VT 800 Daycab Comes With Big Power And a Bold Look
Tom Berg
Senior Equipment Editor
Volvo Trucks has expanded its big-hooded VT series to include a daycab tractor aimed at heavy hauling and other jobs requiring high power, but not a sleeper. Designated VT 800, the new model features Volvo's D16 diesel with up to 635 hp and 2,250 lbs.-ft. of torque – now North America's strongest available truck engine – and Cummins' ISX with up to 565 hp and 1,850 lbs.-ft.
Like the VT 880 sleeper-cab model on which it is based, the VT 800 has a big nose to house a high-capacity radiator needed to cool the high-horsepower engines. The resulting high hood is also several inches longer than that on the VNL model, giving the VT 800 a bumper-to-back-of-cab measurement of 134 inches. Projector-beam headlamps are standard.
Styling features include a forward-set steer axle, exposed fuel tanks and battery box, outboard-mount exhaust stacks, and extensive chrome trim and polished-metal surfaces. These and the overall bold look – along with smooth fuel-saving air flow – make up what Volvo calls a modern interpretation of traditional styling favored by owner-operators and many fleet owners. The non-sleeper cab sits eight inches farther back on the VN-based frame, enhancing the long-hood look.
Interiors are attractive and comfortable, with fabric or leather seat coverings. Instruments and controls are within easy reach and along easy sight lines. Air-ride cab suspension, tilt-telescoping steering wheel, noise insulation and double-sealed doors provide a comfortable, quiet and safe working place for the driver.
Like other Volvos, safety is paramount with the VT 800, the company says. The cab is made of high-strength steel and its structure meets a tough Swedish Impact Test, which requires cab doors to remain closed during collisions but open afterward. The Bendix Enhanced Stability Technology system, which helps prevent rollovers by cutting power and applying brakes in tight turns and emergency maneuvers, is standard, along with a driver air bag and energy-absorbing steering column.
Available components include Eaton multi-speed manual and Autoshift transmissions, Meritor 12,000- and 13,200-pound front axles and 40,000- to 46,000-pound tandems, and Volvo air or steel rear suspensions rated from 38,000 to 46,000 pounds. Three frame rail thicknesses of 0.28, 0.31 or 0.38 inch provide resisting bend-moment ratings of 1,884,000, 2,112,000 and 2,460,000 inch-pounds, respectively.
The VT 800 will go into production early next year. Not affected is Volvo's VHD vocational model, which continues in production with Volvo's D12 diesel as its only engine offering.
Kenworth T800 Model Now Available With Front Engine Power Take-Off
Kenworth Truck Co. now offers a front engine power take-off (FEPTO) option for the workhorse Kenworth T800 short-hood model.
Kenworth's new FEPTO option is designed especially for snowplow, municipal dump, mixer, refuse and crane applications. In addition, the new configuration provides a front-frame extension for applications requiring front-mounted equipment, such as hydraulic rams or hose reels. The FEPTO configuration is available for order with Caterpillar C11 and C13 engines up to 380 hp and the Cummins ISL engine up to 350 hp.
Kenworth's new T800 short hood FEPTO package provides some unique features that differentiate the model from Kenworth's standard T800 short hood. Extended front frame rails are available with a 66-inch bumper setting.
The unique 950-square-inch radiator includes a modified bottom tank for PTO shaft clearance. The radiator-mounted grille allows the hood to be tilted for daily under-hood inspections and prevents the grille from impacting the snowplow, pump or other front frame-mounted equipment. The cab and hood are raised 3 1/2 inches on the FEPTO model to provide PTO shaft clearance.
"Kenworth's new FEPTO option is something for customers to seriously consider, especially by those operators preparing to spec and purchase snowplows for future winter use," said Steve Gilligan, Kenworth general marketing manager. "We also expect to see interest from many specialized customers in municipal dump, mixer, refuse and crane configurations."
Equipment Continued...
