Kenworth Truck Co. has announced three new options for its vocational lineup of trucks. Allison Transmission’s 4700 RDS seven-speed automatic transmission – with optional second “deep reverse” – can be ordered on Kenworth’s T880, T800, W900, and C500. The transmission is part of the Allison rugged duty series.

“It’s a great choice for our customers operating mixers, dumps, cranes, and heavy-haulers, where the application calls for an increase in overall transmission ratios,” said Kurt Swihart, Kenworth’s marketing director. “In the construction world, trucks often need better speed control for job-site maneuverability in steep and often tricky terrain. That’s the beauty of the Allison 4700 RDS, as it offers a lower reverse ratio, and a lower first gear ratio for maneuverability. The new Allison transmission also features no-power interrupts, which gives full power shifts and allows full use of the engine’s horsepower.”

For those operating Kenworth’s T880, the company is now offering a “box bumper” in either steel or aluminum. According to Swihart, the new bumper features a tapered design, which allows for hood pivot clearance and more protection for the grill and headlight area. It is available on both short and standard T880 hoods. The steel bumper – with choice of 1/4- or 3/8-inch thickness – can be painted in either the body or chassis paint color. The chrome bumper comes in 1/4-in. thickness.

For those running Kenworth’s W900S with the PACCAR PX-9 engine in a set-forward front axle configuration, a fixed grille option is available. “This allows our customer or body builder to utilize the front of the truck without impacting the ability to open the hood,” said Swihart. “This option is especially useful for crane operators or those using the W900S as vacuum trucks with a ‘steady leg,’ or boom supports.”