Mack eyes 2013 production for natural gas-powered Granite

Sources: Mack Trucks Inc., Greensboro, N.C.; CP staff

Mack is adapting its Granite and Pinnacle series trucks for natural gas-fueled Cummins Westport ISX12 G engines next year. Both models will feature maintenance-free aftertreatment and require only a three-way catalyst to meet EPA 2010 and CARB emissions standards.

The Granite and Pinnacle series will join refuse market-suited Mack TerraPro models now available with compressed (CNG) or liquefied (LNG) fuel systems. “Mack has a long history in alternative driveline technologies, and in particular, natural gas,” said Kevin Flaherty, president of North American Sales & Marketing. “We’ve offered natural gas since it became clear that it was a viable energy solution in the refuse segment. Now customers within the regional haul, LTL and construction segments will have the benefits of natural gas combined with the power and performance they expect from Mack.”

The company is also investigating other alternative driveline technologies, including high-pressure direct injection, which uses a combination of natural gas and a small amount of diesel in the combustion process, and dimethyl ether, which can be produced from natural gas. In addition, it continues development of diesel-electric hybrid TerraPro models, recently delivering test units to the New York City Department of Sanitation. The Mack diesel-electric hybrid technology provides up to a 30 percent fuel economy improvement in stop-and-go applications such as refuse, with a corresponding
greenhouse gas emissions benefit.

CNG-fueled Cummins Westport power has debuted in concrete mixer trucks via Paccar’s Kenworth and Peterbilt brands.