The two biggest challenges these days are the cost of fuel and the lack of qualified drivers. According to Stu Russoli, Mack Trucks construction product marketing manager, “Mack’s integrated powertrain components are designed to seamlessly work together to help the efficiency of transferring power from the engine to the wheels, thus saving fuel.” He goes on to say that another means for a customer to help their bottom line is by lightening their truck. This can result in a fuel savings payback because of the lighter load or through additional payload in place of chassis weight.
“The Mack Granite MHD allows for a lighter truck by the use of a smaller 9-liter engine, lighter frame rails and lighter transmissions,” Russoli notes. “If a 9-liter engine is not enough power for the application, we also offer our Mack MP7 11-liter engine in our Granite, TerraPro and Pinnacle models, which has up to 405 HP with 1480 lb.ft. of torque. Many OEMs do not offer an 11-liter engine, but a 12- or 13-liter engine adds several hundred pounds to your truck.”
Specifying the right vehicle for the job is key. Russoli points out that the Granite MHD is designed for customers who need a Class 7 or 8 truck, but may not need the high horsepower and torque provided by engines in most Class 8 trucks. So rather than spend extra money and add extra weight to the truck, the truck maker offers the option for a 9-liter engine. This allows the customer to have the right power for the job while still having a truck that is durable enough to handle the work that needs to be done. By specifying the 9-liter engine, the fleet manager saves weight and fuel by not using an engine larger than needed. For instance, using the Granite MHD as a rear loader offers a reduced weight option for refuse companies and municipalities desiring a truck built for lighter-duty cycles, such as short inner-city routes or for service in smaller towns.
When it comes to new solutions, Russoli says, “I think what sets us apart is our extensive work on uptime and helping the customers keep their trucks on the road.” Mack’s new telematics solution, GuardDog Connect, enables quick diagnosis of issues, proactive scheduling for repairs and confirmation that needed parts are in stock and ready to install, while the truck is still on the job. It automatically alerts Mack OneCall, Mack’s 24/7 customer support center staffed by trained support specialists. That team immediately evaluates the situation, opens a case in the Mack ASIST web-based fleet service management platform, contacts the owner or fleet service manager and the repair planning process begins through a customer-chosen dealer. This process includes verification that a bay and the necessary parts are available while Mack OneCall electronically sends repair instructions to the dealer.
As for future technology, “We expect to see more driver-directed items, comfort, communication technology and connected vehicles,” Russoli adds. “The more we can help reduce driver fatigue, the safer and more productive trucking will be. We also expect to see technology that further enhances our uptime-related services, fuel saving technology and alternative fuels products.”
This column appeared in the February 2014 edition of Fleet Equipment. You can read the entire issue on your phone or tablet by downloading the Fleet Equipment app.
