Mack Debuts New Granite Axle Back Model
Mack Trucks Inc. has unveiled an axle back version of its Granite model - the top-selling heavy-duty Class 8 conventional straight truck in the United States.
The Granite Axle Back vehicle gives customers an additional option for maximizing the productivity and profitability of their operations. In some states, and particularly in Canada, the laws governing roadway use are such that having the front axle set back makes it possible to legally carry more payload. And more payload means higher profits. The axle back position also results in a shorter overall wheelbase, making it easier to maneuver around tight job sites.
This newest addition to the Mack lineup combines all of the advantages of the current Granite model - including a large, strong, comfortable cab with plenty of leg and belly room; best-in-class visibility; an ergonomically-designed electronic dash; and advanced electronics. The truck also has a new, bold exterior featuring distinctive flexible fender extensions, sleek halogen headlamps, available stylized mirrors, and the Mack "M" grille.
A variety of front bumper types - including flush, extended, and stylized - offered in either painted steel or chrome, enhance the truck's rugged looks. The 27-inch front extension version provides optimum protection for a front-mounted PTO.
The stylized option is designed in sections, which eliminates the need to replace the entire bumper if only part of it is damaged.
Dana Corp. Announces New 40,000-pound Tandem Drive Axle
Dana Corp.'s Commercial Vehicle Systems group has introduced a new version of its Dana Spicer Super-40 tandem drive axle.
The new axle features increased GCW ratings for high horsepower, high torque engines and a wide range of ratios to better meet contemporary demands in a variety of linehaul applications.
Rated at 40,000 pounds gross axle weight, the Super-40 is built with Dana's high power density (HPDTM) design technology, wider face-width gearing, and high capacity bearing systems, resulting in significantly higher gross combination weight (GCW) ratings of up to 160,000 pounds. The axle was designed for maximum reliability and economy by eliminating more than 50% of components found in previous axles.
"This is the ideal tandem for anyone specifying 40,000-pound suspensions, running the most powerful engines, and pulling the greatest payloads," said Steve Slesinski, director of product planning for Dana. "It will certainly do the job virtually anywhere in North America, especially states and provinces where higher than normal payload capacities are allowed."
Goodyear Expands G287 MSA Mixed Service Tire Lineup
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has introduced a highway commercial tire equipped to handle mixed service conditions, including vocational fleets that require off-road traction.
Goodyear's Unisteel G287 MSA mixed service tire - with high-mileage tread compounds, an improved belt package and computer-generated tread design - replaces the G286.
The highway friendly tire is one-half of a new family of mixed-service tires "that provide targeted performance to help reduce tire cost-per-mile in specific applications," according to Donn Kramer, director of Goodyear commercial tire marketing.
"We're surpassing the competition with two new specific designs for on- and off-road services. Competitors normally use one design with two tread depths. Goodyear, in the case of the G287 MSA and G288 MSA mixed-service commercial tires, has engineered designs for two very different applications.
"The G286 has been an excellent tire, but it couldn't really be all things to all people. Our customers require tires that deliver long tread life and still handle the many traction challenges posed by their individual mixed-service applications," Kramer said.
