suspension, the offering boasts easier maintenance and is easier to align, contributing to reduced customer maintenance costs,” the truck maker noted.
Mack also rolled out a 12-liter LNG-powered Pinnacle Axle Back truck model for on-highway applications, noting that this option expands Mack’s natural gas lineup to the highway segment.
The LNG-fueled Pinnacle day cabs are powered by Cummins Westport ISX 12G natural-gas engines, which are factory-installed by Mack.
The OEM noted it offers natural gas-powered TerraPro Low Entry and TerraPro Cabover refuse models. And it said that later this year it plans to introduce a natural gas-powered version of the Granite model.
“Mack began offering natural gas as an option as soon as it was clear the solution made sense for the refuse market,” said Kevin Flaherty, president, Mack Trucks North American Sales & Marketing. “The introduction of the natural gas-powered Mack Pinnacle expands our experience and expertise into another market segment, and serves as an example of our commitment to developing solutions meeting the needs of customers like UPS.”
“By expanding the UPS natural gas fleet, we have an opportunity to take advantage of a domestic resource, a domestic product and continue our sustainability efforts,” advised Mike Britt, director of alternative fuel vehicle engineering at UPS. “Supporting the overall growth of LNG infrastructure ultimately benefits our customers and community by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
