International Truck launched the International HX Series, a new line of Class 8 vocational trucks designed for severe service applications in February 2016. The launch of the HX Series is the first all-new vehicle introduced by International Truck since 2010. There are four models in the HX Series.

Three of the four trucks in the new series debuted last February at the World of Concrete trade show in Las Vegas and will replace the International PayStar model. The fourth model, the HX520, was unveiled in April 2016 at Truck World in Toronto.

Vocational Versatility

The four HX Series models will be offered in both set-forward and set-back front axle models in either short or long hood, depending on the application. The HX Series models have a GVW range of 52,000 to 92,000 pounds.

The four models are:

• HX515: A 114-inch BBC set-forward axle straight truck with primary vocations including concrete mixer, construction dump, refuse/roll-off and crane.

• HX520: A 120-inch BBC set-forward axle truck or tractor with primary vocations including heavy haul tractor, construction dump, and platform stake/crane.

• HX615: A 115-inch BBC set-back axle truck or tractor with primary vocations including construction dump, concrete mixer, platform stake/crane, and refuse/roll-off.

• HX620: A 119-inch BBC set-back axle truck or tractor with primary vocations including heavy haul tractor, construction dump, and platform stake/crane.

The HX515 and the HX615 models are powered by Navistar N13 engines, while the HX520 and HX620 models offer the Cummins ISX15 engine.

The HX Series of models are available with dual external air cleaners to deliver heavy-duty filtration, easy maintenance, and a long service life. The HX Series also has the industry’s strongest tow pin is rated at 150,000 pounds for extreme recovery towing.

The HX Series models offer improved maneuverability. A 40-degree wheel cut with 425 tires, dual steering gears, and advanced ABS systems allow for both right and left sharp turns, traction, and movement control.

Angled fenders provide greater wheel clearance to help power through challenging grounds.

Ergonomically Designed

The vocational cab is made of aluminum, which, according to Navistar, offers better durability than steel. The severe service aluminum cab offers riveted and bonded lap seams for increased strength and easier repair.

The HX Series models are equipped with the all-new DriverFirst Cab Air Suspension for a more comfortable and quiet ride. The interior was ergonomically designed to offer more room for driver comfort and productivity. For instance, the central console is angled for easy reach to controls. Also, the standard tilt/telescoping steering column adjusts to accommodate any size driver.

In addition, the HX Series offers increased driver visibility. The hood’s low angle makes for the industry’s best front forward visibility. The larger rear window compared to the company’s prior model allows for superior rear visibility.

For faster and more convenient maintenance access, the HX Series hood has an assist mechanism requiring little effort to open.

LED lighting is standard throughout, as are air conditioning, power windows, and power locks.

Built & Tested to Last

The HX Series was engineered to withstand the most punishing job sites and includes prime features such as an industry-leading 12.5 inch x .5 inch single rail delivering 3.5 million RBM (resistance bending movement) at 13% less weight than that of a double 10-inch rail.

At the Navistar Proving Grounds in Indiana, the HX Series was subjected to accelerated life testing, which simulates 10 years of wear-and-tear and vibration in extreme-duty cycles.

Vehicles underwent staggered bumps testing, which generated torsional twist in the chassis, to ensure suspension components were stabilized and equalized.

Each model was also subjected to severe duty ditch events in which a fully loaded vehicle is run through four ditch events that are 12-inches deep.

Another test was the door slam test, which studied real-world usage in extreme conditions of -40°F, 180° F, and 104°F at 95% relative humidity. Each door was slammed repeatedly to simulate a vehicle life of 10 years.

The sloped three-piece Metton hood is stronger and lighter than fiberglass and is designed to resist cracking over the life of the truck.