World of Concrete is Launch Site for Vocational Trucking

As an equipment group, trucks are the biggest spend for most construction companies, even when big machines are taken into account.

And with the abandonment by most OEMs of the upcoming Mid America Show, the World of Concrete show currently going on in Las Vegas has become the launch site for a significant number of vocational trucking products.

International Modernizes Vocational Range

Likely the biggest is the announcement of the first truly new International models since 2010. The new HX range comprises four models that replace the PayStar which trace its heritage back more than 40 years. PatStar was the heavy duty workhorse with big bore engines, so too is the HX designating the trucks as Heavy eXtreme.

Four HX Series models will be offered, with both set-forward and set-back front axle models in either short or long hood, depending on the application. Three of the four new models were unveiled at World of Concrete:

The HX620 is a 120-inch BBC set-back axle truck or tractor
 with primary vocations including heavy haul tractor,
construction dump and platform stake/crane.

• The HX515 is a 115-inch BBC set-forward axle straight truck with primary vocations including concrete mixer, construction dump, refuse/roll-off and crane.
• The HX615 is a 115-inch BBC set-back axle truck or tractor with primary vocations including construction dump, concrete mixer, platform stake/crane and refuse/roll-off.
• The HX620 is a 120-inch BBC set-back axle truck or tractor with primary vocations including heavy haul tractor, construction dump and platform stake/crane.

The fourth model, the HX520, is a 120-inch BBC set-forward axle truck or tractor with primary vocations including heavy haul tractor, construction dump and platform stake/crane.  It will be formally unveiled at Truck World in Toronto in April.

The shorter BBC HX515 and the HX615 models are powered by Navistar N13 engines, while the HX520 and HX620 models offer the Cummins ISX15 engine.

In the launch material, Navistar described the design concept as delivering maximum strength and durability, driver productivity, bold styling and superior uptime.

“The HX Series combines aggressive styling, unstoppable capability and driver-centric features to appeal to vocational truck owners in a whole new way,” said Denny Mooney, Navistar’s senior vice president, Global Product Development. “All you need to do is get behind the wheel of this truck and you will see that this is a major step forward in design, all with the driver in mind.”

Specifically, the new trucks feature an available 12.5-inch x 0.5-inch single rail that’s 13 percent lighter than a 10-inch rail, the only vocational aluminum cab, and a three-piece Metton hood that is both strong and easily repaired.

Drivers can enjoy a 40-degree wheel cut on both right and left turns for improved maneuverability, while angled fenders provide greater wheel clearance and the hood's low angle makes for excellent front forward visibility. The larger rear window compared to the company's prior model allows for superior rear visibility.

Most apparent changes are to the HX styling, so that hoods and grilles stand out on the road and at the worksite with customer options for bright finishes. The interior is completely redesigned to offer more room for driver comfort and productivity with contoured door handles to add hip room and storage space and a central console angled for easy reach to controls.

The standard tilt/telescoping steering column adjusts, gauges are designed and positioned to deliver optimal visibility and LED lighting is standard throughout, as are air conditioning, power windows and power locks.

Mack Makes Guard Dog Standard on TerraPro

 Mack TerraPro models can be configured for many applications,
 such as a concrete pump, dump, mixer or refuse vehicle

Mack announced that its GuardDog Connect, Mack’s integrated telematics solution, is now available and standard in all Mack TerraPro Cabover models equipped with a Mack MP engine.

Mack extended the offering of GuardDog Connect to all Mack-powered TerraPro Cabover models after receiving positive customer response to the Uptime solution. Mack TerraPro models can be configured for many applications, such as a concrete pump, dump, mixer or refuse vehicle.

GuardDog Connect is Mack’s proactive diagnostic and repair planning system. It monitors fault codes that could potentially shut down a truck or lead to an unplanned visit to the dealer. It enables quick diagnosis of issues, proactive scheduling for repairs and confirmation that needed parts are in stock and ready to install, all while the truck is still on the job.

“Customers responded so favorably to GuardDog Connect that we extended the solution to all our TerraPro Cabover models equipped with a Mack engine,” said Stephen Roy, president of Mack Trucks North America. “The Uptime support offered by GuardDog Connect, as well as our Mack OneCall support service agents, Uptime Center staffed by dedicated professionals and our body builder support team, is unparalleled in the industry.”

Mack made GuardDog Connect standard on TerraPro concrete pump chassis in 2015 and was the first to offer proactive support service for pump applications.

Along with Uptime support, Mack says it has made significant strides to simplify body builder support services.  Mack recently created a focused body builder support group that offers prompt access to Mack product experts who can answer questions that may arise from the body builder installation process. The group also addresses customer inquiries after a vehicle is in service.

Eaton Broadens Features on Vocational Automated Transmission

Initially launched in other applications in 2013, Eaton now brings the Fuller Advantage transmission benefits of reduced weight, increased efficiency and lower maintenance costs to vocational users, the company announced during the show.

Fuller Advantage automated overdrive models can now be configured with the recently introduced optional Urge to Move, Creep Mode and Blended Pedal functionality for enhanced low-speed maneuverability in situations such as backing into a loading dock or maneuvering in a construction job site.


“The Fuller Advantage automated transmission has proven to be extremely reliable,” said Evan Vijithakumara, product strategy manager, Eaton.  “Now it’s ready for vocational duty with 110,000 pound GCW capability, 6- and 8-bolt PTO openings, and driver confidence features such as Hill Start Aid and intelligent gear selection logic.”

According to Eaton, the Precision Lubrication system represents one of the key features in Fuller Advantage transmissions. The system reduces the oil churn energy losses found in traditional transmissions by nearly 33 percent.

With less heat being generated, Fuller Advantage transmissions do not require a transmission fluid cooler and corresponding lines and fittings. The result is less preventative maintenance is required while engine fans cycle less, further reducing horsepower demand. 



An oil level sight glass allows for routine oil checks to be performed at a fraction of the time typically required, and the precision lube system uses only 16 pints of oil which is nearly half the amount used in traditional transmissions.

Additional weight savings have been achieved by replacing cast iron with aluminum for the shift bar housing (manual models), auxiliary section cover and range cylinder. Exact weight savings are dependent on the make of truck purchased as cooler weights vary by the cooler manufacturer.