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. Installation includes the steel and plastic battery box, dual 9" air tanks, and the Bendix DRM AD-IS air dryer system. The standard Bendix AD-9 air dryer is mounted on the front of the chassis, where it is protected from road debris by the bumper.

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

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