Our annual roundup of iron and technology for mixer, dump, tanker and manufactured concrete-grade tractor trailer fleets.
CUMMINS | X10
The company plans a 2027 model year launch for a mid-bore engine replacing the L9 and X12 platforms, citing “a new level of performance, durability and efficiency for heavy- and medium-duty customers” and boasting “a class-leading power-to-weight ratio” designed to enhance productivity without weighing down vehicles.
The X10 is part of the Cummins HELM platforms, an approach that allows customers to choose the fuel type that best suits their needs. Alongside the X15 and B Series, the X10 will afford a power solution across two ratings to meet unique operational requirements. For heavy-duty applications, the X10 will afford up to 450 hp and 1,650 lb.-ft. of torque, providing an optimal balance of power and reliability. A medium-duty X10 package will deliver ratings up to 380 hp and 1,250 lb.-ft. of torque, ensuring performance across a variety of demanding applications. For those needing flexibility in engine output use and auxiliary equipment operation, the X10 sports power take-off capability of 590 lb.-ft. continuous and up to 664 lb.-ft. intermittent.
The engine pairs with transmission options including fully integrated powertrain offerings from the Eaton Cummins Joint Venture, ensuring smooth shifting and maximum uptime. When combined with Cummins Drivetrain and Braking Systems, including drivelines and axles, the X10 delivers a performance-driven solution, ensuring power is transferred efficiently to the wheels for maximum durability and control across diverse applications.
The X10 will be available with a suite of digital technologies designed to optimize performance, boost uptime and lower total cost of ownership. It features connectivity and instant access to a wide range of features and capabilities through Acumen smart computing hardware and OEM first-fit solutions. Customers can leverage digital tools that enhance driver experience, including predictive capabilities (prognostics) and advanced over-the-air updates.
“The X10 brings robust capabilities, exceptional durability and unmatched versatility to customers looking for heavy-duty performance in a more compact, efficient package. We’re confident it will offer our customers the right engine to help them meet their operational goals,” says Cummins North American On-Highway Engine Business Vice President Jose Samperio.
OPS CONTROLS | CAN STARTER KIT
The S.C.O.P.E. Starter Kit, a plug-and-play solution designed for on- and off-road vehicle original equipment manufacturers to configure their own CAN control systems. The kit arrives as component manufacturers are challenged to pace greater technical demands on OEMs and hydraulics. S.C.O.P.E. affords users a simple configuration for setting up their own CAN systems and Radio remotes so anyone—not just engineers or programmers—can create a new control system.
The kit includes two complete radio systems, an easy to navigate screen, harnessing and customizable keypads. Users can also connect a telematics unit, further simplifying efforts and remote work. Eight hours of customization and training with the OPS Controls team—either online or at OPS Controls headquarters—is complimentary to ensure ease of setup.
“As many OEMs continue to see margins shrink while competition increases from big players in the industry, it has become abundantly clear that you need to add value where you can—and as inexpensively as possible,” says OPS Controls President Dustin Brooks. “This tool will add that value by putting the power of an entire engineering team right in your hands.”
“We developed a system for hydraulic distributors and OEMs who want to get into the electrical side of designing CAN systems and radio remote controls, but don’t necessarily have the engineering or programming staff to devote to this work,” he adds. “This tool provides all the programming in the background and boils it down to walking through screens and making selections.”
“You don’t need to stock unique hardware. Just one set of this included hardware will cover most of your use cases,” adds Vice President of Sales Brandon Flick. “This is not just a product; it’s a full-service solution. In a nutshell, it’s CAN for those who can’t.” — OPS Controls, Carey, Ohio, www.opscontrols.com/scope-starterkit
VOLVO TRUCKS | VNR DAY CAB
The all-new VNR tractor represents a 90 percent redesign over the previous generation model and sports the latest proprietary safety systems from the ground up. When measured against prior versions, the truck is optimized for shorter-range operations, with a tighter turning radius suited for navigating urban routes. Advanced safety, connectivity, maneuverability, and visibility features further enhance its capability, making it equal to areas with heavy pedestrian activity.
A new VNR configurator helps fleets customize their ideal truck, including selecting the cab model, trim level, and designated technology and driver amenity package. The truck is available 4×2, 6×2 and 6×4 tractor configurations, as well as straight trucks with multiple body types. The VNR 300 regional haul tractor is equal to urban delivery demands and presented as “one of the most maneuverable Class 8 trucks on the road.”
