LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Coinciding with its 90th year in business, Kenworth has launched a new T880 vocational truck.

“Vocational customers and drivers really demand a tough and durable truck in today’s challenging work environments, and we are confident the Kenworth T880 will surpass customer expectations,” said Kevin Baney, Kenworth chief engineer, while unveiling the new model to journalists at the Mid-America Trucking Show. “For example, the T880 features a panoramic windshield for enhanced visibility, quiet cab with its triple-sealed and robust doors, five-piece hood for easier and faster repairs, air-assisted hydraulic clutch, complex reflector headlamps, excellent maneuverability, and new lightweight, factory-installed lift axles that vocational customers will especially appreciate.”

Ideal applications for the new truck include dump, mixer, refuse and heavy-haul.

The standard engine is Paccar’s 12.9-litre MX-13, available with up to 500 hp and 1,850 lb.-ft. of torque, which the company says can handle loads of over 100,000 lbs. It can also be ordered with the Cummins ISX15 with up to 600 hp and 2,050 lb.-ft.

The cab is 2.1 metres wide and made of stamped aluminum. It offers 23 inches of space between the seats.

Kenworth says the aluminum cab is a new feature for vocational applications. It was borrowed from the T680 highway tractor.

The cab features a panoramic, bounded-in windshield that’s extra thick to resist rock chips.

The hood is constructed of Metton material, which is lightweight, yet able to resist impacts. Bolt-on fenders allow for quick and easy repairs, the company said.

The T880 comes in a 116.5- or 122.5-inch BBC. The new model will be available for production later this summer.

Gary Moore, general manager of Kenworth and Paccar vice-president, said the company will continue to offer its long-running T800, as long as there is demand for it.

“We will continue to build all of our products and allow the customers to decide (when to discontinue them),” Moore said.

He also noted Kenworth has seen an uptick in the construction market, which he attributed to improved housing starts and a strong automotive sector.