From Workhorse Custom Chassis, the new W62 walk-in truck is offered with bodies by Morgan Olson or Utilimaster in 19,500- and 23,500-lb GVWR models. Workhorse is wholly owned by International Truck and Engine.

The W62 is unique in these weight ranges in that it will use a gasoline engine, the General Motors 8.1 L Vortec
V8, mated to the five-speed Allison 1000HS transmission for the 19,500-lb model or Allison 2200HS for the
bigger truck. The Vortec produces 310 hp and 455 lb ft. of torque. A diesel version using International’s MaxxForce 5 V6 engine will be launched by mid summer.

Company vice president Jay Sandler says that, with the higher cost of diesel fuel and 2007 emissions-compliant diesel engines, fleets are taking a new look at gas engines.

“Modern gas engines are no longer that far behind diesels in terms of longevity and maintenance,” he suggests. “They’re emissions-compliant everywhere. They’re less expensive and they weigh less, so you have more payload capacity. If you’re putting less than 25,000 miles a year on the truck, and particularly if it sits for
stretches at job sites, gas is a viable option, even for those with higher GVWR needs.”

With the addition of the diesel W62 this summer, Workhorse will offer both gas and diesel choices for GVWRs
ranging from 9400 to 23,500 lb, with wheelbases from 125 to 218 in. The W62 comes with wheelbases of 157, 178, 190, 208 and 218 in.

Parcel delivery, utilities, textile/uniform rental, municipalities, newspapers and mobile tool sales are some of the vocations that Workhorse expects to compete in more effectively with the higher GVWR classifications.

It’s worth noting that Workhorse offers free 24/7 emergency roadside assistance for the duration of the chassis warranty period — three years/36,000 miles.

The W62 incorporates a number of features developed for the lighter Workhorse W42 truck. They include four-wheel Meritor Quadraulic disc brakes with four pistons at each caliper with the WABCO 4-channel ABS system with full J-1939 diagnostic capability. It uses 225/70 19.5-in. tires as standard, with a 245/70 19.5-in. option. The truck turns with ZF Servocom 8095 variable-ratio power steering.