The new VNR series features high-strength steel construction plus customizable exterior and interior design options, among them the Core or Edge trim. The former suits fleets with multiple drivers or applications that require frequent cab entry and exit. The interior door panels, kick panels, and dash are all made of tough molded polymers, making it easy to clean and hide wear and tear. Exterior trim pieces that may be impacted by high traffic operations can be repaired and replaced with no painting needed. The Edge trim level features bold styling with chrome accents around the grill and air intake, as well as a new chrome-plated metal bumper designed to handle regional and local deliveries.
The VNR’s Volvo Active Safety Platform includes Active Driver Assist with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. Features such as the E-Call emergency response system and integrated cab-mounted side curtain airbags available on both the driver and passenger side are all part of the latest step in a commitment to developing next-generation safety and accident-prevention technologies.
A tire monitoring system provides general pressure and temperature warnings for the truck tires as well as low-battery warnings for valve sensors. Choosing the optional Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring System provides automatic updates on tire location whenever tires are rotated. The electronic parking brake offers both auto-activate and auto-release functions. When the truck detects no driver activity and the door opens, a safety alarm sounds. Then the auto-activate function engages the parking brake—a feature especially beneficial for drivers who frequently enter and exit the cab during deliveries, helping to ensure that the brake is engaged automatically for added safety.
When spec’d with Adaptive Loading, the all-new Volvo VNR includes an innovative 6×2 lift axle designed to optimize fuel efficiency and performance. Adaptive Loading balances the weight between the axles when the truck is heavily loaded, and at an appropriate point, the non-drive front axle automatically lifts, reducing friction and saving fuel. During lighter hauls, Adaptive Loading improves traction by transferring more weight to the rear axle.
The new truck delivers up to 7.5 percent improved fuel efficiency compared to legacy versions through enhanced aerodynamics, powertrain innovations, and idle reduction technologies reducing fuel costs and emissions for fleets. The wedge-shaped cab of the all-new Volvo VNR guides airflow to balance aerodynamics and cooling.
POWER
Powertrain enhancements on the all-new Volvo VNR account for nearly 30 percent of the fuel efficiency improvement. The next-generation D13 VGT (Variable Geometry Turbo) engine offers design enhancements to drive greater fuel savings and is available in ratings from 405-455 hp and 1450-1850 lb.-ft., plus two additional low-NOx engine ratings. Among additional D13 VGT features:
- Advanced seven-wave piston design to optimize air and fuel mixture control, resulting in more efficient combustion. The piston height has been decreased and paired with a longer connecting rod to minimize cylinder sidewall pressure, reducing friction and enhancing overall performance. In addition to improving the combustion process, the seven-wave design allows for a greater dispersion of heat across the top of the piston head, lowering the overall temperature and reducing NOx output.
- Enhanced fuel injector with smaller needle control valves provide precise and rapid control over the fuel flow rate, leading to improved fuel atomization, better combustion efficiency, and enhanced engine performance.
- Variable displacement oil pump, which dynamically adapts to the engine’s oil pressure demands, minimizing parasitic losses, reducing wear and tear, and improving efficiency.
- 24-volt electrical system, with architecture paving the way to use lighter components and lower amperage properties capable of prolonging component service life.
KENWORTH TRUCK | PERFORMANCE HOOD
A new T880S cab option offers durability, new styling features, and enhanced compatibility with big-bore engines, making it a choice for high-horsepower vocational applications. With increased length and a larger cooling package, compared to the current T880S and T880 hood types, the T880S Performance Hood is the series’ first to offer compatibility with the Cummins X15 engine rated up to 605 hp and 2,050 lb.-ft. of torque in high-GCWR applications. The T880S is standard with the Paccar MX-13 engine.
To support engine performance in all operating environments, the cooling module size has been increased to 1,440 square inches and airflow optimized for cooling efficiency. The T880S Performance Hood features a 121.7-in. BBC and a 31.5-in. bumper setting with a standard bumper, helping to optimize weight distribution and bridge law compliance. Compared to a T880 with a set-back front axle, the new hood allows for a 16-in. increase in axle spread/outer bridge for a similar overall length.
The introduction of the new hood rounds out the T880 model lineup to four application-specific hood configurations that make the T880 the most job-appropriate truck in every application, Kenworth officials contend: T880, T880 MXOptimized Hood, T880S MX-Optimized Hood and T880S Performance Hood.
“For those that require maximum truck power or seeking more powertrain options for the T880S, this hood allows for more customers to utilize the model in new ways,” says Kenworth Director of Marketing Kyle Kimball. “The T880S is the favored configuration for customers in ready-mix, dump, and other applications where staying compliant with bridge-formula laws is a concern. By allowing more powertrain options for the T880S Performance Hood, customers with the highest power or payload demands can take advantage while still maintaining excellent visibility with the sloped hood design. Additionally, this performance hood features bold new styling that supports the hood’s durability and overall look with its sharp and sleek design.”
