Founded in 1939, Peterbilt truck has become one of the most well known Class 8 manufacturers around. Currently owned by PACCAR, Peterbilt trucks are a staple in North America’s fleets and have long been known for their dependability, strength, durability and comfort.
Originally built for the transport of logs, Peterbilt was founded by a lumber tycoon who needed a way to transport his felled trees from his forests in North California and Washington to his mills. He figured out how to use excess military trucks, which were used to transport troops during World War II, and started building custom truck chassis for the logging industry.
When the business began to grow, T.A. Peterman purchased the failed Oakland-based Fageol Motors, and his company began producing its own brand of truck chassis, which he named Peterbilt.
Today, Peterbilt has over 2,700 employees at its Denton, Texas factory, making them one of the largest commercial vehicle manufacturers in the United States. The company produces a variety of vocational and medium duty trucks that provide both value to the owner and pride to the driver.
From the early days of the company, peterbilt has focused on creating vehicles that are designed with the needs of their drivers in mind. It is a philosophy that is still true today, and demonstrates why the trucking industry remains so loyal to this manufacturer.
The company continues to push the limits of innovation as it seeks new ways to improve fuel efficiency and safety, while also delivering the power to haul heavy loads with confidence. Its latest offering, the Model 579 UltraLoft, is a testament to this dedication.
It offers state-of-the-art aerodynamic features to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency, while still providing the power and performance that owners expect from a high-quality, heavy-duty workhorse. Its 12.9-liter engine gives it 405 to 510 horsepower and 1,450 to 1,850 pounds of torque for the heaviest loads.
In addition, it offers a full range of features that can help drivers be more productive in their daily driving routine. Some of these include the Fuller Advantage Automated Transmission, a single horizontal exhaust, and SmarTire Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
These features make the model more aesthetically appealing and easy to operate, which can also help to reduce the stress and fatigue that many truckers feel from the rigors of their work. And as the company strives to stay ahead of its competitors, it has a number of other upgrades in the works for future models.
Peterbilt’s commitment to technology is evident in its recent introduction of the EPIQ Package for the Model 579. The package includes a Complete Aerodynamic Package, a PACCAR MX-13 Engine and Fuller Advantage Automatic Transmission.
The engine has an innovative common rail system that allows it to deliver more power than a standard fuel injection pump. It also allows for more efficient combustion, which can lower emissions and reduce noise levels.
The engine can also be outfitted with several different options that allow it to meet various emission regulations, such as a catalytic converter and the B10 compliant fuel system. This means that a Peterbilt engine is able to run on diesel fuel with minimal emissions and without the need to replace the filters regularly.