LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Peterbilt vocational customers can now capitalize on a dramatically improved hood if their running a 357 with a set-back front axle.

Improving visibility by as much as five feet, the new hood still showcases features that are classically Peterbilt, including pod-mounted headlights, bicycle-style fenders and polished a aluminum crown and stainless steel grille.

Set-back axle configurations help operators maximize payloads by more evenly distributing weight over the front axle of the vehicle, explains Dan Sobic, assistant general manager.

“This allows customers to reduce the vehicle’s wheelbase, tightening the turning radius and improving maneuverability,” he adds.

In applications where vocationals need to be nimble workhorses, Pete is banking on the fact increased visibility is also an asset fleet owners would want to overlook.

“Not only is operator fatigue reduced, but there is the potential for more load cycles, and thus, higher profits,” says Sobic.

As well, a redesigned cooling system — suited for a broad range of applications — will allow customers to spec up to 600-hp powerplants to run the heaviest of haulers, including dump, mixer, oilfield, logging and tanker applications.