The Granite series vocational trucks from Mack are the latest offerings from the Allentown, Pa.-based truck maker, featuring updated styling and electronics over Mack’s RD series of vocational trucks, which was introduced in 1965.
The Granite boasts a 108-inch BBC and can be spec’ed with a variety of power choices. Standard engine is the Mack E-Tech in ratings from 300 to 460 horsepower. Also available is the Cummins ISL rated from 310 to 330 horsepower. Standard transmission is the new Mack Maxitorque ES in various speeds – 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13 and 18 – with a wide range of gear ratios and PTO options.
The Granite also offers the V-MAC electronics package that allows precise control of power take-off functions and monitors maintenance, driver logs and trip records. Operators can spec the optional vehicle information profiler electronics package that includes a dash-mounted display center.
According to Steve Homcha, Mack executive vice president, the Granite will be the “core” of the company’s construction trucks. Homcha said the truck retains its trademark durability while weighing much less than previous models, with a base weight of 15,300 pounds. The Granite Bridge Formula model, introduced in March, shaves even more weight off with a base weight of just 13,900 pounds.
“The Granite will go head-to-head with anybody in terms of weight,” Homcha said, “but we’re not sacrificing any Mack Truck toughness” to reduce the weight.
The Granite offers three interior trim levels and is available now, with production running at about six trucks a day, Mack officials said. The company expects production to increase to 10 to 15 a day by fall.
Mack also unveiled its new cabover Class 6 and Class 7 trucks, the Freedom series. Built by Renault in France, the Freedom series is available in two cab sizes for each weight class. The standard cab is a 63-inch BBC while an extended-cab version stretches the BBC out to 79 inches.
Standard power is the Mack E3 rated at 210 horsepower. A 250-horsepower option is also available. The Freedom features added storage in the doors and overhead.
The Freedom series can be spec’ed with either manual or automatic transmissions.
Mack also introduced what officials call “a more driver-friendly” transmission lineup, the ES T300 series. The transmission family includes 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, 9-, 10-, 13- and 18-speed models. All feature a triple-countershaft design, high torque capacities, lightweight one-piece aluminum case/clutch housings, and revised ratios.
