Big, bigger, biggest

Oct. 18, 2004

The new CXT can haul 6 ton, can seat a football team’s offensive line and, for kids over 20 who miss playing with trucks in the sandbox, is the ultimate toy for extreme work and play, according to International Truck and Engine Corp., Warrenville, Ill. The International CXT, according to the company, is the world’s biggest production pickup truck for commercial business owners.

International, the operating company of Navistar International Corp., unveiled the CXT (Circle 916) on Sept. 16 at its plant in Garland, Texas.

The new CXT can haul 6 ton, can seat a football team’s offensive line and, for kids over 20 who miss playing with trucks in the sandbox, is the ultimate toy for extreme work and play, according to International Truck and Engine Corp., Warrenville, Ill. The International CXT, according to the company, is the world’s biggest production pickup truck for commercial business owners.

International, the operating company of Navistar International Corp., unveiled the CXT (Circle 916) on Sept. 16 at its plant in Garland, Texas.

“The International CXT brings new meaning to ‘everything is big in Texas,’” said Garland Mayor Bob Day. “There is nothing on the road as bold, strong and tough as this truck, and we are delighted that International Truck and Engine Corporation will manufacture it here in Garland.”

Born out of a 20-ton hauler and other International severe-service trucks used by the construction, government and waste industries, the International CXT is built on the same platform as dump trucks and snowplows. As a result, it hauls three times the payload of consumer pickup trucks, has all-wheel drive, uses air brakes for increased stopping ability and offers towing, dumping and tilt-bed capability. Additionally, it features a spacious interior with crew cab design that seats five and can be customized to meet an owners’ specific needs, such as paint color, air seats or flat screen TVs.

“The International CXT is a truck for businesses that want to promote themselves as much as perform,” said Rob Swim, director of vehicle center marketing strategy at International. “While there is nothing tougher or more extreme on the market than the International CXT, it is as much a statement of success as it is performance. If you brought this truck to the playground, you’d be king of the dirt pile.”

In terms of performance, the International CXT features the International DT 466 diesel engine with a horsepower rating of 220 hp and 540 lb-ft of torque. Other horsepower ratings also are available. With an electronically controlled turbo-charger and four valves per cylinder, the engine delivers responsiveness, acceleration, outstanding fuel efficiency, extended serviceability and long-term durability.

Additionally, a smooth-shifting Allison 2000 Series automatic transmission and standard cab air-suspension (with standard front air seats) provide a comfortable ride.

Rock-solid trucks

Whether configured as a mixer, dump, snowplow or tractor hauling heavy equipment, the Granite model from Mack Trucks Inc., Allentown, Pa., is an exceptionally lightweight series of heavy-duty Class 8 trucks that delivers payload without sacrificing durability.

The Granite series (Circle 917) features best-in-class sight lines and a cab that rides on two cushions of air for a comfortable ride. Its advanced electronics enhance productivity, reduce down time and improve profitability. All Granite trucks also offer spacious leg and belly room.

Mack came out with the snowplow version of the Granite series just in time for the 2003-04 winter season.

In developing the Granite snowplow, Mack solicited input from operators and mechanics. The result is a design that meets the specific needs of customers in this application. A heated windshield and mirrors enhance visibility in wintry conditions. The air cleaner is located under the hood, protecting it from snow and ice. And the high-strength steel in front that carries the plow and hitch is an extension of the frame rail, ensuring maximum durability.

Snowplow drivers can be on the job for up to 12 hours at a time, and even longer during severe storms, so minimizing operator fatigue is a key concern. The design team paid close attention to details, like the placement of steps. While operators might not know the steps are optimally placed, nearly all have commented on how easy it is to enter and exit the cab, according to Mack. They’ve also talked about how quiet and comfortable the cab is, with gauges and switches easy to read and operate.

Mack continues to explore ways to enhance the Granite lineup. The company recently began offering all-wheel-drive and single-axle versions of its Granite series.

In addition, Granite vehicles can now be equipped with central tire inflation a popular option, particularly for mixer applications. And a new noise insulation package results in even quieter cabs.

