Mack Trucks is offering customers with concrete mixer applications a lighter-weight solution to meet their needs. The Mack Granite model is equipped with the 2017 Mack MP7 11-liter engine and the Mack mDRIVE HD 14-speed automated manual transmission with creeper gears.
“The Mack Granite model has always handled the most challenging jobs, which is why it was the No. 1-selling Class 8 heavy duty conventional straight truck in the U.S. in 2015 based on Polk data,” said Tim Wrinkle, Mack construction product manager. “Now with our 2017 powertrain, the Granite is helping increase our customers’ return on their investment through improved efficiency, performance and reliability.”
Mack’s 11-liter MP7 engine received a number of advancements for 2017, simplifying maintenance and improving efficiency, the company said. The MP7 is about 51 lbs. lighter with up to 425 horsepower and 1,560 lb.-ft. of torque. “The engine features an updated wave piston design that, in conjunction with the new common-rail fuel injection system, enables more complete combustion of fuel resulting in reduced emissions and improved efficiency. Combined with a two-speed coolant pump, these features help increase MP7 fuel efficiency by up to 2.1%, Mack said.
“The Mack MP7 offers the power and performance to manage any task, but in a smaller displacement engine to provide weight savings,” Wrinkle said. “The integration with the Mack mDRIVE HD 14-speed allows for seamless communication among components so that the vehicle is always in the right gear without the driver having to manually shift, reducing driver fatigue and increasing safety. It also provides a deep ratio of 32:1 in the lowest creep gear to facilitate low speed functionality such a curb pouring when needed.”
Mack Granite models for concrete mixer applications also come standard with Mack ClearTech One, a single-package Exhaust Aftertreatment System (EATS) that frees up frame rail space and reduces weight by approximately 17 lbs., according to Mack. Mack also noted that its Granite mixers come ready for upfit right from the factory with a rear-engine PTO, a special mixer crossmember designed for mounting of the mixer barrel pump, frame rail transition plates for mixer body mounting and an additional access panel in the cab floor to service the rear-engine PTO.
All Mack Granite models are backed by Mack GuardDog Connect, Mack’s diagnostic and repair planning system. The telematics system monitors fault codes that could potentially shut down a truck or lead to an unplanned visit to the dealer.
