Is this the year you plan to transfer that old-reliable stainless steel vacuum tank to a new chassis? Or is it time to build a new vacuum rig from the ground up to serve a growing customer list? Maybe you need to beef up the fleet with a medium- to heavy-duty truck to haul equipment from one jobsite to another?
Whatever your needs, truck manufacturers offer a nearly limitless list of features to build a truck that fits your precise needs. You can choose from manual to automated transmissions, hauling capacities and big and beefy braking systems to safely transport any load. Adding to the list of considerations is dealer service, ensuring your truck remains on the road.
Here are the latest cab and chassis combinations that could be the backbone of your next work truck:
Ford F-750
The 37,000-pound GVWR, medium duty F-750 from Ford, available in regular, super and crew cab models, features an ISB Cummins (6.7 liter) ultra-low sulfur turbo diesel engine with choice of Allison automatic, Eaton UltraShift or Fuller and Spicer manual transmissions. Delivering up to 360 hp at 2,800 rpm and 800 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,800 rpm, the F-750 has a curb weight of 8,862 pounds (XLT model). Wheel base (choice of 33 lengths) ranges from 146 to 281 inches. Ford offers 14 cab-to-axle lengths and four chassis heights. Air conditioning and full power ABS brakes are standard. Air-ride seats are available with all hydraulic brake models. Options include power windows, locks and CD/MP3 player. www.ford.com.
Volvo VNL Daycab
The VNL Daycab from Volvo Trucks North America features the I-Shift, 12-speed, two-pedal, automated manual transmission. Designed to integrate with Volvo’s D11, D13 and D16 engines, the I-Shift monitors changes in grade, vehicle speed, torque demand, weight and air resistance. The D13 diesel engine is offered as standard equipment, delivering up to 485 hp and 1,650 lb.-ft. of torque. Cab features include air suspension, ergonomic seats and 50-degree wheel cut for tight turning radius and maneuverability. www.volvotrucks.us.com.
International ProStar+
Powered by the urea-free 11- or 13-liter MaxxForce diesel engine, the ProStar+ from International delivers up to 475 hp and 1,700 lb.-ft. of torque. Rated up to 37,000 pounds GVW, the ProStar+ has a gross combination weight of up to 110,000 pounds. Up to 7 percent more fuel efficient than its closest competitor according to TMC Type IV tests, transmission choices include the Eaton Fuller 10-, 13-, 15- and 18-speed manual; 10- and 18-speed Eaton Fuller AutoShift manual and the 10-speed Eaton Fuller UltraShift fully automated manual. The optional MaxxForce engine brake by Jacobs offers 351 to 398 of braking horsepower at 1,900 to 2,100 rpm for the MaxxForce 11 and up to 470 of braking horsepower for the MaxxForce 13. www.internationaltrucks.com.
Mitsubishi Fusco FM330
The 32,000-pound GVW, cab-forward FM330 from Mitsubishi Fusco is powered by a Fusco 6M60 7.5-liter 243-hp, 6-cylinder turbocharged diesel mated to an Allison electronic 5-speed OD automatic transmission or optional 6-speed manual. The 2011 model has an 11,905-pound capacity front axle and 22,485-pound rear axle. Curb weight is 10,220 pounds and turning radius is 57 feet. Air conditioning is standard on the FM330 that is 8 percent quieter than previous models. It also features adjustable seating and Comfort Wave dashboard. www.mitfuso.com.
Western Star
The 4900 FA and SA, 109-inch BBC model from Western Star features the Allison 3000RDS transmission and Detroit Diesel DD13 engine. Engineered for durability and maneuverability, updates include under-hood air cleaner with inside/outside air and dash controls and 6-gallon DEF tank with increased clearance on the back of the cab. The 109 is available with a 12,000- to 20,000-pound front axle and 21,000- to 46,000-pound rear axle. The DD13 engine delivers up to 450 hp, 1,650 lb.-ft. of torque and incorporates Detroit Diesel BlueTec SCR technology. www.westernstartrucks.com.
Kenworth T440
The T440 from Kenworth is available as a straight truck or tractor in GVW ratings from 33,000 to 68,000 pounds. Featuring a set-back front axle, tight turning radius and optional automatic transmission, it offers the 260-hp Paccar PX-8 engine with 660 lb.-ft. of torque as standard equipment. A 350-hp PX-8 with 1,000 lb.-ft. of torque and 380-hp Cummins ISL are available. The Eaton Fuller FR013210C 10-speed transmission is standard with 11- and 13-speed Eaton Fuller manual and 5- and 6-speed Allison automatics available. The aluminum cab features an aerodynamic hood. Options include factory installed PTOs, keyless entry, heated mirrors and heavy-duty crossmembers. www.kenworth.com.
Peterbilt 348
The model 348 from Peterbilt, featuring optional all-wheel drive, is powered by a Paccar PX-8 engine that offers up to 380 hp and can be mated to a Fuller manual (6-, 9-, 10-, 11-speed), Fuller automated (10-speed), Fuller hybrid (6-speed) or Allison automatic (4-, 5-, 6-speed) transmission. Available in either truck or tractor configuration, the 348 has a GVW of 35,000 to 56,000 pounds. Other features include an all-aluminum cab and Metton hood that tilts open 90 degrees. Side window visibility also has been increased 17 percent. www.peterbilt.com.
Mack Pinnacle
The Pinnacle Series from Mack Trucks features the MP7 and MP8 engine with EconoBoost intelligent torque management system that initiates at 1,300 rpm after four seconds of full throttle in the transmission’s top two gears, opening up another 200 lb.-ft. of torque for as long as needed. The system disengages once the driver lifts off the throttle. The driveline torque drops to negative when additional power no longer is required, such as when a hill is crested. Mack also rolled out its mDRIVE automated manual transmission this year, offering 12 forward and four reverse speeds. Available in direct drive or overdrive, it has a torque capacity of 1,920 lb.-ft. The driver interacts with the transmission through a dash-mounted control panel containing manual input and hold shift buttons. www.macktrucks.com.
Freightliner Business Class M2 106V
Featuring a front engine PTO and front frame extensions, the Business Class M2 106V from Freightliner is engineered for customization. Recent enhancements include a larger radiator, new hood and improved headlight system. The 1,200-square-inch radiator can accommodate up to 380 hp with automatic transmission and up to 80,000 pounds GVW. The radiator is mounted to the engine and sits above the top of the frame, allowing the PTO shaft to run below the radiator. Composite headlights feature reflectors with halogen bulbs, an upgrade over previous sealed beam headlights. The blend-air engine air intake system pulls air from under and outside the hood, providing ventilation when snow and debris might otherwise restrict flow. Styling updates include an aluminum cab, fiberglass hood and redesigned front fenders. Other standard features include the Cummins ISC diesel engine, torque ratings to 1,050 lb.-ft. and leaf-spring suspension. Transmission choices include Eaton Fuller manual (6, 9, 10 or 11 speeds) and Allison automatic. www.freightlinertrucks.com.
Hino 338
The 33,000-pound GVW Hino 338 for 2011 has a 260-hp, 8-liter J08E-VB diesel engine delivering 660 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,500 rpm. The 6-speed Eaton FS6406A transmission is standard. Options include the Allison 3000 RDS, Allison 2500RDS and Eaton FS6406B. A 12,000-pound front axle and 21,000-pound rear axle are standard. Air-ride suspension and engine idle shutdown are optional. www.hino.com.
