The FS19, known as Mack in North America, is one of the most popular and versatile dump trucks on the market. It can be utilized for a variety of different applications such as construction and mining. The FS19 comes with many features that make it appealing to customers in various industries: diesel powertrain options (including Cummins QSB6.7 engine), three-point linkage suspension system, mechanical or hydrostatic transmission, common truck bed sizes (60” x 72” and 72” x 96″), etc. It’s also available in two cab types: standard cab or day cab.
Overview
Mack Defense delivered to the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army Reserve the first production M917A3 Heavy Dump Trucks (HDT) to roll off Mack Defense’s new production line at the Mack Experience Center (MEC) in Allentown, Pa., on Sept. 23. The M917A3 HDT key and truck handover occurred during a ceremony at the MEC, following remarks from Mack Defense leadership, U.S. Army officials, and representatives of local and state officials. Attendees were also provided a tour of Mack Defense’s new production facility.
Beginning of production
Production of the HDTs at the MEC began in Q1 2021, following an investment of $6.5 million to create a dedicated HDT production line at the facility. The new production line helps fulfill the HDT contract with the U.S. Army and allows the production of other vehicle variants.
The production line in the MEC is in Mack’s former Customer Adaptation Center, where vehicle modifications occurred. The Customer Adaptation Center has since moved to Mack’s Lehigh Valley Operations (LVO) in Macungie, Pennsylvania, where all Mack Trucks Class 8 vehicles for North America and those that are exported are assembled. Previously, non-armored HDT vehicles started production at LVO and were then transported to the MEC, where final assembly, including adding the dump body, occurred.
Design
The 94,500 lb. GVWR M917A3 HDTs based on the Mack Granite model feature an all-wheel-drive 8×8 configuration. Mack Defense says its engineers increased the suspension’s ride height to create a heavy dump truck capable of meeting the demanding payload and mobility requirements set by the U.S. Army HDT program. An armored cab was also engineered, utilizing all the comfort features and amenities of a commercial truck, while adding force protection to help keep occupants safe in hostile environments. The M917A3s are powered by 13-liter Mack MP8 engines, delivering 440 HP and 1,660 lb.-ft. of torque. The vehicle has a 27-ton payload without armor installed and a 22.5-ton payload when fully armored.
While the Mack Granite model is already designed for harsh job site applications, Mack Defense engineers made modifications to enhance these capabilities in the HDT. Engineers added heavy-duty rear axles, all-wheel drive, and increased ride height suspension to provide the Army with a heavy dump truck that would meet payload and mobility requirements.
Active safety systems
The HDT also features active safety systems such as active blind spot detection, forward-looking collision avoidance, and anti-lock brakes which Hartzell said were requirements by the Army. However, the Army specifically did not ask for a telematics gateway like Mack’s GuardDog Connect solution to be installed, due to needing more stringent security requirements than are currently available for commercial vehicles.
Conclusion
Mack Defense delivered to the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army Reserve the first production M917A3 Heavy Dump Trucks (HDT) to roll off Mack Defense’s new production line at the Mack Experience Center (MEC) in Allentown, Pa., on Sept. 23rd during a ceremony which followed remarks from Mack Defense leadership, U.S. Army officials, and representatives of local and state officials as well as providing attendees with a tour of their new production facility – all following an investment of $6 million dollars to create a dedicated HDT production line at their former Customer Adaptation Center where vehicle modifications occurred before moving operations over to Macungie, Pennsylvania where they assemble all North
