WARRENVILLE, Ill. — Navistar says its big bore MaxxForce engines are earning rave reviews after their first full year in the marketplace

The company’s 11- and 13-litre engines are known for their quiet operation and the company says they’re also delivering excellent performance and fuel economy.

“Since delivering the first units in 2008, we’ve consistently received positive feedback from our customers on the outstanding performance and fuel economy characteristics of our MaxxForce big bore engines,” said Jack Allen, president of Navistar’s North American Truck group.

The MaxxForce engines use a compacted graphite iron block and high-pressure common rail fuel system as well as advanced electronic controls to maximize fuel economy and minimize engine noise, the company says. Customers are reportedly also pleased with the power and torque.

“It’s a tough time to be in this business, and with fuel currently our biggest expense, we’re trying to cut costs wherever we can,” said Bob Tennant, president of 75 truck fleet, Tennant Truck Lines of Orion, Ill. The company claims it’s getting 8 mpg.

TC Trans, a Blaire, Wash.-based carrier that runs into Canada, says it moved from a 15-litre to a 13-litre MaxxForce and is now getting 8% better fuel economy.

“Every ounce of fuel that stays in the tank, that’s less money that I’m paying out of my pocket to get the job done,” said Chuck Schamel, vice-president of TC Trans.