Paccar Adds Drive Axle, Updates Engines
Paccar says its new drive axle is the lightest in its class.
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Paccar says its new drive axle is the lightest in its class.
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LAS VEGAS — In a step toward more integrated drivetrains in Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks, Paccar announced a new 40,000-pound tandem axle that saves weight and improves fuel economy.
This axle is “really helping us make steps toward an integrated powertrain,” Landon Sproull, Paccar vice president, told reporters at the American Trucking Associations Management Conference & Exhibition.
The new axle is designed for line haul, regional haul and pick-up and delivery customers, rated at 40,000 pounds and supporting a gross combination weight of 80,000 pounds. It offers ratios from 2.47 to 3.70 with engine torque compatibility up to 1,650 lb-ft and multi-torque rating compatibility up to 1,750 lb-ft.
The Paccar axle features a pinion-through-shaft design that simplifies power flow in the axle for maximum efficiency. A laser-welded carrier design eliminates internal fasteners, and reduces oil churn and weight. Overall the axle offers up to 150 pounds of weight savings, according to the company. Sproull did not specify the fuel economy improvements, noting that it would vary by application.
Kenworth and Peterbilt will begin offering the axle to customers in January 2017. It carries a warranty of five years or 750,000 miles.
Also available in Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks in January will be new power, torque and fuel efficiency enhancements to Paccar MX-13 and MX-11 engines for North America. Nearly 50% of Peterbilt and Kenworth heavy-duty trucks currently are produced with Paccar MX engines, according to Sproull.
Paccar increased the MX-13 engine’s output to 510 hp and 1,850 lb-ft of torque and increased the MX-11 engine’s output to 430 hp and 1,650 lb-ft of torque. The enhanced Paccar MX-11 engine also adds a new 335 hp and 1,150 lb-ft torque rating in the lower end of the power range. Paccar’s MX engines now deliver peak torque …Read the rest of this story
