Sterling Truck Corp., Willoughby, Ohio, has announced major enhancements to its Acterra line of Class 5-8 trucks.

The changes, focused on the chassis, bring further advantages in handling, maneuverability, ride, weight savings, serviceability and ease of body installation, according to John Merrifield, senior vice president of sales and marketing.
Customers can now order the new Acterra models from Sterling Acterra dealers. Production begins this month.
"We've improved the entire chassis -- from the frame rails to the location of the battery box to the rear suspension," Merrifield said.
According to Merrifield, the new Acterra incorporates new or redesigned components in several major vehicle systems:
-- The truck's frame features stronger single-channel steel rails rated at 50,000, 80,000 and 120,000 pounds per square inch, reducing the need for rail inserts for many applications.
-- The new front suspension incorporates single-leaf springs as standard equipment. Taper-leaf suspensions are available in a range of capacities from 8,000 to 18,000 pounds, with maintenance-free rubber bushings.
-- The rear shackles are spring-mounted, contributing to a smooth and quiet ride, and a slipper pad is standard. The improvements to the Acterra's rear suspension enhance the truck's ride, and the suspension is now lubrication-free. Two suspension packages are available.
In addition to the major component enhancements, Sterling engineers made a number of design changes to facilitate body and equipment installation as well as ease maintenance.
A new option improves body installation by reducing back-of-cab component installation. A new battery box/air tank/air dryer package places the components out of the way where they can't interfere with body installations.
New lightweight rectangular aluminum fuel tanks are standard, for maximum ground clearance and easier body installation. The aluminum construction helps reduce corrosion inside the tank.
The Acterra can be customized to meet the needs of nearly any application, offering the latest diesel engines from Mercedes-Benz, Caterpillar and Cummins.