Our Chinese readers may be celebrating 2015 as the Year of the Sheep. But concrete producers will remember 2015 as the Year of the Truck. Several truck manufacturers at World of Concrete introduced chassis that provide producers greater payloads and increased maneuverability, while making drivers more efficient.
Caterpillar
Caterpillar’s CT681 made its World of Concrete debut. The Class 8 set-forward-axle model was designed for common applications such concrete mixers, dumps, and super dumps. The truck is driver-friendly with a spacious and ergonomic cab, industrial styling, and a vocational-specific engine and transmission.
The CT681 is powered by a Cat CT Series vocational truck engine with horsepower ratings from 365 to 430 and peak torque ratings from 1,250 to 1,550 lb-ft. These engines deliver optimum horsepower/torque combinations and the flexibility to match power and performance to specific jobs and operating conditions.
Freightliner
Freightliner featured its 114SD SBA truck outfitted in three producer configurations. One 114SD truck had a twin-steer system from Simard Suspensions. A second 114SD had a Beck Industrial mixer. This unit featured a lightweight yet durable steel reinforced aluminum cab with a 48-inch bumper-to-front axle setting for optimized weight distribution and turning ability for more productive operations. A third 114SD SFA truck was outfitted with the McNeilus Bridgemaster mixer and Detroit DD13 engine. This configuration showcased features such as outstanding visibility, maneuverability, and the weight-saving components that maximize payloads.
“Our construction customers told us they wanted a heavy-duty version of the mDRIVE designed specifically to handle rough jobs in tough conditions,” said Stephen Roy, president of Mack Trucks North American Sales and Marketing. Mack listened and unveiled a heavy-duty version of its mDRIVE automated manual transmission at World of Concrete. The 12-speed mDRIVE HD has an automated clutch, so no clutch pedal is required. It automatically chooses the best gear for road conditions, allowing drivers to focus on the terrain rather than shifting gears. The mDRIVE HD is designed and engineered to work exclusively with Mack MP7 and Mack MP8 engines.
Peterbilt
Peterbilt launched a new set-forward front axle configuration for its flagship vocational Model 567. The new truck is ideal for mixer and other weight-conscious applications. The Model 567 SFFA is available in both 115- and 121-inch BBC lengths to maximize maneuverability while providing the ideal wheelbase to comply with bridge requirements.
Terex
The Terex FDB7000 Front Discharge Mixer offers true 10-cubic-yard capacity, while meeting the strict federal bridge standards. The design lets producers in states adhering to the Bridge Formula the ability to cross highway and interstate bridges while carrying maximum payloads. Producers may be able to reduce the number of trips to a jobsite which saves time and money.
The FDB7000’s upgraded design allows the truck to take full advantage of the front axle’s inside cut, increasing onsite maneuverability. Two front axle options offer a choice of either a 35- or 40-degree inside wheel cut to reduce curb-to-curb turning radius by up to 25% over previous models. The FDB7000 at World of Concrete was equipped with a Meritor front axle offering a 35-degree inside wheel cut.
Rick Yelton is a contributor to TCP and is the former editor in chief. Email [email protected].