T880S Performance Hood design features include a durable aluminum mesh grille in a polished or black finish; newly styled stainless steel grille surround; stainless steel fender closeout panels; and, air intake spears finished in chrome or black to complete the rugged look while offering functional performance. To enhance durability, the hood is constructed with Metton, a proven composite for heavy vocational vehicles. The hood shares the same five-piece construction as all other T880 models for faster, more economical repairs in the event of damage.
T800W, W900L SUNSETS
The curtain will fall in 2026 on production of the Kenworth T800W and W900L, models that have served construction materials fleets for decades. The sunset is driven by evolving heavy-duty diesel truck emissions regulations and components constraints as the industry moves forward with new, more efficient, and better integrated technologies. Kenworth Truck will announce a final call for T800W and W900L orders later this year—more than a decade after the debut of the models’ successor, the T880.
“We know these legacy models are an integral part of our history, which makes this decision a difficult but necessary one as we enter the next era of trucking,” says Kenworth Assistant General Manager for Sales and Marketing Kevin Haygood. “As we transition to future products, we remain committed to honoring the spirit of these iconic trucks by delivering innovation, efficiency, and the same level of craftsmanship that our customers and drivers have trusted for generations.”
PETERBILT MOTORS | PACCAR TX-12 PRO
The Paccar TX-12 PRO automated transmission is now available with Paccar MX-13 engines for Peterbilt Models 567, 579 and 589. The new transmission-engine combination offers optimized performance for both on- and on/off-highway applications such as dump trucks and tankers. The TX-12 PRO builds on the TX-12 foundation as one of the most efficient on-highway transmissions, with increased versatility and productivity for more rugged applications. Operating with the MX-13 engine, the TX-12 PRO supports up to 1,700 lb.-ft. of torque.
“The seamless integration of the TX-12 PRO transmission and the MX-13 engine creates a robust powertrain configuration for many types of on-highway and vocational applications,” says Peterbilt Assistant General Manager, Sales & Marketing Erik Johnson. “This advanced powertrain delivers superior fuel efficiency and uptime for our customers.” — www.paccarpowertrain.com/products/tx-12
BCMI | CLOUD-BASED DISPATCH
Concurrent with marking 10 years in business, technology provider BCMI Corp. has more than doubled its cloud-based ready mixed dispatch footprint across the U.S. Industry-leading companies have adopted the technology, beginning with Smith Ready Mix in Indiana, followed by Miles Sand & Gravel in Washington; Geneva Rock and Sunroc, both Clyde Companies subsidiaries serving Utah markets; BARD Materials in Iowa; and, GCC in South Dakota. These producers and others have added BCMI’s dispatch as part of an end-to-end software platform that includes extensive operational and customer key performance indicators, quoting and sales tools, plus customer invoicing.
“One of the great advantages of BCMI Dispatch is that any change or update from our dispatchers and drivers is instantly shared across our company—and with our customers—through mobile apps,” says BARD Materials Vice President of Operations Chad Thier. “BCMI partners with producers to shape a concrete dispatch system that leverages the best technology available, ensuring it meets the needs of the industry.”
The BCMI Dispatch system has the advantage of being cloud-native, meaning it is developed using the most current technology rather than retrofitting older dispatch systems with hardware that producers must maintain. BCMI integrates with related systems, such as truck GPS and accounting programs, through API (application programming interface) connections entirely in the cloud. This allows materials producers to choose their own best-in-class solution.
BCMI expects its dispatch footprint to expand at an accelerated rate in 2025. Implementations are scheduled for large vertically integrated producers imi and Titan America, as well as multi-plant Midwest ready mixed operators Consumers Concrete and Zignego. “After an extensive, six-month evaluation, we concluded that BCMI’s combination of current product offerings, plus the opportunity to take part in the continued development of the product, was the best fit to service our customers and our internal teams,” notes imi CEO Pete Lyons.
BCMI’s leadership draws on more than 100 years of collective experience in serving the concrete and bulk materials market, making the team uniquely qualified to understand and address industry needs. “We have all experienced the pain of struggling with outdated technology, and it makes us even more passionate about creating better tools for producers and contractors,” affirms Vice President of Customer Success Janeen O’Dell. “Things like mobile apps and eTicketing are old news in other industries, and there’s no reason our industry shouldn’t use them to make our day-to-day jobs easier.”
“Our product team is laser focused on innovation, including aggressive research and development of AI tools for materials producers,” adds BCMI Co-Founder and CEO Craig Yeack. “In the next few years, we’ll see accelerated growth in technology, faster than we’ve seen in decades. We look forward to being the industry’s trusted partner as we navigate these changes together.” — BCMI Corp., Redmond, Wash., www.bcmicorp.com