Acterra takes redesign to full throttle with enhancements in handling, ride

Nov. 1, 2002
Sterling Truck Corp has enhanced its Acterra line of Class 5-8 trucks. The frame has stronger single-channel steel rails rated at 50,000, 80,000, and

Sterling Truck Corp has enhanced its Acterra line of Class 5-8 trucks. The frame has stronger single-channel steel rails rated at 50,000, 80,000, and 120,000 psi, reducing the need for rail inserts. The single-channel design also helps cut corrosion and maintenance.

The new front suspension incorporates single-leaf springs as standard equipment. Taper-leaf suspensions come in capacities from 8,000 to 18,000 pounds, with maintenance-free rubber bushings. Flat-leaf springs are also available rated at 14,600-, 16,000-, and 18,000-lb capacities. Maintenance-free front spring bushings are standard.

For 4×2s, a replaceable spring deflection pad is used instead of a shackle on the rear of each front spring. The 12,000-lb front suspension option is supplied with the single-leaf spring with rear spring shackle, plus rubber spring bushings on both ends.

On the rear suspension system, rear shackles are spring-mounted, and a slipper pad is standard. This suspension is now lubrication-free.

Two suspension packages are offered. The 52" variable-rate taper leaf rear suspension is standard in a six-step range of capacities rated from 18,000 to 23,000 pounds. Shock absorbers can be added to improve the ride, and an optional low-maintenance rubber helper pad provides extra load support and stability. An optional rear stabilizer bar improves handling.

The optional 60" two-stage spring rear suspension package comes in 18,000-, 21,000-, and 23,000-lb ratings. Anti-friction spacers are standard, along with shock absorbers, rear shackle mounts, and the rubber helper.

Optional 60" air rear suspensions come in ratings from 10,000 to 40,000 pounds, plus extra-duty ratings of 40,000- and 46,000-lb capacities. The stabilizer bar is available for both spring and air suspensions.

Customers also can specify the optional TufTrac suspension rated from 40,000- to 46,000-lb capacity. Hendrickson rear suspensions are available at 40,000 or 46,000 pounds in the RT/RTE or HN series. Hendrickson's RS series suspension is another option, rated at 52,000 pounds.

A new option improves body installation by reducing back-of-cab component installation. The battery box/air tank/air dryer package places the components out of the way where they can't interfere with body installations.

For full details, contact Sterling, 4420 Sherwin Rd, Willoughby OH 44094.