Kenworth refreshing its medium-duty cabovers

Kenworth announced Wednesday at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky. exterior and interior enhancements to its K270 and K370 models.

“The new Kenworth K270 and Kenworth K370 bring Kenworth quality, innovation and comfort to a new level of excellence for the cabover market,” says Doug Powell, Kenworth’s medium duty marketing manager. “A new dash and gauge cluster, front air disc brakes, electronic braking module, and a fresh exterior are among some of the key additions.”

“More cities are starting to restrict the overall length of trucks in city limits or are allowing broader operating hours for short overall length trucks,” says Powell. “We expect that trend to continue, which will drive the movement toward cabovers.”

Inside the cab, a new dash and gauge cluster provide more information than ever before to the driver. Both truck models feature a standard air ride driver’s seat and 2-person bench seating with storage underneath. “We added a new option – single driver and passenger seats with a large console with cup holders in between,” said Powell.

Available with wheelbases ranging from 142 to 242 inches in 12-inch increments, the K270 and K370 can accommodate bodies from 16 to 28 feet.  A large 2,500-square-inch wraparound windshield combines with large side windows to give optimum visibility.

“The Kenworth K270 and K370 cabovers are designed for pick-up-and-delivery operations, landscape businesses, food and beverage companies, furniture hauling, and street sweeping and striping, among others,” Powell says. “With a 30 percent better curb-to-curb turning radius than a conventional truck, a 63.4-inch BBC dimension that provides an extra 45 inches of payload room over a conventional, and a 35-foot overall length – which is becoming the new norm for metro cities – these are money-making machines.”

Powered by the 6.7-liter PACCAR PX-7 engine, which has power ratings from 200 to 250-hp, and up to 660 lb-ft of torque, the Kenworth cabovers are now available with a 6-speed Allison transmission, joining a 5-speed transmission already available.

“We also added a new, high-quality, push-button control shifter that integrates well in our fully trimmed interior,” Powell says.

Dana axles, as well as front air disc brakes, are new this year on Kenworth cabovers, and as part of the braking system Kenworth has added an “electronic braking module” that will allow for the addition of stability control later this year.

For specialized applications, Kenworth says it will offer its new “clear rail” package that relocates air tanks, DEF tank, battery box, and exhaust after treatment to behind the cab. This new option opens up room for custom bodies, such as street sweepers, Kenworth says.