KW Makes Improvements to T2000, T300

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Kenworth has enhanced its T2000 to make it more aerodynamic while providing greater durability and driver comfort, company officials announced at the Mid-America Trucking Show.

Kenworth reconfigured the front bumper of the T2000, making it three pieces rather than one while isolating the bumper from the body.

“We’ve focused on where front-end damage can occur,” Jim Bechtold, Kenworth’s chief engineer announced.

“This new design lowers repair costs. What’s more, we’ve added a new steel subframe to better protect the radiator from front collision impact.”

A subtle change to the T2000’s sun visor is designed to direct more air over the top of the cab, saving fuel for linehaul drivers.

“It doesn’t look like a big improvement, but it makes a significant impact,” Bechtold said.

“It reduces drag by nearly one per cent and can cut fuel bills by more than $200 per year for the average long haul driver.”

The driver’s seat has an extra six degrees of seat recline and an extra 2.5 inches of belly room.

Users of Kenworth’s medium-duty T300 will also enjoy some new enhancements.

The 2005 edition of this medium-duty rig is the T300’s 10th anniversary model and as such it was given some extra attention by engineers.

The 2005 model is available with optional corner windows for improved visibility while backing up and negotiating tight areas.

The exterior also includes a wire mesh grille with a polished stainless steel center trim; standard complex reflector headlamps that provide a 50 per cent increase in illumination; and an optional one-piece stainless steel-clad aluminum bumper with fog lights.

The interior of the T300 has also been modified to improve driver comfort.

“Many drivers, especially those making multiple stops in a day, use the cab as their office – filling out paperwork and logging hours,” said Steve Gilligan, Kenworth general marketing manager.

“To make it easier, Kenworth developed an optional workstation between the driver and passenger seat.”

The workstation includes a small desk containing two 12-volt power outlets that can be used to power laptop computers.

The workstation also includes a compartment for hanging files or storing a clipboard.

New dash appearances are also available – including an Australian burl wood panel treatment.

Two-tone seats are also available in either fabric or vinyl.

For those who want a heavier-duty T300 work truck, Kenworth has added a heavier front-axle option of 14,600-lbs that can be paired with the already available 30,000-lb rear axle.

“These are especially great options for customers running cranes or hanging forklifts off the back of the body,” Gilligan said.

“In addition, we now offer an air accessory package for trucks spec’d with hydraulic brakes and the CAT C7 engine at 330 hp is available for all applications.”

New sleeper options

Kenworth also introduced new 86-inch and 72-inch AeroCab Diamond sleepers.

“Customers interested in Kenworth sleepers now have more choices,” said Steve Gilligan, Kenworth general marketing manager.

“Customers can select the 86-inch Studio AeroCab or 72-inch AeroCab VIT loaded with all the comforts and amenities, or they can now order a premium AeroCab Diamond sleeper, then customize it to their liking and budget.”

The Diamond has a fixed 42-inch by 80-inch lower bunk. An optional upper bunk is also available.

The sleeper can also provide up to 69 cubic feet of storage with room for an optional refrigerator and still shaves up to 150-pounds off existing sleepers.

“It’s a bulkhead-free floor plan which provides more room for the driver in the cab, plus more space in the sleeper,” explained Gilligan.

“The increased space will enhance driver comfort if they have to spend additional time in the sleeper due to the new Hours of Service regulations.”

Both the 86- and 72-inch sleepers feature vista windows, a wall-mounted console providing independent temperature control in the sleeper and ambient lighting adjustments.

The interiors are available in four colour schemes and also include an entertainment jack for headphones.

For customers concerned about resale value, the AeroCab is designed so the sleeper can be easily removed and retrofitted with an extended day cab conversion kit for the second or third owner.

New options/standards

Also new for Kenworth, the company is now offering the Watson and Chalin Tru-Track Super Lite steerable lift axle as an option.

Company officials said the lift axle reduces weight while boosting payload.

“The Super Lite lift axle is a smart way for dump truck and mixer fleet owners to increase their hauling capacity and still keep the overall weight down,” said Gilligan.

“The axle can function as a tag or pusher axle.”

On all its Class 8 models, Kenworth is now making the mirror-mounted outside air temperature display standard.

“The outside temperature is an important piece of information for drivers, especially when temperatures dip to near freezing and black ice can develop,” Gilligan said.

“Since the driver frequently checks the mirror while driving, it made sense to merge the two.”

Also announced at Mid-America, Kenworth will be introducing a new factory-installed exhaust system for Cat ACERT engines which simplifies installation of a heated dump body.

The re-arranged exhaust system will be available on T800 and W900 day cab models. It is also slated to be exclusive to Cat C15, C13 and C11 engines, Kenworth officials announced.

The new system is designed to make it easier for body builders to divert the exhaust and accommodate a heated dump body – a common feature in Canada.

More satellite options

Kenworth company officials also announced the availability of two satellite radio choices on all Class 8 models.

Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio will both be options as Kenworth’s factory-installed radio.

The Dana Spicer ESD225 air disc brake will be available on selected Kenworth models immediately, officials announced.

Bechtold said the Dana Spicer disc brake may eliminate one steer axle brake reline for many linehaul customers.

Also offered are the new Dana Spicer 170 and 190 single and tandem drive axles on all Class 8 models.

The single axle will also be available on Kenworth’s Class 7 T300.

The truck-maker is also making a wide track front axle optional on its W900L – a move company officials said will enhance maneuverability.

The 12,000-lb wide track front axle option should be available this summer.

Kenworth officials also announced the Bendix AD-IS air dryer will be standard equipment on all Class 8 models.

And the enhanced Cummins ISL engines are now available in Kenworth W900S and T800 models.

For more information on new products, visit the company’s Web site at www.kenworth.com

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