Analysis of the technical capabilities of the Kenworth T2000 truck tractor-carrier

General view of Kenworth t2000 with red cab

In the late nineties, the US truck market was complemented by another truck tractor from Kenworth - a model called T2000. During the manufacturing process of the truck, the latest technologies at that time were taken into account and durable, high-quality materials were used, which led to the fact that Kenword owners appreciated it. The Kenworth T2000 truck is still widely used in the cargo transportation industry, despite its slightly “outdated” design features (of course, a lot of time has passed since 1996!)

The origins of the popularity of the Kenworth T2000 tractor

The designers introduced new technological developments from the 90s. Two modifications of the car went into production at once: Kenworth T2000 12.5 MT and Kenworth T2000 15.0 MT. The load capacity and external dimensions of the tractors are the same. The increase in engine capacity influenced the increase in power of the Kenworth T2000 15.0 MT.

The high-speed car is designed for economical mileage with reduced fuel consumption on highways. The high-speed driving mode helps reduce the fuel consumption of the tractor. Acceleration to the rated speed of 120 km/h occurs in 90 seconds. Airflow resistance is reduced by softening the cabin contour.

In addition to the external contours, the aerodynamics of the car are affected by:

Kenworth T2000

• Hood tilt 320;
• Wings;
• Combination of a panoramic windshield with a deflector;
• Streamlining of the convex bumper;
• Low rolling resistance of low-profile Bridgestone tires;

The glazing area has been increased - an increase in the level of security is felt in every detail. The installation of front- and rear-view video cameras, including night vision, prevented more than one accident with a Kenworth T2000.

A car bumper made of reinforced fiberglass absorbs the impact when colliding with an obstacle softer than steel. Dividing the bumper into 3 independent blocks makes it easy to replace the damaged part. The high seating position of the Kenworth equates the tractor to an all-terrain vehicle.

Power unit "Kenworth T2000"

The truck tractor is equipped with a diesel engine produced by world market leaders: Caterpillar, Detroit Diesel or Cummins. The advantage of Caterpillar engines in equipping tractors is undeniable.

Diesels with intercooling on the Kenworth T2000 develop power in the range of 475–600 hp. With. with a capacity of 12–15 l and rpm. 2000–2100. American technology does not tolerate violence. The overload will be responded to by breakdown of the gearbox and bridges.

There are service stations in regional and large district cities. The interchangeability of car parts from overseas automakers Kenworth, International, and Freightliner, from pipes and sensors to cardans and transfer cases, is a lifesaver for auto repair shops.

Features of the Kenworth T2000 tractor engine:

Exterior view of the Kenworth T2000 turbocharged engine

• Diesel with intercooling L6;
• 24 valves;
• Fuel supply – direct injection;
• Manual drive for pumping up the pump for winter;
• Torque – 2237 N m;
• Developed power – 350 kW.

Initially, the car's exhaust emissions complied with the Euro-3 standard. Since 2005, Euro-4 class engines have been installed.

Car repair in a service center

Not a single owner of a truck tractor is immune from problems with the operation of the vehicle: breakdowns or other malfunctions often occur in t2000 models. As with most other tractors, if problems occur, you can contact a service center or repair the truck yourself.

What's good about this case is that the Caterpillar engines that power the trucks can be repaired on almost every corner. In addition, there are a large number of service centers from the official supplier of such cars in Russia.

Kenworth chassis

The front axle is pulled back to distribute the load evenly and increase maneuverability.

Kenworth T2000 truck tractor - rear view

• The chassis standard is 6x4.
• Wheelbase – 4.8–6.6 m;
• Number of tractor axles – 3 pcs.;
• Drum brakes;
• Engine brake retarder;
• Spicer automatic 10-speed gearbox
• Power drive through a cardan to the rear wheels;
• The front suspension is pneumatic, using steel parabolic and composite fiberglass springs;
• Rear suspension : AirGlide spring-pneumatic;
• Anti-lock wheel system when braking;
• Traction control system;
• Permissible load on the front axle – 5.4–6.6 tons;
• Permissible load on the rear tandem axle – 21 t;
• Steering - rack and pinion, with hydraulic booster;
• Tire size – 315/70 R22;
• The tractor has the ability to tow road trains up to 84 tons.

Truck in Truckers 2

Characteristics

Kenworth T2000 colors

Gallery

• Outside
• Interior
• Interior

Dimensions and weight of the Kenworth tractor

Kenworth T2000 - front view

The length of the vehicle without a hitch is 8.15 m. The distance between the bumper and the tip of the tractor cab varies: 2.845–3.048 m. The size variation is associated with the installation of a sleeping place or limiting the space to 2 seats.

The cabin with a sleeping compartment is made of a single module, a simplified block with a depth of 1.52 m. The Aerodine living compartment occupies 1.9 m. The structure was strengthened and light thanks to a power frame made of aluminum chips and the replacement of fiberglass panels with molding material made of matton composite. The sound insulation of the car has been improved.

