A rugged job requires a rugged truck, says International Truck and Engine Corp. as it rolls out the International 5900i 4×2 tractor, which is positioned as a light, yet strong construction vehicle.

The 5900i, designed in a 4×2 configuration to excel in on/off-highway applications, requires no additional reinforcing to achieve the durability needed to satisfy customer demand, “a unique feature in the severe service market,” the company says.

The 5900i has a set-forward axle, 120 inches bumper-to-back of cab, and a light frame rail system strong enough to get the toughest jobs done without strain. Sheppard M-100 power steering, an 18-inch steering wheel, forward instrument panel location and a high roof allow for a spacious cab with plenty of head and belly room.

Standard features include a 12,000-pound capacity front axle, a matching parabolic taper leaf front suspension, and a Meritor 23,000-pound rear axle with a Hendrickson HAS 230 rear air suspension.

The power under the hood comes from the Cummins ISM engine sporting 350 horsepower and 1350 lbs.-ft torque. Engine options cover a wide range of Cummins ISM and Caterpillar C-10/C-12 engines with 335 to 430 horsepower ratings and torque ratings from 1350 to 1650 lbs.-ft. Larger displacement engines will be available after October 2002.

To meet the demands of the construction environment, the tractor has stronger hood hinges than even the International 9900i heavy-duty tractor, a 15 1/2-inch clutch and a Fuller 10-speed overdrive transmission featuring “C” ratios. Options include Allison automatic, Eaton Fuller 10-speed AutoShift, and various Eaton Fuller 10 to 18-speed manual transmissions.