World of Concrete (WOC) 2016 was an important time for truck manufacturer International Trucks. On the first day of the show—when the seminars started—International introduced its new HX Series of vocational trucks. The first all-new vehicle International has introduced since 2010, the HX Series consists of premium Class 8 vocational trucks designed to deliver the strength and endurance required for the severe service industry.
According to Navistar, Inc. president and CEO, Troy Clarke, the HX Series is designed based on in-depth discussions with leading users of severe service applications and replaces the International® PayStar® model. “The Series launch showcases our commitment to innovation and uptime. There are four models in the series designed to perform in the most punishing jobs, while making operators more productive.”
A MODEL FOR EVERY SEASON
The HX Series consists of four models:
- HX515: Powered by a Navistar® N13 engine, the HX515 is a 115-inch bumper-to-back-of-cab (BBC) Set-forward Axle Straight Truck with primary vocations that include concrete mixer, construction dump, refuse/roll-off, and crane.
- HX615: Also powered by a Navistar N13 engine, the HX615 is a 115-inch BBC Set-back Axle Truck or Tractor with primary vocations that include construction dump, concrete mixer, platform stake/crane, and refuse/roll-off.
- HX520: Powered by a Cummins® ISX15 engine, the HX520 is a 120-inch BBC Set-forward Axle Truck or Tractor with primary vocations that include heavy-haul tractor, construction dump, and platform stake/crane. The HX520 will be officially introduced at Truck World in Toronto this April.
- HX620: Also powered by a Cummins ISX15 engine, the HX620 is a 120-inch BBC Set-back Axle Truck or Tractor with primary vocations that include heavy-haul tractor, construction dump, and platform stake/crane.
THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE SEVERE
The HX Series focuses on bringing the best of the best when it comes to a heavy-duty truck for severe-duty applications. International says that the HX Series delivers on four key principles of design: maximum strength and durability, driver productivity, bold styling, and superior uptime.
It starts with durability—and a strong foundation. Each HX Series model has a huck-bolted frame and cross members that produce superior clamping force to minimize vibration and maximize structural integrity. The aluminum cab offers better durability than steel and the three-piece Metton hood—designed to resist cracking—is stronger and lighter than fiberglass. Doors feature stainless steel piano hinges for superior strength.
Featured Image: The HX Series brings the best of the best in a heavy-duty truck with severe-duty applications.
Above: The HX Series has been tested and validated to provide industry-leading uptime, with the sort of durability and endurance that customers demand.
AN EYE CATCHER WITH ROOM TO MOVE
Let’s face it—aesthetics are an important part of truck desirability. There’s nothing shallow about that. After all, drivers want comfort and beauty on the inside, too. The HX Series provides that beauty and comfort, from its gauges—designed and positioned to deliver optimal visibility and vital information at a glance—to its standard LED lighting throughout the cab.
International designed the interior of the HX Series for maximum ergonomic efficiency, offering more room for driver comfort and productivity. Contoured door handles increase hip room and storage space, easy-to-reach cup holders and overhead console increase overall convenience, and the standard tilt/telescoping steering column adjusts to accommodate any size driver.
But, let’s not forget about the exterior aesthetics. The hoods and grilles across the entire lineup have an eye-catching design, standing out on the road and at the worksite. To add to the visual appeal of HX Series models, customers can opt for bright finishes. The HX Series feels good on the inside and looks good on the outside.
PRODUCTIVE TRUCK, PRODUCTIVE DRIVER
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—one of the most important features a truck manufacturing company can bring to the table is the ability to offer fleet owners/managers driver retention. Certain features in a truck can lead to driver retention and the HX series maximizes on that by offering best-in-class maneuverability and visibility. These types of features make driving less fatigue inducing and more enjoyable.
A 40-degree wheel cut on both right and left turns allows for improved maneuverability, while angled fenders provide greater wheel clearance to help power through challenging grounds. The hood’s low angle makes for the industry’s best front forward visibility and the larger rear window—compared to the company’s previous model—allows for superior rear visibility. The HX Series is equipped with the all-new DriverFirst™ Cab Air Suspension, designed with 52-inch springs to produce a supremely comfortable and quiet ride, reducing driver stress and improving productivity. For faster, more convenient access, the HX Series hood has an assist mechanism requiring little effort to open.
SURVIVING THE GAUNTLET
The HX Series has been tested and validated to provide industry-leading uptime, with the sort of durability and endurance that customers demand. At the Navistar Proving Grounds in Indiana, International subjected the HX Series to accelerated life testing, which simulates 10 years of wear and tear and vibration in extreme duty-cycles. The vehicles underwent staggered bumps testing, which generated torsional twist in the chassis, to ensure stable and equalized suspension components. International also subjected each model to the severe-duty ditch event, in which a fully loaded vehicle is run through four ditch events that are 12 inches in depth.
Through extreme testing, customer input, and the market need for a heavy-duty truck to meet the needs of severe-duty applications, International’s new HX Series is raising the bar.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Navistar International Corporation is a holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates produce International® brand commercial and military trucks, proprietary diesel engines, and IC Bus™ brand school and commercial buses. Find out more about the HX Series and other Navistar International products and services, visit
www.internationaltrucks.com.
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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS: MARCH 2016 ISSUE
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