Workhorse Custom Chassis launched a new walk-in truck at the Work Truck Show of the National Truck Equipment Assn. Dubbed the W62, the new truck — with chassis by Workhorse and body by either Morgan Olson or Utilimaster — extends the capacity of the Workhorse walk-in lineup with 19,500-lb. and 23,500-lb. GVWR models.
According to Jay Sandler, vp-commercial products for Workhorse, the W62 will initially be offered with a GM Vortec 8.1-liter V8 gasoline engine mated to a 5-sp. Allison 1000HS (for 19,500 lb. GVWR) or Allison 2200HS (for 23,500 lb. GVWR) transmission. The big block Vortec produces 310 hp. and 455 lb.-ft. of torque. By mid-summer, the W62 will also be available powered by an International MaxxForce 5 V6 diesel engine.
Sandler notes that with the higher cost of diesel fuel and '07 emissions compliant diesel engines fleets are taking a new look at gas engines. “Modern gas engines are no longer that far behind diesels in terms of longevity and maintenance. They are emissions compliant everywhere. They're less expensive and they weigh less, so you have more payload capacity. If you're putting less than 25,000 miles a year on the truck, and particularly if it sits for stretches at job sites, gas is a viable option, even for those with higher GVWR needs.”
The W62 comes with wheelbases of 157, 178, 190, 208 and 218 in.
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