Workhorse Custom Chassis has marked another first in Union City, Ind., by starting production on its first diesel chassis with an International diesel engine.
The new W42 Workhorse chassis uses the International VT275 4.5L diesel V6 engine with 200 horsepower and 440 pounds-feet of torque. Workhorse’s discussions with International involving the use of the VT 275 in Workhorse’s new diesel chassis led to International’s offer this past summer to acquire Workhorse. International’s purchase of Workhorse was completed Aug. 19.
“We’re very excited about this new chassis,” said Jay Sandler, vice president of commercial products for Workhorse. “We’ve been strong in the gas market, but did not have a diesel in 2005. This chassis gives us a great product for the diesel market.” Workhorse is the only manufacturer that provides both gas and diesel chassis for walk-in trucks.
“We’re also excited that Workhorse essentially has its own engine now. The merging of this engine’s advanced technology with the enhanced features of our new chassis perfectly reflects the expanded capabilities that the new International-Workhorse relationship will provide our customers,” he said.
Tim Cooney, vice president, worldwide sales and marketing for International Engine Group, said, “Workhorse makes a great platform that will complement our own products very well. Diesel customers now have a great choice supported by our combined service networks.”
The gas version of the new W42 went into production in July. With the fall start of the diesel W42 production, walk-in truck customers now have the best of both worlds available to them, said Sandler.
The diesel W42 comes with GVWR options of 10,000, 12,000 and 14,500 pounds, with wheelbases of 125, 133, 157, 178 and 190 inches. Significant enhancements include:
• New state-of-the-art, high-performance Brembo four-wheel disc brakes, which replace the previous Bosch brakes.
• A new Westport Wide Track I-Beam front axle with a full 50-degree wheel cut. It has a five-inch wider track than the Dana axle for more stability and better handling while replacing the previous 30-degree wheel cut. The rear axle track is also wider.
• An upgraded transmission for its diesel application, the Allison LCT-1000 electronic five-speed, provides smooth shifting and longer lifecycle.
• New parabolic taper leaf suspension springs, front and rear, with custom tuned 35mm shock absorbers.
• Rear axle ratio changed from 5.13:1 to 4.63:1 on the diesel application, resulting in reduced prop shaft speeds and longer drive line life along with quieter operation.
• New Meritor WABCO four-channel ABS system with full J-1939 diagnostics capability, replacing the three-channel TRW system.
• New ZF variable ratio power steering box and ZF belt-driven power steering pump.
• Bigger radiator and cooling fan.
• New Smart Cluster instrument panel with LCD screen for driver and diagnostic information. Introduced earlier on the gasoline-powered chassis, this is now included in the diesel-powered chassis.
With the addition of the International VT 275 V-6 diesel engine, it also brings innovative powerplant technology into the service of walk-in fleets.
The VT 275’s dual staged turbocharging system provides excellent acceleration for a diesel engine – it uses a small turbo for quick, low-speed responsiveness and a second, larger turbo for power at higher rpms.
The International Electro-Hydraulic generation Two (G2) fuel injection system delivers higher injection pressures with precise control, which enhances performance, fuel economy and emissions control. At the same time, four valves per cylinder boost airflow for reduced emissions and optimum fuel efficiency.
The engine has a 250,000-mile lifecycle design and also simplifies routine maintenance with mechanic-friendly features such as easily accessible cartridge-style fuel and oil filters.
