Autocar Trucks, which has an assembly plant in Birmingham, Alabama, has launched two truck models purpose-built to serve the concrete and construction industries — the DC-64M for concrete mixers and the DC-64P for concrete pump applications.
“The new DC models are the result of extensive input we received from our advisory board of concrete professionals. 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,” said Eric Schwartz, managing director of Autocar Trucks.
The DC is the first new conventional truck for the Autocar brand in 31 years. It also represents a rebirth of Autocar’s DC, first introduced by The Autocar Co. in 1939 as a severe-duty, diesel-powered work truck.
The new DC trucks’ cab, which underwent an extensive design process, combines steel and aluminum to withstand years of abuse. The workspace within the cab maximizes productivity for drivers with everything visible and within easy reach, while the wide windshield provides visibility for safety.
The DC-64M and DC-64P join other DC models to feature ultra-high-strength 160,000 PSI steel frame rails, completely eliminating the need for frame liners found on 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,” said Tom Harris, Autocar’s vice president for concrete mixer trucks.
Harris also pointed out the new electrical system, which routes air lines and self-cleaning electrical harnesses on separate sides of the frame rails, makes service easier.
These trucks also feature the Autocar Always Up® display, which tells the operator or technician where a fault has occurred, as well as showing them how to fix it.
“Every DC-64P will be custom-engineered for the specific pump body the pumper selects. So suspension and multiple steer, drive and auxiliary axles will all be selected and placed for optimal weight distribution and Autocar’s industry-leading maneuverability,” said Schwartz.
Autocar already has accepted firm orders for production of the DC models at its Birmingham, Alabama factory for delivery this year.
