Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/328689
E n g i n e e r - ing new ways to save chassis weight continues to be a top pri- ority at Peterbilt, according to Peterbilt General Manager and PACCAR Vice- President Bill Jackson. In fact, Jackson estimates that Peterbilt's weight-saving innovations can trim more than 1,600 lbs. in some Class 8 applications for particularly weight-conscious operations. "Fleet operations continue to explore new ways to maximize profit- ability, and Peterbilt continues to engi- neer new ways to increase payload capacity, thus improving our customers' profit margins," says Jackson. "Peterbilt has long been a leader in weight-sav- ing innovation. We've challenged our supplier partners to join us in cutting chassis weight for our customers, and many have stepped up with significant application-specific improvements." Custom opportunity Peterbilt Chief Engineer Landon Sproull reports that weight remains an important consideration for fleet buyers looking for operational efficiency, even as fuel economy has recently drawn much of their attention. Specifying the PACCAR MX engine is a popular choice for weight-conscious customers, says Sproull. The engine is constructed of high-strength Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI), which is 20 percent lighter than conventional gray iron. Running a PACCAR MX can save up to 330 lbs over a comparable 15-liter gray- iron engine, according to Sproull. "More than ever before, the Peterbilt customer has the opportunity to custom- build and specify a truck that results in maximum payload in specific applica- tions," he says. Weight-saving supplier innovations include lightweight brake drums, in which steel is substituted for cast-iron in non- wear areas, thus allowing the drum to still benefit from cast-iron's superior heat- dissipating properties. These drums can save up to 100 lbs. per vehicle over a con- ventional all-cast-iron alternative. Other supplier innovations, such as an aluminum fifth wheel from Holland, save 103 lbs. over a conventional steel-based alternative. High "take" rate Other specification options, ranging from building a truck with the shortest wheelbase possible, to spec'ing compos- ite springs and aluminum air tanks, can also result in increased payload. Sproull notes that Alcoa's highest "take" rates for its weight-saving alu- minum wheel packages among OEMs comes from Peterbilt. "What that tells me," Sproull observes, "is that people look to Peterbilt when they want a weight-efficient truck." Above, the Holland FAL aluminum fifth wheel is a popular weight-saving specification, as are (below) the PACCAR MX engine, lightweight drums and lightweight suspensions. Innovations Lead to Reduced Chassis Weight at Peterbilt FIRST CLASS 11