LAS VEGAS, Nev. (January 17, 2005) — Mack Trucks, Inc. has unveiled an axle back version of its popular class 8 Granite model.

The Granite Axle Back vehicle is aimed at customers looking for additional options for maximizing the productivity and profitability of their operations. The truck may be particularly appealing in Canada where many provincial laws governing roadway use are such that having the front axle set back makes it possible to legally carry more payload. The axle back position also results in a shorter overall wheelbase, making it easier to maneuver around tight job sites, Mack says.

The new Mack model combines all of the advantages of the current Granite model — including a large, strong, comfortable cab with plenty of leg and belly room; best-in-class visibility; an ergonomically-designed electronic dash; and advanced electronics – with a new, bold exterior featuring distinctive flexible fender extensions, sleek halogen headlamps, available stylized mirrors, and the Mack “M” grille.

Anticipating strong demand, Mack is already well into actual production of Granite Axle Back vehicles.

A variety of front bumper types — including flush, extended, and stylized — offered in either painted steel or chrome, enhance the truck’s rugged good looks. The 27-inch front extension version provides optimum protection for a front-mounted PTO. The stylized option is designed in sections, which eliminates the need to replace the entire bumper if only part of it is damaged.

A wide range of frame rail thicknesses and crossmember options make it possible to optimally configure the vehicle as a straight truck or tractor for almost any application, including mixer, dump, roll-off, and rear loader.

In fact, the backbone of Granite Axle Back is a new Mack vocational chassis called Cornerstone Mack says. The various crossmembers offered on this new chassis were developed and rigorously tested by Mack engineers. The wide range of Cornerstone constant-height frame rail options, 300 mm tall and ranging in thickness from 7 mm to 11.1 mm, are all made from high-strength, low-alloy steel that’s quenched and tempered to a minimum of 120,000 p.s.i. Rail reinforcement liners are also available.

“Take one look at these crossmembers and rails and you know right away that this is a Mack chassis,” said Steve Ginter, Mack marketing manager for vocational products, in a press release. “But the Cornerstone chassis isn’t just strong and tough. It’s designed to enhance profitability. Flaring the rails up front allowed us to increase the size of the radiator — and make other enhancements to the cooling system — which makes the truck run very efficiently.”

Also, to reduce driver fatigue, the company incorporated a new engine mounting system that decreases noise and vibration. A rubber cushioning system cradles the engine and promotes longer operating life and a whisper-quiet fan, controlled by our V-MAC electronics system, turns on and off precisely when needed to save fuel and keep dust kick-up to a minimum.”

Mack says it engineered Granite Axle Back from the ground up to reduce maintenance costs. Air lines and the electrical harness are easily accessed. All air valves — including the relay valve, ABS modulators and spring brake valves — are centrally and conveniently located. Air and electrical lines are properly supported and protected in brackets specially designed to reduce fraying. All fittings feature reusable quick connects. And fewer wires and connections in general improves reliability.

Bodybuilders will appreciate the re-engineered BodyLink system available on Granite Axle Back. It features two quick connect electrical connectors along the left hand frame rail that allow a bodybuilder to even more efficiently and effectively wire into the truck’s electrical system. Not only does this save valuable installation time, it also enhances quality and reliability by reducing or eliminating undesirable splicing, circuit loading or other electrical system problems.