On Feb 1, International Truck launched its HX Series, a line of Class 8 vocational trucks and tractors designed for the severe-service industry. It’s the first new vehicle introduced by International since 2010, executives said.

The HX, for Heavy eXtreme, includes four models, with set-forward and set-back steer axles and long and medium-length hoods. HX replaces the PayStar, on which it’s based.

“The launch of the HX Series is an opportunity for International to recapture a leading position in the vocational market – a segment we previously led,” said Troy Clarke, president and CEO of Navistar.

The new series was unveiled at 1 p.m. Pacific Time Monday at the World of Concrete show in Las Vegas. The show formally opens Tuesday.

International is taking orders for this vehicle immediately. The first vehicles will be delivered this spring. The four models include:  

• HX515, a 115-inch bumper-to-back of cab straight truck with a set-forward steer axle. Its primary vocations including concrete mixer, construction dump, refuse/roll-off and crane carrier.

• HX615, also with a 115-inch BBC, with a set-back steer axle, available as a truck and tractor. It will serve similar vocations plus construction dump and platform.

• HX520, is a 120" BBC set-forward axle truck or tractor with primary vocations including heavy haul tractor, construction dump and platform stake/crane. 

• HX620, with a 120-inch BBC and set-back axle, also available as a truck or tractor. It can be built as a heavy-haul tractor, construction dump, platform stake, crane carrier.

The HX515 and the HX615 models are powered by Navistar N13 diesels, while the HX520 and HX620 models get the Cummins ISX15. Executives said all models were designed for maximum strength and durability, driver productivity, bold styling and superior uptime.

“The HX Series combines aggressive styling, unstoppable capability and driver-centric features to appeal to vocational truck owners in a whole new way,” said Denny Mooney, senior vice president, Navistar global product development, saying it was designed with the driver in mind.

A sloped hood gives excellent forward visibility, he said, while a 40-degree front wheel cut makes for good maneuverability. The frame is huck-bolted together, and available 12.5- by 0.5-inch main rails are rated at 3.5 million resistance-bending moment at 13% less weight than a 10-inch-high rail, allowing room for a heavier load.

“The design of our new HX Series is based on in-depth discussions with leading users of severe service applications,” said Bill Kozek, president, truck and parts, for Navistar. “Each of the four models in the series has been engineered to deliver unmatched performance for the most punishing jobs, while making operators more productive.”

The HX series underwent rigorous testing at Navistar’s proving grounds in northern Indiana. HXs are now available for ordering and first models will be delivered in April.

International dealers have more information, which is also available here.