TECH KNOW
IS THIS THE CURE FOR THE ‘K-SERIES BACK’? For more than 50 years Kenworth’s venerable K-series cab-over has been a solid and dependable prime mover used for many tasks. Paul Matthei speaks with Wickham Freightlines Workshop Manager, Steve Lord, about a technical solution the company has developed to significantly improve the ride in its K200 prime movers.
K
enworth’s immensely popular K-series has been a stalwart of the cab-over class for over half a century, and for good reason. Its propensity for reliability and longevity has enabled a multitude of operators to make a decent profit using it as a tool of the trade. The formula is simple, literally, in that Kenworth has stuck with a tried-and-true cab
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structure that has been gradually evolved rather than radically changed over the years. The biggest change in the model’s history occurred when the K108 morphed into the K200 just over a decade ago. Kenworth engineers put a massive effort into improving cab ergonomics for the driver including raising the cab and fashioning a flat floor
between the seats for easier bunk access and a safer, more user-friendly set of steps and side catwalk for improved cab entry and egress. However, they stopped short of fully addressing the K-series Achilles Heel, which is ride quality. Sure, various measures such as parabolic front springs have been added which have made a dramatic improvement over earlier
