Mack Showcases Natural Gas Powered Truck at WasteExpo

Mack Trucks Inc., Greensboro, N.C., showcased its TerraPro refuse series lineup, including a natural gas-powered version, during WasteExpo 2011 in Dallas. Introduced in Oct. 2010 at the Mack World Sales Conference, the natural gas-powered version of the MACK TerraPro Cabover gives customers an alternative fuel option, while providing performance and reliability required for demanding refuse applications, the company says.

“The TerraPro Cabover is an excellent example of Mack’s dedication to innovation and application excellence,” says Curtis Dorwart, Mack vocational products marketing manager. “The refuse segment in particular is well suited for alternative fuel technologies, and Mack has continued to deliver as our customers begin migrating toward natural gas vehicles.”

The Mack TerraPro Cabover model is equipped with a 9-liter, 320 hp Cummins Westport ISL G engine that can use either compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG). The heavy-duty engine has a three-way catalyst to meet EPA’s 2010 emissions standards.

Mack also showcased its new Mack Air Disc Brakes during the WasteExpo show. The brakes have been engineered specifically for vocational applications. The balance between friction material and rotor material has been optimized for the stop-and-go needs of the refuse industry, providing improved stopping distance and handling. According to Mack, the air disc brakes are easier to service and the friction material has been designed to last twice as long as the material in S-cam drum brakes.

To reduce cost and weight as the market trends toward lighter truck specs and higher payloads, customers also now have a new Allison automatic transmission option – the 3000 series – for the TerraPro model.

Mack customers can opt for Allison’s hydraulic retarder to help slow the vehicle during routine stop-and-go driving, which reduces the stress on service brakes.

The TerraPro Low-Entry model also will receive an upgraded, factory-installed air-conditioning unit to help improve driver comfort. The roof-mounted system costs less than the previous unit and improves airflow by more than 50 percent.

“Mack has long been a leading player in the refuse segment, and we continue investing and innovating to produce the best possible solutions for our customers and their unique applications,” says Kevin Flaherty, Mack senior vice president, U.S. and Canada. “Our latest TerraPro enhancements will further improve productivity, safety and operational efficiency.”