David A. Kolman, editor, Fleet Maintenance

Extreme temperatures and lots of red lights

Aug. 25, 2014
A peak into the work of a truck test engineer.

I’ve never gave much thought to the job of test engineer for a heavy truck manufacturer.

I just figured they pretty much drive around test tracks to learn how new vehicle components and systems, as well as new vehicle models, function and perform.

I learned there is a lot more to the job than that, including the tedious job of wiring trucks with all kinds of sensors and electronic gear to monitor and measure all facets of component and total vehicle operation and performance characteristics.

Ride and drive event

During a recent Kenworth Truck Company ride and drive event for select members of the truck trade press held at the Paccar Technical Center in Mount Vernon, WA, I had a chance to visit with some of Paccar’s  test engineers.

A Paccar company, Kenworth manufacturers heavy and medium duty trucks. Paccar produces light, medium and heavy duty trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF nameplates, plus manufactures diesel engines.

Shift and shift and shift

One test engineer told me about a test that takes place in a major city that involves driving a rig with an 18-speed transmission over a nearly 4-mile-long course. This route has 91 traffic lights and it is run about four times each day.

The engineer said that on average per day he shifts about 9,000, and that does not include splits.

I’d hate to go up against him in an arm wrestling contest.

Extreme weather

Another engineer talked about testing in weather extremes – from the freezing cold in the far northern climates to the intense hot and dry weather in Death Valley.

He boasted that his test engineer team set an internal Paccar record with a test temperature range of 167 degrees over a 6-month period. Think about that.

About the Author

David A. Kolman | Contributor - Fleet Maintenance

Sponsored Recommendations

Ask the Experts: Boost Profitability by Capturing Body Repair Materials Billables

Quality body repairs on medium- and heavy-duty trucks depend on the use of specialized adhesives, sealers, and other allied materials. Unfortunately, many shops face challenges...

Fleet Maintenance E-Book

Streamline your fleet's maintenance and improve operations with the Guide for Managing Maintenance. Learn proven strategies to reduce downtime, optimize in-house and third-party...

Celebrating Your Drivers Can Prove to be Rewarding For Your Business

Learn how to jumpstart your driver retention efforts by celebrating your drivers with a thoughtful, uniform-led benefits program by Red Kap®. Uniforms that offer greater comfort...

Guide To Boosting Technician Efficiency

Learn about the bottom line and team building benefits of increasing the efficiency of your technicians in your repair shop.