The chassis as driver retention equipment
Manufacturers agree: Keeping drivers comfortable and engaged in their work means fleet managers should concentrate on the foundation of the truck—and that means spec’ing the chassis to keep drivers happy. “We have found that fatigue plays a huge part in keeping drivers or operators engaged while on the job,” says Ryan Breezee, Kenworth vocational marketing
Podcast: Choosing the right engine and transmission for vocational fleets
Western Star Trucks recently made news with the launch of its 49X vocational truck and DT12 Vocational series transmission, the first products launched since Daimler Trucks North America reorganized its business into on-highway and vocational segments. Both the truck and the transmission were made specifically for vocational applications, a demanding area of the trucking industry
Designing a vocational frame to stand up to heavy vocational demands
At the end of September, Western Star introduced its new 49X vocational truck built from the ground up—and that included re-thinking the chassis. According to Samantha Parlier, DTNA’s vice president of vocational market development, the truck is underpinned by a stronger, lighter chassis and equipped with a new X-series cab. She says the design of
Five truck trend takeaways from October
Here are the biggest stories from October focused on the latest truck trends, all in one place.
Vipal Rubber releases VT850 HD tread
Vipal Rubber is introducing its VT850 tread, developed for heavy-duty work vehicles such as motor graders, wood grabber loaders, and vehicles that require traction to operate off-road, to the U.S. market. This new product was created with a design that allows excellent traction power and self-cleaning of the tread, the company says. The VT850 tread
Dana recognized with Drivetrain Component of the Year award
Dana Inc. has been awarded the Drivetrain Component of the Year Award for its Spicer TE50 powershift transmission at the 2020 Diesel Progress Summit and Awards. The 2020 Diesel Progress Summit recognizes commercially available drivetrain components used in a conventional powertrain application, including transmissions, powertrain components, axles, hydraulics and wheels. Designed for large load haul
Where you see DTNA’s renewed vocational focus in the Western Star 49X
When Daimler Trucks North America announced that it was reorganizing its entire organization to focus more on the application (on-highway; vocational) vs. brand (Freightliner; Western Star), the big question was: Where will we see this in the product? We now have the answer in the Western Star 49X. Fleet Equipment sat down with the Western
The secrets to spec’ing your next vocational truck chassis
If you have ever found yourself with your hands on your knees, nose three inches from a model ship in a glass bottle, you have no doubt silently contemplated the same question everyone else has in this position – how did they possibly build that? It begins with preparation. As each combination of ship, bottle
Hendrickson suspensions available on Western Star 49X
Hendrickson Truck Commercial Vehicle Systems has partnered with Western Star Trucks to offer a premium rear suspension portfolio as a part of the chassis enhancements of the Western Star 49X. The suspension offerings include the introduction of Haulmaax EX and the expansion of Ultimaax and Primaax EX on the new Western Star truck. “Customers today
Western Star unveils next-gen 49X vocational truck
Western Star introduced the 49X, its next-generation vocational truck. Underpinned by a stronger, lighter chassis and equipped with a new X-series cab, the 49X sports the new Detroit DT12 Vocational series of transmissions and Detroit Assurance suite of safety systems. “A vocational truck is a tool for a job,” said David Carson, senior vice president
Peterbilt GM Jason Skoog charts today’s truck support, tomorrow’s truck solutions
Peterbilt made headlines recently when it became the first major North American OEM to open orders for an electric truck, the Peterbilt 220EV. In this exclusive interview, Peterbilt General Manager and PACCAR Vice President Jason Skoog details the technology investments that are keeping fleets productive during this year’s trying pandemic and laying the groundwork for
First Mack LR Electric truck begins service with DSNY
Mack Trucks has turned over the keys to its Mack LR Electric demonstration truck to New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) officials. DSNY is the world’s largest municipal sanitation department, with roughly 12,000 tons of refuse and recyclables collected each day by more than 6,000 vehicles. DSNY will base the Mack LR Electric demonstration
