The PACCAR family of medium-duty cabover engine (COE) trucks grows with new models from Kenworth joining upgraded Peterbilt designs. Ease of operation in congested environments has always been among the primary attributes associated with COE-style medium-duty trucks. For those reasons, and others, fleets requiring high maneuvrability have continued to favor the COE.
Kenworth Truck Co. recently expanded its medium-duty product line by introducing the new Kenworth K270 Class 6 and Kenworth K370 Class 7 COEs. Targeted at urban delivery operations, the trucks are designed for pick-up and delivery, lease/rental, towing/recovery, landscaping, furniture, and food processing and distribution operations. The K270 and K370 models can be fitted with a range of bodies, including 18- to 26-ft. vans, stake beds and roll-on/roll-off beds, among other configurations.
The K270 and K370 feature a wheelbase range of 166 in. to 214 in. and a 63.4-in. BBC (bumper to back of cab) dimension that provides a 55º wheel cut for maneuverability. A 6.7-liter PACCAR PX-6 engine with a standard rating of 220 HP and 520 lb./ft. of torque powers the 4×2 models. Optional ratings that are available include 240 HP and 560 lb./ft. of torque and 250 HP with a 660 lb./ft. torque rating. Five-speed Allison transmissions are standard in both models, including the RDS for either truck, the 2500 HS on the K370 and a 2100 HS in the K270.
The 33,000-lb. GVWR Class 7 Kenworth K370 COE is built on a North American-based chassis similar to that of the Kenworth T370 conventional using 10-1/4-in., 120,000 PSI steel frame rails. The 26,000-lb. GVWR Class 6 Kenworth K270 COE is built on a chassis similar to the Kenworth T270 conventional and has 9-7/8-in., 120,000 PSI steel frame rails.
Both models have several specifications in common, including a mechanical rear suspension, a 45-gal. fuel tank and a horizontal aftertreatment system with a 6.6-gal. DEF tank. The trucks’ cabs accommodate up to three people when equipped with a driver’s air-suspended seat and a two-person bench seat. The dash includes a master display information module with data on fuel consumption, service inspections, outside air temperature, coolant temperature, oil level, DEF level and trip information.
Production of the new Kenworth K270 and K370 medium-duty COEs is set for early this year.
At the same time, fleets interested in medium-duty COEs from Peterbilt Motors Co. will find several new enhancements are being offered on the OEM’s Models 210 and 220 Class 6 and Class 7 trucks. The new 2012 designs pair a lightweight chassis and frame rail with a strategically positioned electrical system to optimize body installation and increase payload capacity.
Available in several wheelbases to accommodate a variety of applications, the Peterbilt 210 is a Class 6 truck with a 26,000-lb. GVWR. The Model 210 is recommended for use with bodies between 18 ft. and 26 ft. in length. The Class 7 Model 220, in varying wheelbases, is designed for bodies between 20 ft. and 26 ft.
“Our team of engineers has developed new designs for the Model 210 and Model 220 to enhance driver productivity,” said Landon Sproull, Peterbilt chief engineer. “The 2012 designs offer optimal maneuverability, comfort and ease of operation, providing drivers an advantage while operating in congested environments.”
According to Gary Moore, Kenworth general manager, “Kenworth’s new K270 and K370 COEs offer excellent maneuverability, durability, styling and ease of service for customers operating in urban operations.”
For fleets using COE trucks to meet operational requirements, the new Kenworth models and the enhanced Peterbilt designs are two choices to consider among a field of options offered by manufacturers serving this market.