Mack Unveils 4x2 Granite

[kscarbel]

Transport Topics / March 6, 2013

(INDIANAPOLIS) Mack Trucks introduced a 4x2 version of its Granite MHD (medium heavy duty) vocational truck here March 6 during the NTEA Work Truck Show.

The truck is being offered exclusively with the Cummins ISL9 engine and a choice of an Allison 3000 automatic or Fuller manual transmission, said Curtis Dorwart, vocational product marketing manager, during an exclusive interview with Light & Medium Truck.

Dorwart said the truck is tailored to small contractors, municipalities and utilities, among others, that need a Class 7 application. However, it can also be spec’d for Class 8 duty, he said.

A short bumper-to-tire distance offers optimal front-end swing clearance and wheel cut, Mack said. The galvanized steel cab is mounted on airbags and shocks, while frame rails are offered in thicknesses ranging from 7 mm to 11.1 mm, Mack said

[RFCDrum]

I don't know why Cummins why not smaller Mack motor/ Volvo. I think the Volvo is a better engine than that Cummins.

Cheers, RFC

[Lmackattack]

Think they want in the state and county market... It could be a good move. Hope they will offer a few engine choices.

[Lmackattack]

Saw this on the mack web site....its a 6 wheeler but with the cummins engine.

http://www.macktrucks.com/assets/MackMarketing/Brochures/GraniteBrochures/MCKTRK_7760_GrMdHvyDtySS.pdf

[kscarbel]

The Granite-based MHD (medium heavy duty) is a pathetic attempt by Volvo North America to compete with the Freightliner Business Class M2 106/112 and the International WorkStar.

If you want to compete in the municipal segment with a low-priced heavy truck, you need a purpose-designed product like the mid-range Freightliner Business Class M2 106/112 and the International WorkStar (I'm not a big fan of either product but the cities buy them).

By taking the Granite and installing a low-priced Cummins ISL, a competitive product has not been realized. And of course, assuming Volvo had wanted to play off the former Mack Trucks' legendary reputation in the vocational sector*, putting any powerplant other than a Mack-branded product in this truck is nothing less than shooting yourself in the foot.

* WIth Volvo VHD vocational truck sales already embarrassingly low, who would buy a medium VHD with a Cummins ISL?

[2stacksuperdog]

Is this the new version of the R400 a underpowered cheap truck? Why not put a mack motor with mack trans. seems to me it would bemore cost effective to be built from mack components

[Lmackattack]

I think regardless of who's engine is in it. You should let the mfg push Mack engines but offer others as well. Not everyone wants a Mack engine. I think a class 7 Mack truck is a way to rebrand the name.

[57 bcr]

Mack has never really succeeded in the smaller class market.Like 2stack said,the R-400 was just an attempt to get people into a MACK,without the famous ,time tested,MACK powertrain.They did the same in recent years with the RD-series,using the Renault motor,the E-5. I somewhat understand the reason for "cheapening" the engine/powertrain MACK,just leave that to the other guys, and dominate the areas you once held so dear! .............................Al Rhino,.........................Good Day!