BULLDOG SEEKING A BIGGER BITE.

Mack targets 30 percent share in vocational market with new Granite series; Freedom line aims at medium-duty applications

Mack Trucks, Inc., recently announced the release of its new Granite and Freedom series trucks in Las Vegas, Nev. Mack's strength has historically been in the construction

Both of the new lines, the Granite and the Freedom, were designed based on recent customer clinics held by Mack. The basic ideology behind the new designs follows the "we build a truck the customer wants" theory. Each new series offers several configurations, powertrain choices and weight ratings.

The Granite series is available in two basic versions; the Granite and the more weight restrictive Granite Bridge formula. Applications include dump, refuse, mixers and vocational tractor applications such as hauling lowboy trailers. Three basic interior packages are available -- contractor, select or premier. The newly designed cabs offer increased head, leg and belly room for the operator, the company said. The dash panel can facilitate from 14 to 21 standard and customized switches.

Visibility was also a consideration. The large windshield and contoured hood are designed to offer better sight-lines. Another sight-conscious feature is a window on the bottom section of the passenger side door, which allows for more precise maneuvering at construction sites.

Mack's E-tech engine is the standard for the Granite series and is available in outputs from 300 to 460 hp. The E-tech EM7-300 is a six cylinder, in-line electronically controlled diesel. Also available are Cummins ISL series engines from 310 to 330 hp.

Also standard in the Granite series is the new line of Mack Maxitorque ES transmissions, which are available in 5to 18-speed versions. The Maxitorque transmissions also offer gear ratios and PTO options designed to suit all vocational assignments. In total the Maxitorque line covers 20 different transmissions with torque capacities of 1700 and 1800 lb.ft., as well as 13- and 18-speed models with torque capacities from 1800 to 2100 lb.ft. The transmissions include a new range shift synchronizer designed to reduce clutch wear and ease shifting. The line was also designed to be lighter than its T200 predecessors.

Another new feature of the Granite series is the Body-Link electrical interface, which utilizes an industry standard electrical plug system to create interfaces inside and outside the cab. The system is designed to simplify the job of installers by allowing them to prewire body equipment and plug into the chassis when mounting without splicing chassis wires or cutting holes in the cab panels.

The Granite makes use of Mack's VMAC (Vehicle Management and Control) system, which allows operators to control PTO speed and body status while simultaneously providing trip summaries, histograms, driver logs and maintenance records. The system allows for the monitoring and controlling of engine and vehicle performance standards such as road speed limiting, lower gear road speed limiting, idle time and cruise control.

Cab design of the Granite was reworked from the inside for operator comfort as well as structural design. The back of the cab now features a huckbolted crossmember designed to meet the strength requirements of construction applications. Full height frame rails available in 3/8 in. or 5/16 in. thickness are also featured. The Granite series is currently available for purchase. Manufacturing is taking place at the Mack assembly facility in Macungie, Penn.

With the Granite series poised for an assault on the construction dollars, Mack also rolled out the new Freedom series for the medium-duty market. These cabover trucks are available in Class 6 and 7. There are four Freedom models, designated M, L, XL and XXL. Each is offered with a standard cab which measures 63 in. from bumper to the back of the cab, as well as the XTRa cab with a in. measurement.

The Freedom series trucks are powered by the Mack E3-210 engine, with a 210 peak hp rating. An optional 250 lip rating is available in the XL and XXL models. The six-cylinder engine is certified in all 50 states, Mack said, and offers an oil change interval of 20,000 hours. The standard transmission on the Freedom series is the Eaton FS5206A six-speed.

Featuring 17.5 in. wheels, the Class 6 Freedom M model offers one-step cab entry and one of the lowest heights in the class, Mack said. The low ride height is designed for use in retail and wholesale deliveries. The Class 6 L model and Class 7 XL models feature 19.5 in. wheels with two-step cab entry. The XXL rides on 22.5 in. wheels and also features two-step entry The XL and XXL models are available with gvw ratings from 26,000 to 35,000 lb. Wheel cuts on the Freedom have been maximized at 50[degrees] offering increased maneuverability, Mack said.

The Freedom series is largely committed to ergonomics. Two different interior packages -- the Office cab and the Utility cab -- are available. The Office cab features a center console which includes 12 V power ports, a slide-out desk and a folder file cabinet The Utility cab which is more suited for trade applications features a storage bin for tools or materials, a clothes hanger and a fold-down, two-person passenger seat. Visibility in the Freedom is 90[degrees] in the front, 71.5[degrees] to the left and 26[degrees] to the right. An optional visibility passenger door is available as well.

Like the Granite series, the Freedom also features the V-MAC system. which can be viewed on the optional Vehicle Information Profiler (VIP). Installed in the dash panel the VIP helps operators monitor truck functions during operation. Also available from Mack is the new GuardDog monitoring software, which can also be displayed on the VIP An active monitoring system, the GuardDog system focuses on engine oil levels, coolant levels, fuel, washer fluid, air filter restriction as well as brake wear.

All told, impressive new offerings from one of the true leaders in the vocational truck market. Mack, of course, is now a fully owned subsidiary of Volvo Truck, which adds to its staying power in the current slow North American truck market. One could say that the Bulldog has a new "leash" on life and these two new introductions have it sitting up pretty, just waiting for a recovery.

Rich Wilson is a Diesel Progress field editor based in Las Vegas, Nev.