Kenworth Truck Co. is now offering factory-installed, front-drive axles for its T270 Class 6 and T370 Class 7 medium-duty models.

This represents the first factory installations of front-drive axles on medium-duty products, according to the company. The option is intended for utility service, construction vehicles, oilfield service and boom trucks, in addition to municipal applications, such as fire and emergency vehicles, Kenworth said.

The axle is available in ratings ranging from 10,000 to 14,000 lbs. on T270s and T370s equipped with a Paccar PX-6 engine. Additional ratings up to 16,000 lbs. will be available this fall on vehicles equipped with a Paccar PX-8 engine.