The technology may not be mandatory until 2011, but Kenworth leads the pack by releasing Euro 5 compliant rigids
By Gary Worrall | March 2, 2010
The technology may not be mandatory until 2011, but Kenworth has built a pair of K108 rigids featuring ADR80/03 Cummins engines as well as the latest EBSS electronic brake systems.
The two trucks, special builds for north Queensland operator Nortrans, use the Cummins ISX engine fitted with the Cummins Particulate Filter (CPF) to neutralise NOX and trap particulate matter and comply with the tougher emission standards.
Although these technologies are currently available separately, this is the first order for both in a current model chassis rather than a version specifically designed for the new technology.
Heavy Duty Product Manager for Cummins South Pacific Sean McLean says the Nortrans ISX is a full production engine and is one of the first ADR80/03-compliant versions to be supplied to a customer.
“This is part of a broader field test or ‘seeding’ of the engine before ADR80/03’s introduction,” McLean says.
Although the engine is virtually identical to a current model ISX, McLean says there are different exhaust systems to incorporate the CPF and a closed crankcase ventilation to capture gases that escape from the engine during normal running – also a requirement of ADR 80/03 certification.
Kenworth Product Development Manager Brad May says the K108s have adaptive cruise control and Kenworth EBSS and the ADR 80/03 engine.
He says changes have been made to improve the efficiency of the cooling package in the cab-over design of the K108 chassis.
“I wouldn’t say we have compromised, but we have looked at it from a different angle,” May says.
The EBSS unit offers the latest braking technology, including ABS brakes, roll stability and trailer response management (TRM) for use with EBSS-equipped trailers.
May says with the exception of TRM the EBSS unit is “not new technology” and once validated can be ordered on any current model Kenworth.