Tires crunched over gravel as I churned up a dirt track behind the wheel of a dump truck. The track, situated in a wooded area, was bumpy, with tight turns and steep grades. Then, I put a concrete mixer through the same paces.

The work trucks went about their business efficiently, without a complaint. Playing in the dirt was not a problem for International Truck’s redesigned HV series equipped with the S13 integrated powertrain at the company’s Proving Grounds in Indiana.

At one point the track presented a right-angled turn with a drop in the front. I didn’t have to lean over and take a peek to make sure I wasn’t going to tip over. The sloped hood made it easier to see and judge distance while tackling the turn.

Driving down a steep grade, I flicked on the first level of the three-level engine brake sitting on a column-mounted stalk shifter, and the truck bit into the gravel slowing down the momentum. It’s nice to give the foundation brakes a break sometimes.

Spec’ed with the T14, 1,750 lb.-ft., 14-speed automated manual transmissions, the Internationals were in their element.   

Precision maneuverability

The HVs are equipped with two crawler gears that provide precision maneuverability. I took my foot off the accelerator and the truck began to creep ahead smoothly and steadily. There was no ugly jerking.

This can also be accessed with a cool turtle icon on the dashboard. The system will shut itself off at 10 mph (16 km/h). I preferred to hit the turtle switch.

The creeper gears will be handy at tight jobsites, backing into a kingpin, parking spot or dock door.

To improve the overall driver experience, LED headlamps help increase visibility. Also, underhood lights assist with inspections in low-light environments, while an integrated fluid check in the driver display helps simplify the pre-trip inspection process. The hood is also 30% easier to open, International claims. The HV also boasts new cab side steps to increase driver safety and minimize fatigue.

International has shaved off weight and galvanized the frame rails to provide anti-corrosion protection.

No active regens

Company officials said the S13 Integrated powertrain can help fleets boost productivity since they no longer need to stop work to perform active regens. And maintenance is simplified by eliminating components like the exhaust gas recirculation cooler and diesel oxidation catalyst.

The revamped HV is supported through service contracts that provide greater productivity, efficiency and lower total cost of ownership for vocational fleets.

The offerings deliver everything from planned maintenance and proactive service planning to service event orchestration and complete vehicle coverage.

“The S13 Integrated powertrain packaged with the redesigned HV delivers our best solutions for operational performance, fleet management, body integration and driver experience,” said Chad Conley, vice-president, work truck. “And with the backing of our service contracts, customers will see we’ve simplified the ownership experience, so they can focus on the areas of their business that matter most.”

Upgraded electronics

The HV comes with factory-installed power take-off options and the integration of Bendix Wingman Fusion for collision mitigation. New remote power modules deliver more power and control through upgraded electronics and expanded input and output options.

Additional integration enhancements include multiple mounting options for common components such as air tanks, air dryers, a more accessible fuel water separator and new options for tag and pusher axles.

Calling the HV the “Swiss Army knife of the industry,” Andy Hanson, vocational marketing director, said “We took the workhorse of the International product line, modernized its appearance, and powered it with the industry’s most advanced powertrain. We also raised the bar when it comes to chassis and body integration by helping customers increase productivity and reduce equipment downtime.”

Series production begins in the second half of 2025 and International is now accepting orders.