Kenworth Truck Co. introduced its first diesel-electric hybrid truck in a service application at the recent World of Concrete Show in Las Vegas, Nev. Kenworth says its goal is to enhance fuel economy by up to 50 percent with the new T270 hybrid service truck, which is expected to draw interest for use in various service applications in construction and other industries.
“Service applications are perfect for the hybrid due to the various onboard tools and diagnostic equipment mechanics use and the stop-and-go pace of moving from location to location to fix equipment,” says Gary Moore, assistant general manager of marketing and sales for Kirkland, Wash.-based Kenworth. “Instead of idling the engine to run the crane and other equipment, a mechanic can operate them on electric power, which reduces emissions. That allows companies to go ‘green,’ helping the environment.”
The T270 hybrid is powered by a 260-hp Paccar PX-6 engine and features an integral transmission-mounted motor/generator, a frame-mounted 340-volt battery pack and a dedicated power management system, which is designed to provide electricity to run a 10,000-pound hydraulic crane. Sundt Construction of Tempe, Ariz., will take delivery of the Class 6 truck, equipped with a Valew mechanic’s field service body.
In addition to the hybrid service truck, Kenworth also displayed three other trucks at World of Concrete: a W900S mixer and two T800s, one equipped as a super dump and the other with a Conveyor Applications Systems slinger.
