Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/712836
EquipmentWorld.com | August 2016 73 G enerations ago, vocational trucks were about as basic as you could get; a steering wheel and three pedals. Trucks that were meant to be battered on the jobsite got very few options not designed for mov- ing payload, but the quest for driver retention and the trickle down of available technologies has begun to change how vocational trucks are spec'd for the job. Technology has made it possible for smaller engines to do the work of what used to be the domain of 15-liter engines, says Curtis Dor- wart, Mack Trucks' vocational prod- ucts marketing manager. "A 13-liter engine, with the proper power band, can rival a 15-liter engine in many vocational truck applications," adds Kevin Baney, Kenworth chief engineer. Habits have shifted away from spec'ing the biggest and most power- ful engine, with a preference now to fi nd the right engine for the job. "Customers realize the benefi ts and lower costs of spec'ing an en- gine that has the right horsepower and torque to get the job done, particularly if they're in weight- sensitive applications," says Charles Cook, Peterbilt's marketing manager for vocational products. Weight savings aside, drivers are also looking for trucks to operate more quietly, allowing them to run for more extended periods. "That's why more vocational customers are looking for smaller, lighter engines that run quieter and offer enhanced fuel economy," Cook says. AMT and vehicle automation The quest for weight and cost re- duction has lead users to automated manual transmissions (AMTs), such as Mack's mDrive HD. "For many applications they make perfect sense," Dorwart says, "and open up the driver pool for those with less experience." A decrease in demand for manual shifting prompted Ford to drop manual availability altogether across its truck lineup, according to Mike Levine, Ford's truck communica- tions manager. "At the same time, heavy trucks | by Jason Cannon | JasonCannon@randallreilly.com Work trucks are smarter, more comfortable than ever thanks to AMTs, plush cabs