Inside a Heavy Haul Fleet Built for Power and Personality

[MikePhua]

Custom-Built Brutus and the Art of Hybrid Engineering
At the heart of this fleet stands Brutus, a one-of-a-kind heavy haul truck that defies conventional classification. Built around a 1967 Autocar cab, Brutus is more Frankenstein than factory. Its chassis comes from a Crane Carrier I-beam frame, paired with a CAT 3408E engine and a 14-speed Spicer transmission, plus an auxiliary gearbox for added torque control. The front axle, believed to be salvaged from a Euclid dump truck, and planetary rear axles complete this mechanical beast.
Terminology notes:

• Planetary Axles: Axles with gear reduction at the wheel hub, allowing high torque transfer and load capacity.
  
• Auxiliary Transmission: A secondary gearbox used to multiply gear options or provide low-speed torque.
  
• Crane Carrier Chassis: A heavy-duty frame originally designed for crane transport, known for rigidity and load distribution.
  

Brutus is typically paired with a 125-ton beam trailer, often used to move cranes like the Manitowoc 4100. The truck’s unique build allows it to handle short-distance loads exceeding 175 tons, a feat few rigs can match.
Kenworth Muscle and Drop-Side Precision
The fleet includes several Kenworth models, each tailored for specific hauling tasks:

• Kenworth C500 (#35): Powered by a CAT 3406 engine rated at 425 hp, with an 8-speed Fuller transmission and 70,000 lb rear axles. It’s often matched with a wobble wheel trailer or a 75-ton, 10-foot-wide drop-side.
  
• Kenworth T800 tri-axle (#85): Also equipped with a CAT 3406 and an 18-speed Eaton Fuller transmission. With 52,000 lb rears and leaf suspension, it’s the go-to for 85-ton drop-side hauls.
  

These trucks represent the backbone of mid-range heavy transport. The C500’s high rear axle rating makes it ideal for oversized loads, while the T800’s tri-axle configuration improves weight distribution and road compliance.
Peterbilt Power and Air-Ride Tradeoffs
The fleet’s Peterbilt lineup includes:

• Peterbilt 379 (#124): Featuring a CAT C16 engine pushing 625 hp, paired with an 18-speed transmission and two-speed 55,000 lb rears. Though powerful, its air-ride suspension is a known weak point for stability under extreme loads.
  
• Peterbilt 379 (#115): A smaller sibling with a 550 hp CAT engine and 44,000 lb rears, using an 8-speed transmission.
  
• Kenworth W900 (#105): Also powered by a 550 hp CAT, with a 10-speed gearbox and 44,000 lb rears.
  

Air-ride suspensions offer comfort and vibration reduction but can compromise load stability during sharp turns or uneven terrain. Many operators retrofit these trucks with stiffer suspension systems or limit their use to smoother routes.
Mack Superliner and the Legacy of Rugged Design
The Mack Superliner (#55) rounds out the fleet with a CAT 3406 engine rated at 425 hp, a 12-speed transmission, and 48,000 lb rears. Its Mack suspension system is known for durability and load absorption, making it a favorite for long hauls and rough terrain.
Mack trucks have a storied history in North America, especially in mining and logging. The Superliner’s design emphasizes mechanical simplicity and structural strength, often outlasting newer models in harsh conditions.
Retired Legends and Historical Footnotes
The fleet once included a Mack DM800, formerly operated by W.J. Casey. This truck was sold overseas in the early 1990s but remains a nostalgic icon. Photos of the DM800 show its robust build and classic lines, a reminder of the era when mechanical overengineering was the norm.
In the 1980s, the DM800 was often used for crane transport and oversized loads. Its departure marked a shift toward more modular and hybridized rigs like Brutus, which combine legacy components with modern powertrains.
Fleet Strategy and Operational Insights
This fleet reflects a strategic blend of custom builds, legacy platforms, and high-horsepower haulers. Each truck is matched to a specific trailer and load profile, minimizing downtime and maximizing efficiency.
Operational tips:

• Use planetary axles for beam trailers and extreme loads
  
• Pair air-ride suspensions with lighter or balanced hauls
  
• Maintain auxiliary transmissions with regular fluid checks and gear inspections
  
• Retrofit older cabs with modern lighting and electronics for safety compliance
  

A heavy haul operator in Pennsylvania noted that switching from leaf to air-ride suspension reduced driver fatigue but required stricter load balancing. His fleet now uses adjustable fifth-wheel plates to fine-tune trailer weight distribution.
Final Thoughts
This fleet is more than a collection of trucks—it’s a living archive of heavy haul evolution. From the hybrid brute force of Brutus to the refined muscle of Kenworth and Peterbilt, each rig tells a story of engineering, adaptation, and pride. In an industry where every ton counts and every mile matters, this fleet stands as a testament to craftsmanship, customization, and the enduring spirit of the road.