Autocar releases two DC models for concrete and construction uses

Autocar Trucks of Hagerstown, Indiana, has announced the launch of two truck models to serve the concrete and construction industry: the Autocar DC-64M for concrete mixers and the DC-64P for concrete pump applications. The Autocar DC is a completely new conventional truck engineered from the ground up for severe-duty vocational applications. Autocar’s guiding mission is to build trucks to be “always up,” or staying in service despite challenges they face year after year. 

“The new DC models are the result of extensive input we received from our advisory board of concrete professionals,” says Eric Schwartz, the managing director of Autocar Trucks. “Every inch of these trucks has been reviewed and improved based on the decades of experience of people operating concrete mixer and boom pump trucks. We’re grateful for their help and proud to bring to this market trucks that are honestly customer-built.”

The Autocar DC’s cab is totally new and was designed by Autocar for productivity, durability and safety in the concrete industry. The cab structure is built from a combination of steel, aluminum and corner castings to withstand years of abuse the concrete industry dishes out. Autocar says the workspace of the cab maximizes productivity for drivers, from the biggest guys to petite women. Everything is visible and within easy reach, Autocar says, while the wide raked windshield provides clear visibility for safety. The interior uses authentic materials, like polished aluminum bars for door pulls and steel sheets as dash panels, along with a full steel structure inside the dashboard.

 

The Autocar DC-64M and DC-64P join the other DC models as the first trucks ever built to feature ultra-high-strength 160,000 PSI steel frame rails, 24 percent stronger and lighter than the rails on other trucks on the market, completely eliminating the need for frame liners in nearly all mixer applications. 

“This breakthrough results from the requests of mixer operators who were frustrated by corrosion caused by moisture and muriatic acid penetrating the gap between frame rails and liners,” says Tom Harris, Autocar’s vice president for concrete mixer trucks.

Harris also pointed out the benefits of the DC’s upgraded electrical system. “We’ve routed air lines and self-cleaning electrical harnesses on separate sides of the frame rail to make service easier,” he says. “But even more importantly, everything is mounted away from the frame rail channels where concrete and liquids accumulate, so that will avoid additional problems we’ve all had to deal with before.”

The DC also features the new Autocar Always Up display. With prominent warnings and dynamic gauges, it not only tells the operator or technician what fault has occurred, but the “one-touch diagnostics” also shows them how to fix it. 

“It’s a game-changer that gets trucks back into service and making money faster than anything anyone has had before,” Harris says.

“The DC-64M incorporates a raft of improvements and features specific to concrete mixer trucks, such as rear-engine PTOs and asymmetrical self-leveling front suspensions. And every DC-64P will be custom-engineered for the specific pump body the pumper selects,” Schwartz says. “So suspensions and multiple steer, drive, and auxiliary axles will all be selected and placed for optimal weight distribution and Autocar’s industry-leading maneuverability.”

The Autocar DC powertrain initially includes Cummins X12 engines up to 500 horsepower and 1,700 pounds per foot of torque, with additional engines and specs available in the future. Transmissions are Allison RDS4500 and 4700 series for maximum torque at low speeds and easy drivability on-road and in tricky construction sites.

The company revealed it has already accepted firm orders for production of the DC models at its Birmingham, Alabama factory, for delivery in the spring of 2020. 

The DC is the first new conventional truck for the Autocar brand in 31 years and joins the ACX and ACMD cabover trucks and the ACTT terminal tractor as Autocar’s fourth line. The new truck also represents the rebirth of Autocar’s DC, first introduced by The Autocar Company in 1939 as its premier severe-duty and, revolutionary for the time, diesel-powered work truck.