The Kenworth T610 with its history-making 2.1m wide cab is almost 300mm wider than the traditional cab.
The T610 design originated in 2010, when Kenworth Australia started work in tandem with a US program to determine the feasibility of building a new Australian truck. Between 2010 and 2012, a team of Kenworth Australia engineers immersed themselves in all aspects of the US program working to develop an Australian, right-hand drive version. After building a virtual concept model and a physical prototype, the truck was given the ‘green-light’ in mid-2012 to go to market.
“Since 2012 it’s been all shoulders to the wheel, bringing this product to life with testing and validating, building more prototypes, and working with our global team of collaborators,” Brad explained.
The cab, which is almost entirely made of aluminium, is available as a day cab or with a 860mm (34 inch) sleeper cab.
The stamped cabin panels allow exacting tolerances to be achieved, with components made to precisely fit together every time, taking quality to the next level.
Kenworth has spent a large amount of time optimising the shape and surfaces over the sleeper cab roof to not only deliver internal standing space, but also improve the aerodynamics and optimise clearances for closely coupled refrigerated trailers in local operations.
Designers spent three years refining the dashboard and instrument panel, so switchgear and controls are positioned intuitively, and dashboard instrumentation is visible at a glance.
Kenworth engineers have not designed just another truck. The T610 and T610SAR bonnets are aerodynamically shaped to move air across the bonnet in a controlled and efficient manner while ensuring maximum forward visibility from the driving position.
The aluminium core radiator is 100 kilograms lighter than its copper brass equivalent and provides a level of cooling performance that betters many of Kenworth’s existing model line-up and facilitates the full range of Cummins X15 power ratings.
With power ratings up to 600hp and 2,050 lbft of torque, making it a suitable for a wide range of transport applications, Kenworth engineers have been able to unleash more performance in the T610.
The Cummins X15 Euro V engine with Advanced Dynamic Efficient Powertrain (ADEPT) technology powers the new T610. Meantime a suite of electronic features from the Cummins X15 interact with Eaton automated manual transmissions, dynamically adapting to conditions for fuel efficient operation with no impact on productivity. It utilises load, speed and grade-sensing technology to initiate adjustments to engine power, torque and transmission gear selection to take advantage of vehicle momentum for better fuel economy.
Eaton RoadRanger Manual transmissions with a range of torque ratings in 10, 13 and 18 speed variants are also available.
The T610SAR sports external air cleaners, which are available in either painted or stainless steel finishes.
Existing driveline configurations and layouts are carried over from previous models to the T610 and T610SAR.
The new models can be specified to a GCM rating of up to 140t with engineering application approval, and with both a set forward and set back steer axle option, can meet a range of PBS applications.
The T610 builds on a proven approach honed over many years, starting in 1975 with the first Australian designed and manufactured Kenworth, the W900SAR, and is the culmination of more than 40 years of Australian design and application engineering experience, and a parallel development program drawing on the global resources of PACCAR.
Kenworth claim the T610 delivers their most innovative, durable and productive truck yet, designed and manufactured down under to suit Australian and New Zealand’s local conditions and applications.
This video is proudly sponsored by Kingbars: visit their website for more information www.kingbars.com.au