Kenworth has three new options for its mediumduty cabover models that will increase the number of body options for customers

Big year for Kenworth’s T880

Dec. 6, 2015
NTEA Truck Product Conference 2015 coverage

IT’s been a good year for Kenworth’s T880 vocational truck with the PACCAR MX-13 engine—it was named the 2015 Truck of the Year by the American Truck Dealers (ATD) at the annual ATD Convention and Expo.

Kenworth has released the 2015 Heavy Duty Body Builder Manual for its T680 and T880 models. The manual offers useful information and guidelines for truck specification and design during the body planning and installation processes.

The comprehensive, 192-page Kenworth manual contains detailed sections on overall dimensions, exhaust and aftertreatment, frame layouts, body mounting, electrical systems, frame modifications, and routing. The new manual can be especially useful when specifying a new Kenworth T680 or T880, particularly when the body builder is involved in the vehicle definition and ordering process.

Doug Powell, medium-duty segment marketing manager, said Kenworth has three new options for its medium-duty cabover models that will increase the number of body options for customers.

The options for the Kenworth K270 and K370 cabovers include a compact back-of-cab exhaust system to allow more space for custom bodies; right-side steer for street sweeping, refuse and road maintenance applications; and expanded PX-7 engine ratings.

The clear frame rail package, introduced earlier this year, has been improved and provides nearly 12 additional inches of space for body installations. The clear frame rail package and exhaust package gives body builders even more room for customization by freeing up frame space back-of-cab and allowing body builders flexibility with their components.

Also available are new engine ratings. The PX-7 engine has a new top rating of 260 hp and 660 lb-ft of torque, in addition to a new 200 hp and 520 lb-ft of torque rating. The standard engine rating is 220 hp with 520 lb-ft of torque, mated with an Allison 5-speed transmission.

Compared to a typical medium-duty conventional, the K270 and K370 offer up to a 30% improvement in curb-to-curb turning, while a 63.4-inch BBC provides an extra 45 inches of payload room. The Kenworth K270 and K370 come with 22.5-inch tire and wheel packages. Kenworth also has a 19.5-inch tire and wheel option for the K270 for easier curbside pick-up and delivery.

The T880 can be ordered with a 116.5-inch BBC hood optimized for the MX-13 engine and providing enhanced visibility, or with the standard 122.5-inch BBC hood.

The 2.1-meter wide, stamped aluminum cab is robotically assembled at Kenworth factories. The quiet cab has triple-sealed and robust doors and provides 23 inches of room between the seats. The T880 also includes an air-assisted hydraulic clutch, complex reflector headlamps, and lightweight, factory-installed lift axles.

The 76-inch mid-roof sleeper is optimized for bulk tank, flatbed, and other truck operators who prefer a lower roof, aerodynamic, lightweight truck that has the comforts of Kenworth’s 76-inch high-roof sleeper for driver retention and recruitment. The new sleeper offers a 100-pound weight savings for additional payload capacity and profit opportunity, and less aerodynamic drag for low load height operations with up to a 5% fuel economy savings.

The mid-roof sleeper has 6½ feet of headroom to give tall drivers ease of movement, a roomy work environment, liftable lower bunk, and side storage towers with ample space to hang clothes, the company said. And the backwall can be configured with an optional upper bunk for team drivers or a backwall sleeper storage unit.

Kenworth Predictive Cruise Control is now in production for new T680s and T880s specified with the MX-13 engine. Available as a factory-installed option, the new Kenworth system combines cruise control with GPS to help deliver optimal fuel economy. By anticipating the terrain ahead, Kenworth Predictive Cruise Control ensures that the MX-13 engine and the transmission are in the most efficient operating mode to increase fuel economy. Kenworth Predictive Cruise Control is available with Eaton UltraShift and Eaton Fuller Advantage automated and manual transmissions.

The Kenworth Driver Performance Assistant is now standard on T680s and T880s spec’d with the MX-13 engine. The system is a built-in virtual driver’s coach and a tool to improve driver performance for fleets and owner operators. Drivers receive real-time coaching based on coasting and braking as a means to improve fuel economy, the company said.

Available on Kenworth models utilizing the MX-13 engine with manual transmissions, the Kenworth Driver Shift Aid provides a visual cue—“shift now” light—for when to shift. With engine peak torques at lower RPMs, the system is an excellent tool to help drivers hit the sweet spot in shifting. It even checks for drivability after the shift—which is based on the PACCAR MX-13’s engine torque curve and internal fuel map. Shift Aid also recommends skip or split shifting. By keeping the engine in the optimum RPM range, fuel economy is enhanced. ♦

About the Author

Rick Weber | Associate Editor

Rick Weber has been an associate editor for Trailer/Body Builders since February 2000. A national award-winning sportswriter, he covered the Miami Dolphins for the Fort Myers News-Press following service with publications in California and Australia. He is a graduate of Penn State University.