The bright blue truck with twilight blue fenders and chrome trim was a head-turner. That became even more evident after the sun finally broke through the dark southern Ohio skies.
Seating was comfortable, thanks to Kenworth’s proprietary air suspension seats which adjust for weight. It made the ride on those bumpy roads a lot smoother.
The panoramic windshield and extra-large dual glass side mirrors provided an ample view of the road and surrounding traffic. To improve visibility even more, the T880 can be ordered with triple rear windows.
The T880’s Paccar MX13 engine coupled with an Eaton Fuller 18-speed vocational Ultrashift Plus automated transmission made easy work out of 55,000 pounds of concrete blocks piled on a flatbed trailer.
The Ultrashift Plus smoothly transitioned from one gear to the next, leaving both hands to manage the wheel and navigate traffic.
While the transmission takes the labor out of shifting, it is programmed to shift at optimum RPM levels to save on fuel. In short, don’t expect it to get up and go through yellow lights. Of course, when you’re hauling a heavy load—automated transmission or otherwise—off-the line speed is something that just doesn’t come to mind. Still, you can switch to manual mode if preferred.
