It’s almost fifty years since the first Australian-made Kenworth rolled off the production line at the Bayswater plant in March 1971. It was a defining moment for Kenworth and the future of the Australian road transport industry. Almost five decades later, Kenworth is still leading the way and is launching two new additions to its product range.
Driven by continuous innovation and an extensive product development process, influenced heavily by customer and driver feedback, Kenworth has taken the features of the new 2.1m wide cab, launched in December 2016 in the T610, and applied them and more to the all-new T360 and T410 – to make them The Best in the Business.
With their own distinct styles, the T360 and T410 again prove Kenworth’s ability to develop and deliver trucks that best fit Australian applications, exceeding the needs of its customers with versatile, reliable and productive solutions.
DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING
“Development of the T360 and T410 has been underway for the past 18 months and started when the T610 with its 2.1m wide cab was launched. Further developments to the new platform allowed us to refine and enhance many key elements in-line with our own research and development, as well as incorporating input and feedback from our broad customer base,” said Brad May, Director Sales and Marketing, PACCAR Australia.
“Consultation with, and involvement from our customers is on-going and they have been an integral part of our test program to make sure the new products meet their needs for their specific applications,” Brad added.
“As with all new Kenworth developments, the testing and validation process is extensive and involves both virtual simulation and in-field testing covering thousands of kilometres over an extended period of time. Feedback from customers with prototype T360 and T410 models has been extremely positive. Of paramount importance in delivering a new range is the need to maintain the exceptional performance, quality, durability and productivity for which Kenworth is renowned. In combination with in-house design validation, the data and information gained from the real-world testing with customers in the Australian environment has delivered these outstanding new products,” Brad said.
The new models feature a wide range of important enhancements – from improvements in visibility, application flexibility through shorter bumper-to-back-of-cab (BBC) length, better performance and driveability. New exterior and interior styling, improved safety features and a range of available options, optimise the trucks for any application.
THE 2.1M WIDE CAB – THE BEGINNING OF THE NEW ERA
The launch of the T610 heralded the beginning of a new era for Kenworth. Always working closely with customers to develop products that are driven by their input and feedback, the T610 includes more safety options, greater visibility, improved ergonomics and superior space than anything that has come before it.
A key feature of the cab is driver comfort and control. Designers spent three years refining the instrument panel so switches and controls are positioned intuitively and dashboard instrumentation is visible at a glance. Everything has been positioned to allow drivers to maintain concentration and reduce fatigue. Critical information, like the speedometer, tachometer and gauges are clear and well laid out in front of the driver. Toggle switches provide full control of systems such as engine brakes, engine fan, driver-controlled differential locks and suspension dump valves. An optional 7” display provides access to satellite navigation systems, radio and media functions and virtual gauges, unique to Kenworth, providing a new level of detail about key temperatures, pressures and voltages. For enhanced ease of operation, cruise control and audio controls are on the steering wheel.
Driver comfort is enhanced by an advanced heating and air-conditioning system with automatic climate control, specifically designed for the variable extremes of the rugged Australian climate. More powerful yet more efficient, it maintains optimum cabin temperatures at all times, in all driving conditions, all year round.
During development the focus was on much more than just ergonomic switchgear. From the super strong, high quality injection-moulded dash shell, to the way the instrument panel is supported and braced internally, durability was always prominent in the design brief.
Kenworth engineers also mastered accessibility and functionality. Serviceability was designed from the start too, with easy access to the service items in the HVAC system and easy tool free access to electrical circuit protection, plus visually apparent fasteners in the dash to assist further with access if required.
The latest in LED interior lighting provides either bright or subtle lighting to reduce fatigue, using red lights and soft dash lights to minimise distracting glare when driving at night. Overhead lighting provides a flood of light when you need to complete paperwork or move safely about the cabin. A door-mounted floodlight also illuminates a clear pathway to the ground surface next to the cab when the door opens. Mounted high on the external rear wall of the cabin is an LED strip light. This serves to illuminate the immediate area behind the cabin, providing a safe well lit work area when connecting air lines and light coils in poor light conditions. To assist with the truck hook up and pre-trip checks, a light check function is provided and activated either via the dash or button on the key fob. This function cycles headlamps, stop lights, tail lights, clearance lights and indicators allowing the driver to quickly identify non-functioning lights prior to setting off. Mirror mounted loading lights to be available soon.
T360
The tight turning circle and shorter BBC (a reduction of 100mm) measurements make the T360 the ultimate performer for urban and intrastate operations. With great manoeuvrability and visibility, easy cab access and short BBC, the T360 is an ideal choice for high capacity metropolitan applications. The T360 is perfect when access is limited, excelling as it moves in and out of tight spaces and through traffic. An urban classic, the T3 series offers all the benefits of a Kenworth, including traditional hood styling, in a smaller package. Most importantly, the new T360 is lighter than its predecessor, offering customers greater productivity. Combined with enhanced steering geometry, which reduces the turning circle, owners have more flexibility with overall length and frame space.
An example of Kenworth’s ability to application-engineer specific models and features for niche markets is the high volume urban concrete operations; the T360A delivers as a highly durable but low tare weight truck able to transport the maximum amount of concrete over its long life span.
The T360 has improved ground clearance, giving customers the option to lower the entire vehicle’s centre-of-gravity, which further enhances dynamic safety.
Available in 6×4, 8×4 and 10×4 axle configurations and with tight turning circles and exceptional driver visibility, the T360 and T360A offer optimum payload and maximum concrete carrying capabilities respectively.
Designed with fleets in mind, the T360 offers a new work-ready, easy to clean fleet spec interior, or you can opt for premium trim, with the ‘soft plush’ studded pattern for which Kenworth is renowned – available in a range of colours.
ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION
Available with the Cummins ISLe5 engine rated from 280 up to 400 horsepower and either an Allison 3000 or 4000 series transmission, as well as Eaton Manual or Eaton UltraShift Plus transmissions, the T360 and T360A are well suited to a range of applications. The choice of engines and transmissions allows the owner/operator to tailor the truck to suit the application, whether it be cruising the highways or laying curb and channel, there is an option to suit. The highly efficient aluminium core radiator provides exceptional levels of cooling, reduces fan on time and eliminates the need for an additional transmission cooler on the Allison 4000 series transmission, while contributing to a reduction in tare weight and improved fuel economy.
INGRESS AND EGRESS
Access to the T360 cab is via wide opening doors, with conveniently positioned handles and three evenly-placed steps progressively placed in an inclined stairway design to reduce the burden on drivers having to use their arms to pull themselves up and loss of grab potential. A larger top step further improves access, allowing the driver to maintain continuous three points of contact at all times by using grab rails and steps. Being self-cleaning, the perforated steps design provides a safe and tractive surface, minimising the potential of slips and falls, especially when working in and around muddy work sites.
SERVICIBILITY
To improve engine and transmission serviceability, a larger dog box and transmission access hatch have been added to the cab. Engine bay access to the engine, radiator and firewall areas has been upgraded through improvement to the hood tilt angle. The transmission hatch allows for safe and convenient access to the area around the top of the transmission. Convenient location of service points and use of a transparent header tank on the radiator simplifies servicing and reduces the time off the road required to perform routine servicing.
T410
The all-new Kenworth T410 combines class-leading productivity, comfort and performance in a package that delivers superior customer value. A purpose-built, versatile aerodynamic solution with improved fuel economy and performance, the T410 excels in vocational, intrastate and interstate distribution as a rigid, single or multi trailer configuration. With a set-back front axle and an optimal bumper-to-back-of-cab dimension of 2,845mm (112 inches), the T410 can be rated up to 70 tonnes (GCM) making it suitable for PBS and tipper and dog operations.
The in-cab environment has been enhanced with a choice of premium traditional diamond pleat trim in a range of contemporary colours for optimal driver appeal or the option of a smart new fleet spec. The T410 offers a choice of three sleeper cab options, a 600mm aero, 760mm mid-roof and 860mm aero sleeper cab, set to impress even the most discerning of truck buyers.
ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION
Powered by the PACCAR MX-13, the T410 is available in either 460 or 510 horsepower variants. Since its introduction to the Kenworth range in the T409, the MX-13 has gained popularity and earned the respect of drivers and fleets alike. The class-leading performance and responsiveness has delivered fuel economy and operational benefits, making it a leading contender against other 13 litre options. The new 12v MX-13 provides exceptional levels of refinement and service simplicity. No longer requiring 24v-12v inverters, the electrical architecture is even more simple, durable and cost-effective to service and maintain.
New to the Kenworth range and first to be offered in the new T410 is the PACCAR transmission. Engineered from the ground up and integrating numerous industry firsts, the PACCAR transmission was designed with the operator in mind. The 12 speed design is smoother, delivering the performance and reliability for years of trouble-free operation. An aluminium main case, internal sensors and wiring, and helical cut gearing make for a transmission that ticks all the boxes in terms of class-leading weight, durability and serviceability. With a torque capacity of 1850lbft and rated to 50 tonnes GCM, the PACCAR Transmission is engineered and integrated to work seamlessly with the PACCAR 12v MX-13 engine. Operated via a transmission stalk controller mounted on the right hand side of the steering column, selecting various transmission modes and exhaust brake is easy with both the transmission and engine brake in one convenient location. Moving the transmission controller away from the dash has provided more space in front of the dashboard to allow easier movement around the cabin. For applications between 50 tonnes and 70 tonnes GCM, an Eaton Manual or UltraShift is available upon application.
ENHANCED SAFETY AND VISIBILITY
Kenworth trucks are safer by design, application-engineered to meet our customers’ exacting standards and specific needs. Kenworth continues to invest heavily in developing a safer working environment for road transport operators and all road users. In addition to the full EBSS safety suite, the T360 and T410 offer improved ingress and egress for the Kenworth driver, enhanced visibility within the cab and ergonomics to round out the safety offering for which Kenworth is known.
A hallmark of the 2.1m cab, enhanced visibility in the T360 and T410 has been created by the intelligent design of the windscreen, doors and mirrors and the driver is in complete command, easily glancing at anything without having to turn or duck their head. The more expansive windscreen provides a panoramic view of the road and the large door windows allow for a first-class view to the side of the vehicle giving a full 180° view from the driver’s seat.
Large, adjustable, aerodynamic, multi-way power adjustable mirrors with high strength cast break-away brackets reduce mirror vibration and offer an optimal rear view of the vehicle. Intelligent mirror placement, sitting low on the cab also allows for an effective forward line of sight, both over the mirrors and between the mirror and A-pillar making for exceptional cross-traffic visibility. The use of asymmetric mirror arms place the mirror heads in optimal position for rearward vision, while minimising any obstruction.
Both the T360 and T410 are available with state of the art collision avoidance and mitigation technology. The suite of technologies include active cruise with braking and lane departure warning working in harmony to take safety to the next level. It builds on existing critical active and passive safety design elements and overall ergonomics designed for comfort and control.
The goal of the T360 and T410 was to take the very best of Kenworth’s capability in their intended applications and provide ever greater levels of safety, versatility, performance and quality to provide exceptional owner and driver appeal. The commitment to ongoing local research, design and engineering capability is what stands Kenworth apart from the rest. The extensive testing, innovation and application-engineering behind every Kenworth truck delivers real peace of mind on the road.
There is no doubt the new Kenworth T360 and T410 are a perfect fit for those wanting the Best in the Business for their operation.
