Mack Rolls Out Granite Axle Back

Mack Trucks, Inc. experienced strong demand for its Granite vocational trucks. Steve Ginter, marketing manager for vocational products, partially credits the truck's light weight for this popularity. "We were able to improve profitability by carrying more payload," he states.

Granite was initially offered only in axle forward configurations. These configurations meet the demands of many customers who are governed by bridge laws and other weight and length restrictions. But there are regions where local laws and regulations favor the use of axle back configurations. In some states, and particularly in Canada, the 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 jobsites.

Mack Trucks previously filled the niche for the axle back configuration with its DM model. "The DM is still in production and now it is 40 years old," says Ginter.

A new generation axle back rolls out

To meet the demands of customers who desire an axle back configuration in a modern, lightweight chassis, Mack recently unveiled the Granite Axle Back.

The backbone of this truck is the company's vocational Cornerstone chassis. "The rails are 300mm tall. That puts them about a 1/2-in. taller than a Granite axle forward rail and about 1/2-in. lower," says Ginter. "So these are very wide rails."

The rails are offered in 8-, 9.5- and 11.1mm thicknesses with a 90mm flange, as well as an 11.1mm with a 105mm flange. Rail reinforcement liners are also available. "It gives customers the choice to have either a large single rail or two rails," says Ginter. The rails are tempered to a minimum 120,000-psi yield strength.

Main crossmember packages are designed to work with specific applications, from dump and mixer service to crane service and severe duty.

The UniMax steer axles, which come standard on the new truck, feature sealed, unitized hubs specifically for vocational work.

Rated from 12,000 to 23,000 lbs., these sealed axles are virtually maintenance free.

Location of the front axle is key to an axle back truck. "We are 51.5 in. from the back of the cab to the center of the front axle," says Ginter. "That is a full 17 in. farther back than an axle forward. It improves maneuverability, and it also allows the body manufacturer to transfer maximum payload to the front axle. Of course, we have improved wheel cuts. This improved turning radius is advantageous to the customer."

The engine mounting system on the Cornerstone chassis is a proven three-point support cradle with a rubber cushioning system. This system is designed to reduce driver fatigue and increase component life by decreasing noise and vibration.

Flaring the rails up front allows the use of a larger radiator to keep the engine running cool.

Addressing the finer points

The Granite Axle Back shares the same galvanized steel cab with the other Granite trucks, but the hood incorporates a few unique features. "The headlight is brand new for vocational use and it is very bright," says Ginter. "Its Lexan covering is more durable than sealed beam headlamps." Bulbs can be changed quickly without tools.

Flexible fender extensions are positioned over the wheels to protect the hood and control splashing. The large M-shaped grille has been designed to meet future demands. "The hood slope is designed for functionality, both for visibility and for aerodynamics," says Ginter.

CTI option

Central Tire Inflation (CTI) is a factory-installed option. It allows drivers to adjust tire pressures "on the fly" to improve traction. "You can lower tire pressures to expand the tire's footprint to minimize ruts and gain extra flotation in soft sand or mud," Ginter explains.

Goodyear Displays New Technologies

The Mack Granite Axle Back trucks at the Las Vegas, NV, introduction were equipped with two new tires, the Goodyear G287 MSA and G288 MSA. In addition, Goodyear introduced DuraSeal Technology.