Slippery slope

The Poly Tipper provides an alternative for contractors who haul loads that stick to traditional steel dump bodies. Constructed of a durable cross-linked polyethylene plastic, the Poly Tipper (Circle 918) from Crysteel Manufacturing Inc., Lake Crystal, Minn., offers a nonsticking load surface for easy dumping of snow, clay and other sticky materials, and at lower dump angles.

The Poly Tipper increases dump body life by reducing the amount of steel painted surface in the body. It also reduces the problem of corrosion.

The Poly Tipper is available with an underbody or bailmount hoist.

Alert officials

The Virtual WIM weigh-in-motion station (Circle 919) from Mettler-Toledo, Columbus, Ohio, has been upgraded to alert remote enforcement officers of overweight trucks. The Virtual WIM station monitors weight, speed and vehicle class. With weighing and video capture technology, statewide weight enforcement professionals can receive accurate weighing and identifying images at speeds up to 70 mph. The station uses load-cell scales embedded in the roadway along with a high-resolution, progressive-scan camera. As a truck crosses the scales, an overview photo of the vehicle and cab door is captured. If the vehicle is overweight, the image, weight and speed are stored for remote retrieval or instantly transmitted to nearby weigh station administrators. Enforcement officers can connect to the WIM system via wireless connection and a laptop computer to observe weights of passing vehicles.

Keeping warm

Truckers who need a heated dump body will be happy to know that Kenworth now has a factory-installed exhaust system that simplifies installation of a heated dump body on a truck with a Caterpillar ACERT engine. The exhaust system (Circle 920) features an independent catalytic converter mounted under the chassis and either single or dual mufflers attached on the side of the cab. This enables body builders to mount their exhaust diverter box in a place that allows exhaust to pass through the catalytic converter before it is routed through the dump body. The rearranged exhaust system is available on Kenworth’s T800 and W900 day cab models and is exclusive to Caterpillar C15, C13 and C11 engines.

Big as a house

For those who have a need for a really big truck, Hitachi’s largest rigid-frame haul truck, the EH5000, is equipped with the Hitachi standard heavy-duty body, has a maximum payload capacity of 351 ton and a maximum gross machine weight of 1,164,426 lb.

The truck utilizes Hitachi-Euclid’s well-proven, proprietary AC drive technology, developed in conjunction with Siemens. Already in use at several locations, EH5000 field availability is over 90%, according to the company.

The EH5000 (Circle 919) is available with two engine choices at 2,700 hp, provided by either the Detroit Diesel Series 4000 engine or the Cummins QSK60 engine. An optional 3,000-hp version of the Detroit Diesel Series 4000 engine also is available.

The AC drive utilized by the EH5000 is 2-3% more efficient than an equivalent DC drive, and has full retarding capability (down to zero speed) which is equal to or greater than the starting rimpull. The drive system provides smooth acceleration and can be easily adapted for trolley assist applications.

The EH5000 has a new frame, which incorporates improvements based on field data. Plate thicknesses are increased in the inner, center and outer web of the frame. And several enhancements in high stress areas, such as the hoist shaft, strut legs and rear axle, have been done to increase the durability of the frame.

Sponsored Recommendations

The Science Behind Sustainable Concrete Sealing Solutions

Extend the lifespan and durability of any concrete. PoreShield is a USDA BioPreferred product and is approved for residential, commercial, and industrial use. It works great above...

Powerful Concrete Protection For ANY Application

PoreShield protects concrete surfaces from water, deicing salts, oil and grease stains, and weather extremes. It's just as effective on major interstates as it is on backyard ...

Concrete Protection That’s Easy on the Environment and Tough to Beat

PoreShield's concrete penetration capabilities go just as deep as our American roots. PoreShield is a plant-based, eco-friendly alternative to solvent-based concrete sealers.

Proven Concrete Protection That’s Safe & Sustainable

Real-life DOT field tests and university researchers have found that PoreShieldTM lasts for 10+ years and extends the life of concrete.