International 7000 and 8000 Series
ED THOMAS
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
The next group of "high performance" medium- and medium/heavy duty trucks and tractors from International Truck and Engine includes the 7000 series vocational trucks and 8000 series local and regional tractors.
The new vehicles use the same steel cab as the new midrange 4000 series introduced 11 months ago. Also shared are parts from the fiberglass nose and bold, chrome-plated grille, as well as many electrical and mechanical features.
The 7000s replace current 2000 severe service trucks and the old 4800 and 4900 series trucks. The new 8000s replace the current 8000s. All "legacy" models, as International now calls the old vehicles, are being phased out.
International executives, marketers and engineers showed off the new models to customers, dealers and reporters at the Texas Speedway north of Dallas. Most 7000 and 8000 models will be assembled at a re-equipped plant in Garland, northeast of Dallas. This plant built the 2000s and, before that, Marmon heavies.
Now being built are 7400 and 7500 vocational trucks and 8500 tractors. These use International's inline-6-cylinder diesels, the DT466, DT530 and HT530. The HT530 includes a variable geometry turbocharger that provides high boost and quick accelerator response.
The high-torque HT530 comes in four ratings from 280 to 340 hp with torque of 950 to 1,200 pounds-feet. The DT530 has less power and torque but, like the HT, claims heavy duty features. International is positioning the lighter and less costly 8.7-liter engines against competitors' 10- and 11-liter diesels.
But International will offer vendor engines in a 7600 truck and an 8600 tractor available later this year. They will start with the Caterpillar C-10 and C-12 and eventually offer the Cummins ISM. International engineers say they are planning installation of bulky exhaust aftertreatment devices for the Cats and pondering the placement of Cummins' exhaust gas recirculation gear. Both types of anti-pollution devices will be required by October.
The cab common to the 4000, 7000 and 8000 series is 82 inches wide and supplies considerable belly, leg and head room. All cabs are standard with air-bag rear suspension, which smooths the ride for drivers, and protects the cab structure and interior parts from shock and vibration. Including air-ride cabs on all models lowers the per unit cost and makes International more competitive.
New automotive-style instrument panels feature ergonomically designed gauges, switches and controls. Multiplexed wiring saves weight and bulk, simplifies switch and accessory hookups, and is easy to troubleshoot, engineers said.
Electrical and air interface boxes simplify connections to lights and appliances for body installers. Frame rails are kept clean for easy body placement.
Like the 4000 trucks, the 8000 highway tractors have stylish Lexan-lens headlamps with replaceable halogen bulbs. The 7000 severe service trucks are available with rectangular halogen sealed beams.
Exterior styling centers on the chrome-plated grille, which is standard even on no-frills municipal trucks. Product planners considered offering a gray argent-finish grille, but concluded that money is actually saved by including the chrome grille on every truck.
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