"Kenworth" W900: history, specifications, features

All over the world, well-known American trucks hood layout. Thanks to popular culture, they have become one of the symbols of the United States. One of the most popular models is the "Kenworth" W900. Technical characteristics, history, features are discussed further.

Features

This car is presented by a tractor of class 8 (the penultimate, second class of heavy trucks) rated GVWR.

The manufacturer offers a very wide choice of variants of units and assemblies (frames, engines, suspensions), cabs and options, so you can create a personalized car.

"Kenworth" W900 served as the basis for the T600 truck. Presented in 1986, the model is much more aerodynamic design, which has 22% better fuel economy. The car did not become the successor to the W900 and was released with it until 2007, when the T600 itself received a successor - the T660. In 2012, in addition, appeared T680.

History

W900 is in production since 1961. And it did not replace the old models, but was released for a while with them, borrowing many features. That is, the car has been produced for more than 55 years. In modern cars, there is little left from the first copies: for this time the truck has undergone many updates: both constructive and external.

The first cars are distinguished by external door handles located under the side windows, chrome handles on the radiator grill for tilting the hood, "septum" doors, a fiberglass roof panel (the main difference from the previous Kenworth models), large front and vent windows in the doors.

• In 1967, the letter A. was added to the model index.
• In 1972, the locks were replaced with details in the style of the "oars".
• The following year, the emblem on the hood received three red stripes instead of four.
• In 1976, a higher cabin appeared for long trips. In addition, they presented a more luxurious version of VIT, equipped by default with such exclusive for those years equipment as a double bed and a refrigerator, which were soon included in the list of normal options.
• In 1982, with the replacement of the headlights with a rectangular car, the B index was obtained. Compared to the W900A, the landing on the chassis became higher. At the same time, the former "Kenworth" W900 continued to be manufactured in Mexico (Kenmex), but also with rectangular headlights.
• In 1987, the W900S was introduced. The model received a beveled hood for better visibility.
• In 1989, the W900L version appeared with a wheelbase extended to 3.3 m.
• In 1994, the models of the line began to use the T600, which, first of all, differed by the curved windscreen, in contrast to the flat two-sectioned W900. Initially, it was available only for the long version of Aerocab and as an option for Daycab. In 2006, this cabin was installed only on the W900S. At the same time, the flat windshield was not equipped with Aerocab and extended Daycab versions. At the same time, curved glass was offered both in whole and in separate versions.
• In 1998 there was a modification of Studio Aerocab.
• In 2014, based on the W900L, in honor of the 25th anniversary of this release, a limited series of ICON900 was released. It has a large number of chrome elements and special icons.

Frame and chassis

The manufacturer offers 4 variants of a frame from one steel and as many variants with inserts.

There are 15 wheelbase options available (from 4.6 to 8.4 m). The width is 2.4 m in body and 2.9 m in mirrors. The track is 1.8-2.2 m.

The height of the front suspension in unloaded condition is 29.7-35.3 cm, the rear - 21.6-39.9. The clearance is from 30.5 to 45.7 cm also without load.

There are three variants of fuel tanks with a diameter of 22, 24.5, 28.5 inches with a volume from 142.2 to 670 liters.

Equipment

The most famous tractor is the "Kenworth" W900. However, there are other versions equipped with tilting bodies, concrete mixers and other equipment.

The list of options includes many functional adaptations: transmission components, tow hooks, etc.

In addition, the manufacturer offers a variety of exterior design elements, such as polished fuel tanks, battery and tool boxes, double tailpipes, additional lighting fixtures, and so on.

Cabin

The truck meets several variants of sleeping compartments.

Traditionally, it is characterized by a high level of comfort. So, the machine has fully adjustable orthopedic seats, a dashboard with many parameters and large convenient controls, two 12-volt sockets, a lot of storage compartments, an extensive list of finishes, and so on.

Engine

Kenworth equips its American trucks with Paccar engines. They are represented by four series of 6-cylinder turbo-diesel engines of inline configuration. In this case, the initial PX-7 series is not used on the W900.

• PX-9. Includes 10 8.9 liters of motors with a capacity of 260 liters. from. And 720 Nm at 1300 rpm. Up to 450 liters. from. And 1250 Nm at 1400 rpm.

• MX-11. Engines in volume of 10,8 l in 6 variants. They develop 355 liters. from. And 1250 Nm at 1000 rpm - 430 liters. from. And 1550 Nm at 1000 rpm.

• MX-13. A series of 9 motors in volume of 12,9 l. Their productivity is from 380 liters. from. And 1450 Nm at 1000 rpm. Up to 500 liters. from. And 1850 Nm at 1100 Nm.

In addition to them, on the "Kenworth" W900 there are engines Cummins, Caterpillar, Detroit Diesel.

Transmission

The car is equipped with 10-, 13- and 18-speed automatic transmission. It occurs with wheel formulas 4х2, 6х2, 6х4.

Chassis

The front suspension is the Dana Spicer D2000 20K Standard Track with five leaf springs, the rear - double or triple, represented by twenty basic versions of the designs, including the models of the manufacturer itself, as well as Reyco, Chalmers, Hend, Hendrickson, Neway. Available spring or spring-pneumatic structures.

The steering is equipped with a TAS 65 hydraulic booster.

The "Kenworth" W900 has 22.5-inch wheels measuring 425/65. They install tires Bridgestone M844F, R250F, M726EL.