Kenworth recently announced the addition of the PACCAR Automatic Transmission for vocational T880 trucks. Additionally, the manufacturer announced that the truck will come standard with PACCAR’s 20K LBS. axle.
Kenworth T880 Adds PACCAR Transmission for Vocational Applications
The PACCAR 12-speed automated transmission will incorporate new PACCAR MX engine-optimized shift calibrations to enhance performance, beginning in January 2020. As a result, the PACCAR transmission will become available in light vocational applications, including construction, mining, refuse, and agriculture for the vocational leader Kenworth T880.
The PACCAR transmission’s new performance shift calibrations will provide higher full throttle upshift points to enhance overall performance and acceleration, and higher power downshift points to prevent speed loss on grades and higher resistance surfaces. Faster, more aggressive ramp rates and quicker shifts on grades will improve acceleration. The transmission also offers faster full-throttle launches with quicker, more aggressive clutch engagement.
Designed for applications up to 110,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, the expanded PACCAR transmission availability is intended for Kenworth T880s that travel mainly on paved roads and occasionally operate off highway on maintained dirt or gravel roads.
“The PACCAR transmission has been very well received by customers since it entered the market two years ago for the on-highway flagship Kenworth T680, and was added for the traditional long hood Kenworth W990 last year,” said Laura Bloch, Kenworth assistant general manager for sales and marketing. “Drivers like the PACCAR transmission’s driveability, smooth shifting and convenience, which can help reduce fatigue. Fleets appreciate the opportunity to enhance fuel economy and expand their driver recruitment pool beyond manual transmission experienced drivers only.”
The PACCAR transmission is the lightest heavy-duty transmission for on-highway commercial vehicles. The transmission is available with the PACCAR MX-13 engine rated up to 510 hp and 1,850 lb-ft of torque, and PACCAR MX-11 engine rated up to 430 hp and 1,650 lb-ft of torque.
The PACCAR transmission is an integral feature of the optimized PACCAR Powertrain, which includes PACCAR MX engines and the PACCAR 40K tandem rear axles.
Kenworth T880 Now Standard with PACCAR 20K Front Axle
The PACCAR front axle enhances steering efficiency and load carrying capacity for customers. The PACCAR 20K front axle is available with ratings of 20,000 or 22,000 pounds, and uses an innovative tapered kingpin roller bearing, which simplifies the design and delivers enhanced steering efficiency. The PACCAR front axle offers steering angles up to 50 degrees and has a five-year or 750,000 mile warranty.
The new standard Kenworth T880 specification package also features Kenworth 20K taperleaf front springs with shock absorbers, Kenworth AG460 tandem rear suspension, Meritor 46K tandem rear axles, integral knuckle for air disc brakes, and Bendix 6S/6M anti-lock brake system with air.
The Kenworth T880 provides a durable, reliable and productive truck for vocational fleets and truck operators in bulk haul, mixer, dump, heavy haul, oilfield, logging and refuse applications. The Kenworth T880 is available in day cab, 40-inch flat top sleeper, 52-inch and 76-inch mid-roof sleeper, T880S set-forward front axle, and T880S twin steer configurations.