Sterling Truck Corp. has announced factory-installed all-wheel drive for the Sterling Acterra truck.

This option features an off-set front axle carrier and transfer case to allow a lower chassis height and provides one of the lowest cab step heights in the industry for an all-wheel drive package.
"To meet the increasing demands of our customers, we are pleased to expand the options available for the popular Acterra product line to include a factory-installed all-wheel drive system," said John Merrifield, senior vice resident of Sales & Marketing for Sterling Truck. "This option has been designed for a wide range of medium-duty applications including utility, fire, oil field, snow plow and government, and will be available for ordering beginning in the summer 2004."
The Acterra all-wheel drive system features full four-wheel automatic traction control (ATC), using an exclusive Automatic Lock Control Transfer Case coupled with the standard front and rear wheel traction control systems. This new feature uses the vehicle anti-lock brake system to sense wheel slip and automatically engages the front axle and/or rear axle differential locks. This greatly enhances off-road and soft terrain vehicle operation. The system also offers a two-speed transfer case with up to 13,000 pounds of input torque, allowing the driver to engage the all-wheel drive feature at any time for demanding applications requiring off-road traction control or operation in rough terrain.
Available with front axle ratings of 10,000, 12,000, 14,000 and 16,000 pounds, this system features excellent drive line angularity to minimize drive line vibrations, outstanding ground clearance, and low maintenance componentry.
The all-wheel drive system also includes a standard 10-inch offset front differential carrier and right-side mounted transfer case, which reduces the need to raise the overall frame heights to accommodate the front drive components.
Other standard features include Meritor Q Plus cam brakes with outboard-mounted drums for easy brake inspection and service, Meritor Automatic Slack Adjusters for automatic adjustment to ensure correct brake shoe position; a straight tie-rod for easy toe adjustment; and ABS-ready wheel ends with installed tooth wheel and sensor for additional safety.
The Acterra is a part of Sterling's line of medium- and heavy-duty work trucks. Featuring excellent styling and a premium cab that offers the same convenience, creature comfort, strength and durability as heavy-duty models, the Acterra can be customized to meet the needs of nearly any application.
Sterling Truck Corp. is based in Willoughby, Ohio, and produces heavy and medium duty custom work trucks for regional hauling and diverse vocational applications. Sterling is a member of the Freightliner LLC Group.