When Sterling Truck introduced its gutsy-looking Acterra line in 1999, it matched the amenities of a class-8 cab with the versatility of a proven medium-duty chassis. The result is a vehicle with a go-anywhere work ethic, so it’s fitting that Sterling will produce the Acterra with optional all-wheel drive.

The factory-installed feature uses a two-speed transfer case with up to 13,000 pounds of input torque so you can easily engage it whenever you need traction control or encounter difficult road conditions. Sterling has offset the front axle carrier and transfer case by 10 inches to help retain the Acterra’s hallmark low chassis height. The result is one of the lowest first cab step heights available on an all-wheel drive commercial truck, yet there’s an astounding amount of ground clearance.

Sterling senior vice-president John Merrifield expects the all-wheel drive option to appeal to utility, fire, oilfield, snowplow, government, and other vocational customers who operate in rough or slippery terrain. The system features full four-wheel automatic traction control (ATC) using Sterling’s exclusive automatic lock control transfer case and the standard front and rear wheel traction control systems. The vehicle’s anti-lock brake system helps the ATC sense wheel slip and automatically engage the front axle and/or rear axle differential locks.

The all-wheel drive Acterra is available in four front axle ratings: 10,000, 12,000, 14,000, and 16,000 pounds. Standard features include Meritor Q Plus cam brakes with outboard-mounted drums for easy brake inspection and service; Meritor automatic brake adjusters; a straight tie-rod for easy toe adjustment; and ABS-ready wheel ends with a tooth wheel and sensor for additional safety. More details are available online at www.sterlingtrucks.com, or visit your local Sterling dealer.