Kenworth is setting a new benchmark in the construction industry with the introduction of the T350 Agitator, a light-weight but heavy-duty cement mixer model due for release in June 2005.

A derivative of Kenworth's popular, bonneted short-haul transporter, the T350 Agitator will be available in both 6x4 and 8x4 twin steer models. According to Kenworth's Director, Sales & Marketing, Joe Rizzo, the new agitator models will provide a range of features and benefits for both fleet operators and owner drivers.

“Kenworth's introduction of the T350 Agitator raises the bar in the construction market. We are delivering a vehicle that has all the operating pre-requisites demanded by industry operators and all the hallmarks of quality, reliability and performance demanded of a Kenworth.

“These include light tare weight, higher productivity, improved up-time and reliability as well as lower whole-of-life costs and a variety of ergonomic and occupational health and safety features which improve driver comfort and safety,” he said.

The T350 Agitator has a tight turning circle and the shortest bumper-to-back-of-cab measurement for a premium duty conventional truck – 2695 mm (106 inches). This makes for an agile and versatile performer with all of the maintenance advantages of a bonneted truck and the maneuverability and visibility of a cab-over. Its short sloping bonnet improves visibility and offers easy access for routine safety and service checks. It offers a generous wheel cut, providing a good swept path and excellent wall to wall maneuverability, making it ideal for negotiating narrow metropolitan streets and tight construction sites.

Tare weight remains a critical factor in the industry – the lighter the truck, the more concrete it can carry. The T350 Agitator is a dedicated truck with all of the safety and performance features expected of a Kenworth but within a tare weight required by the industry. It weighs just 6.2 tonnes with full fuel, ready for a barrel. This enables operators to deliver up to a full six and a half cubic metres of concrete.

Suspension is another important consideration, and one where Kenworth has a distinct advantage. Most operators use a rigid rubber block type suspension to achieve roll stability; the downside being a harsher ride than air bag suspension, hard on both the vehicle and the driver. Overall the industry has not had much success historically with air bag suspension because of their instability in agitator work.

Mr Rizzo said this will all change with the T350 Agitator and its use of Kenworth's acclaimed AirGlide alloy pedestal rear suspension, which provides roll stability, superior ride and improves the life of the barrel sub-frame.

“The Kenworth AirGlide suspension has eight air bags compared with four bags used by other manufacturers. This gives the T350 Agitator better load sharing ability, control and a quicker response time to level out or equalise the weight,” he said.

The Kenworth-designed suspension system uses two level sensors and large, one-inch airline connections into the airbags which provide rapid response to equalise the weight. Typically competitors only use one level sensor which takes an average measure of both sides and smaller air line ports which deliver slower response times.

“Levelling out of weight is critical to the safe operation of an agitator,” Mr Rizzo said. “With the barrel constantly turning, a lot of weight is being transferred from left to right. The weight of wet cement can shift dramatically, causing some trucks to lean. Whereas with Kenworth's AirGlide airbag suspension, the suspension levels out quickly, maintaining stability without affecting the vehicle. Our system will also enable operators in some states to take advantage of mass management allowances for road friendly suspension and carry an extra half a tonne under permit.

“That's another advantage of the Kenworth – our model not only offers added safety features, the extra half tonne allowance under permit also gives companies an immediate productivity gain and a significant cost benefit over the life of the truck,” he explained.

In the pursuit of tare weight savings however, Kenworth have not compromised the strength of the chassis. Mr Rizzo said the T350 Agitator uses a more robust chassis to improve durability and limit racking, a major problem with other trucks. Kenworth employs the biggest, strongest and most durable chassis rails made of high tensile steel - the same rails as they use for far tougher applications including B Double work. This gives Kenworth the highest frame section modulus – a direct measure of strength and resistance to bending.

Kenworth's new model excels in its cab design, providing the driver with a more comfortable and safer environment in which to work. The cab has optional Cabmate air suspension for an even smoother ride and extensive sound and heat insulation to reduce noise and heat.

The cab features an air-suspended driver's seat, air conditioning, three spotter mirrors and a curbside door window for all-round visibility. There is a flat dashboard with full view of all controls, and a walk-through cab for greater in cab accessibility. In addition, ergonomically-designed wide steps, with no wheel arch constraints, facilitate easy entry and exit from the cab.

Kenworth will unveil the T350 Agitator 6x4 model at the Brisbane Truck Show, 13-15 May.

The 6x4 version, with a tare weight of around 6200 kg, will accommodate a 6.5 m3 barrel and has a GVM under permit of 23.5 tonnes. It will be available with a range of Cummins engine options from 265 hp with 800 lb/ft of torque to 315 hp engine producing 950 lb/ft of torque. The radiator has been sized to deliver ample cooling capacity well in excess of normal requirements, which provides better engine life, fuel economy and lower fan cycling.

The model comes standard with a six-speed automatic Allison MD3560P transmission with a Chelsea power take off, Dana Spicer 40,000-lb DSH40 rear axle (with 6.17 ratio), Xenon headlights and a 150-litre fuel tank.

The 8x4 twin steer model, with a tare weight of 7500 kg, will accommodate a larger 7.5m3 barrel and have a GVM of 28.5 tonnes. It will feature similar specifications to the standard model.

Both agitator models are available with a range of optional manual transmissions and rear axle ratios.

Kenworth trucks are designed and manufactured in Australia to meet the world's toughest applications. Kenworth, a division of PACCAR Australia, is market leader in heavy duty trucks in Australia. Its trucks are also exported to Papua New Guinea and New Zealand. PACCAR Inc, a Six Sigma company, is a worldwide manufacturer of heavy and medium duty trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt, DAF, Leyland and Foden nameplates. It also provides financial services and distributes truck parts related to its principal business.

For Further information, contact:

Neil Willox
Marketing Manager
PACCAR Australia
Tel: (03) 9721 1500
E-mail: neil.willox@paccar.com