THE REAL
BIG
MACK

Mack CH613 handles on and of highway conditions and whatever else you can throw at it. This particular model produces 370hp but is available with several engines options.

The 600 hp Mack Titan, the biggest Mack truck in Africa, has arrived in South Africa.

At first glance, the sheer size of the Australian-built 6x8 Titan on display at the launch was almost overwhelming. The horse is just short of nine metres in length with a BBC of 3 124mm. Power comes through a 600 hp Cummins double DOHC Signature diesel engine mated to an 18-speed Mack T2000 transmission. Differentials are also from Mack.

Big Mack. This 600 hp Mack Titan destined for a mining operation in Zimbabwe is capable of hauling up to 200 tons GCM.

While the model on display was destined for a mining operation in Zimbabwe, Mack Trucks SA was quick to point out that an on highway derivative is available in 6x4 format. Axle load capacities start from 23,6 ton extending to 30 tons on the 6x4 and from 31,3 to 35,4 tons on the 6x8.

Designed around the renowned Australian road-trains where it enjoys a prominent position, the Titans are specified and built to customer requirements. Depending on operator choice Eaton, Meritor or Renault axles are coupled to Newway air suspensions together with a similar choice of spring suspensions. This allows for GCM ratings of between 130 and 200 tons. 

A variety of engine options are available although the Titan was designed with the Cummins Signature in mind. Interestingly, the Caterpillar engines proved incompatible with Mack's electronics.

The Titan Highway uses a front axle rated at 6,7 tons whereas the extra heavy duty Titan has a Mack FAW18 axle rated at 8,2 tons. Multi-leaf front springs are standard.

Speaking at the launch, Mack Trucks SA managing director Pierre Sanson says in spite of the teething problems surrounding the re-launch of Mack trucks in South Africa, the marque has proved its worth in certain niche markets.

Mack Trucks SA has made steady progress since its return to the local market in 1999. Seen here are the Mack Quantum (left) and CH Series trucks both of which have been designed around the driver and are available with custom specifications according to customer requirements.

"In comparison to other truck makes, our volumes are still low although we have shown consistent growth particularly in on/off road operating conditions such as mining, forestry and construction."

Ready to rumble. The Mack RD series can be seen operating in a variety of applications ranging from construction, logging, to refuse collection. In South Africa, the RD comes in two derivatives - the RD688S and RD690S

Sanson notes that a significant portion of the new Mack trucks have been delivered to customers in neighbouring states, notably Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Sub-dealers have been set up both here and in neighbouring states to handle service and maintenance requirements. Mack Trucks also hold a stock of service exchange units for to assist in VOR situations.

Good looking. Mack's powerful Quantum is becoming a more common sight on local highways. Fitted with Mack's E7-460 E-Techengine this model has been spec'd at 470hp to cope with strenuous operating conditions and maximum payload efficiency.

Sanson explains that one of the keys to the success of Mack trucks in harsh African operating conditions - particularly in neighbouring states - is the fact they are based on firm mechanical grounding. No fancy electronic systems here thank you. 

"Although they are technologically up-to-date, their inherent simplicity is a major plus factor for us," he says. "While we obviously train our customer's technicians in maintenance procedures, this has not proved difficult as any qualified diesel technician will be able to grasp what is going on under the bonnet. Mechanically, they really are very simple." 

"In light of the success Mack trucks have enjoyed in their respective applications I am confident in saying that the doors to Africa are now well and truly open for us," Sanson says proudly. 

As an aside, Sanson points out that while Mack is a small player in local markets, it is the third biggest truck supplier in the USA with 14% market share in its niche. This results in sales of around 3 000 units a month.

Mack Trucks is part of Volvo Global Trucks that comprises Renault, Volvo and Mack. Each marque operates independently although technological co-operation is undoubtedly firmly on the agenda.