New Models Roll Onto Lots

The new model year offers a few more options for those of you looking to add a medium-duty or heavy-duty truck to your fleet. Let’s look at just a few of the significant product redesigns and new entries into the market.

Peterbilt introduces Model 335

The Peterbilt 335 actually replaces the Model 330, which had been in the company’s line since June of 1994. This class 6 and 7 medium-duty truck will be handled by all 220 Peterbilt dealers across North America.

The Model 335 continues to use a lightweight, huck-bolted aluminum cab with a two-piece windshield, but it has been redesigned. Visibility has been enhanced with a larger rear window, a larger passenger side-view window and optional corner windows. Three different seating options are available: full bench, two-person bench and Peterbilt Ultra Ride.

For ease of access, the hood opens 90° and features a locking anti blow-down device. The hood itself is made of Metton, which the company claims is stronger and nearly 40 lbs. lighter than the previous hood. Its high-flex characteristics are supposed to help withstand impacts that would crack or shatter fiberglass.

The front of the truck has also been updated with a stainless steel grille with chromed surround. The new high-intensity headlights are protected by impact-resistant Lexan lenses. Finally, Peterbilt chose to use a one-piece stamped steel bumper. The company claims the replacement costs are the same as a three-piece bumper.

The Model 335 is available with front axle ratings from 8,000 to 20,000 lbs. and with rear axle ratings from 19,000 to 40,000 lbs. Engine choices include the Caterpillar C7 with ratings from 190 to 300 hp and the Cummins ISC with ratings from 240 to 315 hp. Transmissions include the Fuller manual, Fuller automated and Allison automatic.

Isuzu rolls out conventional cab

Isuzu Truck expands its product lineup for the 2005/2006 model years with the H-Series conventional cab medium-duty trucks. These vehicles will be available in the HTR (Class 6), HVR (Class 7) and HXR (Class 8) models.

The trucks will be powered by the Isuzu 6HK1-TC inline six-cylinder diesel engine. Power ratings range from 200 hp and 520 lb.-ft. of torque to 300 hp and 860 lb.-ft. of torque. Isuzu claims this engine has a B10 rating of 410,000 miles, which means 90% of the engines are projected to operate more than 400,000 miles without a major overhaul.

HTR and HVR models feature the 2500 Series Allison transmission as standard equipment. The Allison 3000 RDS close-ratio six-speed automatic is the base transmission on the HXR. Eaton Fuller manual transmissions are also available for all three models.

The trucks are available in regular cab and crew cab configurations. Isuzu has also updated the N-Series with a composite bumper, flush-mounted headlamps, cornering lamps and turn signals. A tachometer has been added to the instrumentation to aid power take-off (PTO) operation.

The company also announced the availability of an NPR diesel model with a 12,000-lb. GVW rating certified for all 50 states.

Freightliner adds vocational M2

Freightliner Trucks adds the Business Class M2 106V medium-duty and 112V Class 8 vocational trucks to its line. The M2 112V was specifically engineered for vocational applications such as mixer, snow plow and utility services. Likewise, the M2 106V was designed for specialized applications that require front-end stability and power. This includes snow plow, crane and construction applications.

The M2 106V features a front engine power take-off (PTO) provision for powering plows, cranes and utility equipment. Front frame extensions provide a solid mounting point for hydraulic pumps, winches, front stabilizers and snow plows. These integral frame extensions are offered in 6-, 12- and 24-in. increments.

The front PTO is standard on the M2 112V, and its front frame extensions are offered in 12-, 18- and 24-in. increments.