The width is limited to 2.5 m, the height is 3.4 m. The weight of the tractor ranges from 16–27 tons. The sum of the masses of the car, trailer, and cargo reaches 100 tons. The grip and release of the fifth-wheel coupling mechanism of the tractor is controlled from the driver’s workplace.

Model Review - Kenworth W900

I have long wanted to introduce my readers to the king of highways, one of the most respected trucks overseas, a thoroughbred American - the Kenworth W900. A rare specimen for our roads, today we will be visiting the “Trucker” blog. It was not difficult to agree with its owner to film the truck, especially since we have known Vladimir, the owner of Kenworth, for a long time. So, the place was agreed upon, and hour X was appointed.

1. Unlike cabovers, Ken does not push a wall of air in front of him. It pierces it - the wedge shape predominates in the contours of the cabin. The silhouette of the cabin in which the 900 now rolls off the assembly line has not changed for several decades. And what’s surprising is that this did not affect the success of the model in the American market. On the contrary, it is a source of pride for PACCAR, which owns the Kenworth brand.

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2. In America and Australia, bonnets have not become extinct, as in cramped Europe. They are valued for the highest driver safety and a rare level of comfort. But there is another side to the coin - clumsiness, which you have to put up with.

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3. Adherents of trucks also exist in Western Europe, where there are strict restrictions on the length of a road train. There they haul short or specialized trailers. The owners can be compared to the owners of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Yes, expensive, but inconvenient! But the style and drive that the driver gets from driving an American classic has not yet been canceled.

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4 . Americans are well-known supporters of their cars and at the same time conservatives. The clutch drive is only a mechanical booster, not even on flagship models, such as this Kenworth W900.

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5. The American suspension is simple and without unnecessary bells and whistles. The front springs, although parabolic, are certainly on threaded pins. In addition to them, steering rods, kingpins and expansion knuckles of drum brake mechanisms require regular injection.

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6. There is plenty of chrome here: bumper and radiator grille, air filter housings and exhaust pipes, mirrors and sun visor. All this, of course, requires care.

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7. The drive axles are suspended individually, without the usual balancers. Usually, two cushions on half-springs are placed on the bridge. Longitudinal and transverse rods on silent blocks. Our Ken has a so-called soft, Peterbuilt pendant - with two C-shaped earrings.

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8. Not the cockpit yet, but already somewhere nearby. Sixteen digital indicators, a lot of toggle switches, levers and buttons. Remembering my first trip behind the wheel of a Kenworth, I remember being confused, or rather frightened by the number of them.

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9. On such a car, the mats must be appropriate - Kenworth. This is not the kind of plastic that vaguely resembles rubber and after a season rolls into a tube from the sunlight, but pure rubber, pleasant to the touch.

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10. Sleeping place, one of the main advantages of American trucks. Almost always, a private owner, when buying a truck, is essentially purchasing a second home. The photo shows the Kenworth cabin from the inside. Part of the kitchen unit, and in the background, the climate control panel.

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11. With a slight movement of the hand, we gain access to the engine and main components of the car. Owners of European trucks smoke on the sidelines with the onset of Siberian frosts, and fiercely, furiously hate the birdhouse over the engine. When suddenly it, the engine, requires urgent servicing.

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12. This Kenworth is powered by a 15-liter Caterpillar, C-15. Fifteen-liter turbodiesel with intercooler. The long life of the engine lies in its components: a steel crankshaft, wet liners, composite pistons - with a bottom forged from heat-resistant steel and an aluminum skirt.

13. But the engine has a corresponding appetite; fifteen liters need to be fed with something. Consumption on our roads reaches fifty liters per hundred. The only thing that saves us is the fantastic power built into this truck by the creators. In order to increase the profitability of flights, it is often necessary to take on loads with a large overload.

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14. Like many, he started with KAMAZ. Over fifteen long years, I went through it down to the last bolt and gasket. Then there was a short acquaintance with Renault. And now, in his garage, he has one of the best cars, a handsome one - a Kenworth W900!

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Interior comfort

Kenworth T2000 interior

The replaceable crew of the tractor unit sits on two ergonomic seats with detailed adjustment to body characteristics. Adjustments in 3 planes, a change in backrest angle, a set of pillows, a hydraulic shock absorber and an air suspension will help you maintain your vigor on the road.

The height of the car's ceiling allows you to straighten up when moving to the rest area. 9 options for sleeping and resting compartments have been developed. Modest in equipment and size, the Aero Cab Flat Top Sleeper and the Sludio VIT Modular Sl are at different poles.

The Kenworth's dashboard is easy to use. Some switches have been moved to the steering wheel. Control of track lighting, engine brake, and auto-drive occurs without the distraction of driving a Kenworth tractor.

Truck in Truckers 3

Characteristics

Interesting Facts

• The steering wheel in Part 3 of the game is set too low compared to the original car. This may have been done to avoid claims from the manufacturer.

Gallery

• Outside
• Outside
• Interior
• Interior
• Interior

Screenshots from 2003