KENWORTH SOON WILL BEGIN offering new drivetrain components in heavy duty tractors. These include an automated mechanical transmission and a new tandem drive rear axle. The announcements were made during the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky.
By September 2001, Kenworth will begin delivery of T2000 conventional tractors equipped with FreedomLine 12-speed transmissions from ZF Meritor. Availability in other tractor models will follow. The new gearbox is fully automated and does not require a clutch pedal for any aspect of operation including initial starts or stopping. Tractors equipped with the new transmission will have only accelerator and brake pedals.
FreedomLine transmissions are electronically controlled. The system senses vehicle loads and power demands to determine the optimum shift points. The transmission will skip gears for improved fuel economy when demand for power allows. Drivers can choose fully automatic or driver-controlled operating modes.
Two transmissions, both with 12 forward speeds, will be offered. The direct drive model is rated for 1,350 lb-ft torque, while the overdrive version has a torque rating of 1,650 lb-ft.
As a part of an exclusive agreement between Paccar, parent company of Kenworth and Peterbilt, Kenworth will begin offering the new Dana Spicer Premium-40 tandem drive axle as the standard on all its Class 8 vehicles. In addition, the DSP40 can be ordered for the T300 medium duty conventional truck. The exclusive agreement runs through July 1, 2003.
The new DSP40 is designed for linehaul applications at 80,000 pounds gross weight. It can handle engines rated at 600 horsepower and up to 1,850 lb-ft torque. A full range of final drive ratios is available. The tandem drive carries a five-year, 750,000-mile warranty. With synthetic gear lubricant, the DSP40 has a projected lube change interval of 500,000 miles.
Kenworth recently announced new cab interior packages for its T600, T800, W900, and C500 conventional tractors. The new package begins with a wrap-around instrument panel that places all the controls and gauges within easy reach and sight of the driver. Controls have rotary dials, because drivers say they are easier to use than other switch options.
In addition to drivetrain components, Kenworth showed a new interior package for its T2000 60-inch Aerodyne tractor. The new interior includes more storage space and a 42-inch liftable bunk in the sleeper. Bunk width has been increased to 42 inches from 39 inches in the previous model. Length remains 80 inches.
The new interior is available in two trim packages — the standard Splendor interior or the optional Diamond VIT package. Trim is available in four colors. The Diamond VIT interior is all vinyl with hand-stitched diamond pleats.
The T2000 also gets a change in its standard headlamps. The new standard is a seven-inch round lamp from Truck-Lite. The complex reflector provides improved light output and a more focused beam pattern from the standard replaceable 9007 halogen bulb that is readily available at most automotive parts outlets.
The new lamp has a polycarbonate lens that is up to 30 times more impact resistant than glass; yet the all-plastic lamp assembly weighs only 12 ounces compared to 20 ounces for an assembly with a glass lens. Labor costs associated with headlamp maintenance are reduced, because only the bulb is replaced. This takes less time than replacing a sealed beam unit. In addition, the reflector remains properly aimed, because replacing the bulb does not disturb the mounting. No special tools are required for halogen bulb headlamp maintenance.
