Kenworth Trucks will publicly unveil its new T3 range of trucks, including the all-new T388, at the International Trailer, Truck
Kenworth Trucks will publicly unveil its new T3 range of trucks, including the all-new T388, at the International Trailer, Truck and Equipment Show in Melbourne this week.
The T3 Series is now available in a range of models with vocational specs tailor-made to suit their intended niche markets. There are now six models available: T358P, T358R, T358A, T388P, T388R and T388CC; representing prime movers, rigid trucks, agitator and car carrier applications.
The T3 model range extensively covers metropolitan and intrastate applications from 260 horsepower metro delivery T358 rigid trucks through to 470 horsepower T388 intra-state prime movers.
Visually, the T3 family resemblance is obvious with the aerodynamic T358-style hood evident on the T388 with its rise in frontal hood profile to accommodate the larger cooling package. Bumper to front axle dimensions on all T3’s are identical, offering excellent ride characteristics as well as impressive turning circles.
Likewise, they all have a 106″ bumper to back of cab (day cab) dimension offering maximum capacity and being suited to a wide variety of applications. Sleeper options of a 28″ IT or 36″ flat roof/recessed back are also available, depending on the model, offering comfortable and practical sleeping quarters.
Depending on the model, configurations are available in 4 x 2, 6×4, 8×4 and 10×4.
The T388 is the latest addition to the Kenworth range, offering a compact package providing for markets requiring up to 470hp.
Available in three model specifications with Caterpillar C13 ACERT engines to 470HP/1650LbFt, Eaton transmissions up to RTLO18918 speed including Autoshift and Ultrashift options and 46,000Lb axles, there is a T388 ready for every application.
T388P is a prime mover aimed at metro and intrastate 50t-60t GCM applications but still requiring the same advantages of short BBC, good forward visibility and tight turning circle.
Available in day, 28″IT and 36″ sleeper configurations it is well suited to a variety of single trailer and 19M B-Double combinations such as tankers and tippers.
The T388R complements the rest of the T3 series by offering a number of options specifically targeting the rigid truck and tipper markets, including an under-rail exhaust with side discharge, split fuel and oil tank as well as wheelbase and rear cut-off options to suit a variety of applications up to 60T GCM, making the T388 well suited for rigid and dog or crane truck applications.
The final model in the T3 range is the T388CC aimed specifically at the car carrier market. Based on a proven specification offering application specific day and sleeper cab and factory built gantry mounts the T388CC is factory built to deliver in the car carrier industry.
The new release was part of a briefing to transport journalists by PACCAR Australia boss Joe Rizzo, who outlined the company’s future plans, including the new T600 Innovation Truck, a mobile test bed for potential technologies.
While the company is still enjoying high demand for its products in Australia, Rizzo says worldwide, sales dropped to approximately 100,000 units, making the domestic market 10 percent of heavy truck sales alone.
With close to 1000 staff in Australia, Rizzo says PACCAR is a major player in local vehicle manufacture, although he ruled out bringing DAF production into Australia as too expensive for the sales volumes.