Mack Trucks spotlighted the Mack Granite Axle Forward model featuring increased ground clearance for underbody scrapers, making it optimal for snow removal. Mack made the announcement at the 2018 Work Truck Show, March 6-9, at the Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis.
Mack now offers the Granite model with a 6-in. increase in chassis ride height to provide additional clearance for an underbody scraper. This enables the underbody scraper to have a full range of motion to articulate in excess of 45 degrees in both directions, enhancing the ability to remove snow in the winter and grade roads in the offseason.
“The increased ground clearance allows for easier plow installation without the need to move other chassis components like fuel tanks and exhaust aftertreatment systems, saving the customer both time and money,” said Tim Wrinkle, Mack Trucks construction product manager. “The new configuration also allows for a shorter wheelbase for greater maneuverability and decreased weight, offering customers a cost savings without compromising performance.”
The Granite is available with both the Mack MP7 and Mack MP8 engine and the mDRIVE HD 14-speed automated manual transmission with creeper gears. The mDRIVE HD with creeper gears weighs approximately 150 lbs. less than an automatic transmission, providing a lighter-weight option.
Granite models come standard with ClearTech One, a single-package Exhaust Aftertreatment System (EATS), which combines the diesel particulate filter (DPF), selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) into one unit. ClearTech One is 17 lbs. lighter than other systems and frees up much-needed frame rail space to increase flexibility for customers needing water tanks and chutes.
The Granite model is backed by Mack GuardDog Connect, the company's proactive diagnostic and repair planning system. GuardDog Connect enables quick diagnosis of issues, proactive scheduling for repairs and confirmation that needed parts are in stock and ready to install, all while the truck is still on the job.
