Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/894232
EquipmentWorld.com | November 2017 35 Emissions regulations increase demand for gliders, other work-arounds Each tightening of emissions regula- tions has resulted in increased cost and complexity of systems required to meet the standards, which has also led to a booming glider market for tractors, says Rick Barry, sales rep at Kenworth Northwest. Glid- ers are new trucks without engines or transmission. They can be fitted with a powertrain centered around a rebuilt, older engine that faced less-strict emissions standards. Gliders with older engines mean that customers don't have to con- tend with diesel particulate filters (DPF), selective catalytic reduc- tion (SCR) and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). There may also be a higher percentage of residual value if the truck is sold to another customer wanting to avoid perceived issues with modern emissions compliance systems. At least one glider manu- facturer, Fitzgerald Glider Kits, touts savings of up to 25 percent com- pared to a complete new truck. Kenworth Northwest also offers gliders, and Barry says the cost varies depending on the specs and features a customer wants. Savings compared to a new truck vary, too, and there may be no savings at all. machine matters | by Richard Ries SWEEPING CHANGES OVERTAKE THE HEAVY-DUTY TRUCK MARKET E missions, technology and metallurgy have changed nearly every aspect of trucks used in the construction market. Amid such wide-ranging changes, buyers need to become educated about the new features so when spec'ing trucks they take full advantage of the value those features can reap. Available on the Granite and other models, the Mack mDRIVE HD offers 12, 13 or 14 speeds as well as multi-speed reverse. This automated manual has two additional low gears for demanding work. Other available features include up to six combinations of PTO options, Grade Gripper hill-hold of up to three seconds after the brake pedal is released and Enhance Construction Shift to improve starting and shifting in rough terrain. A Mack Fleet shifter package is required with some options. The Kenworth T880 is available with MX optimized hood, standard hood and set- forward front axle yielding bumper-to-back cab distances of 114 to 125.6 inches. This allows flexibility in weight distribution and body mounting, so one model can serve multiple markets, from ready-mix to dump to crane. MX-13 and MX-11 engines offer up to 510 horsepower and 1,850 pound-feet of torque.