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Heavy-Duty Truck Review – Notable 2021 Autocar Trucks

The technologies we are seeing in trucks continue to advance every year. In this article, we review some of the notable advancements in the 2021 lineup of Autocar Trucks.

DC Series

As highlighted on autocartruck.com, the DC-64D is engineered specifically for the demands of a dump truck and general construction use. The DC-64M is purpose-built for mixers, with specialized frame rails, suspension, cab, and electrical features to withstand the challenges of mixer operations. Both models provide exceptional side-to-side and upward visibility, thanks to their wide, curved, and steeply raked windshield.

The DC-64M comes standard with an 18-cm display. Built-in diagnostics help technicians get a truck back on the job faster by providing electrical reports, access to service intervals, bodybuilder, and operator manuals, as well as access to 3D schematics, all with one touch on the display.

ACX Severe-Duty Cabover

The Autocar ACX XPEDITOR cab-over-engine model offers 4X2, 6X4 and 8X4 format options. Rivetless construction requires less maintenance, and the extra-thick front panel reduces damage from the toughest work conditions. As well, it is built from material stiffer than aluminum to extend the life of the truck.

The Autocar ACMD XPERT packs Autocar toughness into a Class 7/8 package that is ideal for a wide range of vocational applications. It is big enough to comfortably fit a three-man crew but sized perfectly for maneuvering through narrow alleys, tight parking lots, and busy streets.

The new ACX severe-duty trucks have the biggest cab in the business. With more leg, hip, and all-around room inside the cab, it makes it easier to work in all day, while also making it easier to get in and out. The cab itself is not just spacious but is also the strongest cab available. Being made with galvannealed steel, you get greater reliability, longer life, and in case of accidents, less damage is taken.

Advanced Technology and Safety

As technology continues to advance, trucks are seeing advanced safety systems being integrated into them. Although this has been the case for a few years, the refuse industry of trucks is a little behind in some of these features. While these workhorses of the road are not adorned with near the bells and whistles that come standard on many late-model passenger vehicles, some manufacturers are starting to equip trucks with new safety features to better protect drivers. For example, the ACX Severe-Duty Cabover is outfitted with an Advanced Driver Assist System (ASAS) designed by ZF WABCO.

These vehicles feature six advanced safety features meant to help protect drivers on the road, including:

  • Electronic stability control systems (ESC) that actively intervene when the vehicle is understeering or oversteering in order to maintain vehicle stability
  • Rollover stability control systems (RSC) that intervene when the vehicle is at risk of a driver-induced rollover event
  • Advanced emergency braking systems (AEBS) where the vehicle detects an impending collision and actively engages emergency brakes
  • Forward collision warning (FCW) where the driver is visibly and audibly warned of an impending collision
  • Stationary lane departure warning (SLDW) where a steady light located on the A-pillar will illuminate with an audible warning when the driver is veering into another lane; and
  • Blind spot detection (BSD) that incorporates a flashing light located on the A-pillar that warns the driver of a vehicle in his or her blind spot.

This technology was first introduced into the commercial vehicle industry in 2008. Cliff Buck, the director of national accounts for Autocar, says “that the company had worked in conjunction with ZF WABCO over the course of two years to integrate the company’s ADAS technology into its chassis.”


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Author: Taron H.

Taron is the Marketing Manager at The Heavy-Duty Parts Report.

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