Classy Truck of January

A metallic blue and white 2009 International PayStar with a 5,500-gallon steel tank is the newest service truck for Steve Smith of Smith’s Sanitary Septic Service. The truck, built out by Pik Rite Inc., is powered by a 525-hp Cummins ISX500 engine tied to an 18-speed Eaton-Fuller auto shift transmission. Vacuum is provided by a Wittig 150-cfm pump. For convenience, the truck has a variety of toolboxes, 3-inch fill ports — one in the rear and on either side in the front — and a 4-inch rear dump. It also features a sight tube between the front of the tank and the cab for easy in-cab reading. The truck has heated collars all around for wintertime use. Simple graphics were added by Gene Reynolds Signs. The interior features many comfort options, including AM/FM/CD stereo, power windows, AC, air ride seats and GPS. This is Smith’s daily service rig, which hauls mostly residential septic and some treatment plant sludge.