Autocar » DC-64R
In 2019, Autocar introduced the long-awaited brand-new model — the conventional Autocar DC-64R. The last DC series truck rolled off the production line in 1983, when the company changed the truck designation to DK. Autorcar DC-64R is a completely new model for severe-duty refuse applications, developed from the ground-up by the company's own forces. The DC-64R is the first new conventional truck for the Autocar brand in 31 years.
“The DC-64R is the direct result of the requests, insights, data, and guidance we received from many waste haulers across the industry,” said Autocar President James Johnston. "We could not have engineered a truck this good without all their feedback that resulted in innumerable improvements. We’re grateful for their help and proud to bring to this market a truck that is honestly customer-built.”
The cabin for the DC-64R was designed by Autocar. “The workspace of the cab maximizes productivity for drivers,” explained Managing Director Eric Schwartz. “From the biggest guys to petite women, with everything visible and within easy reach. The cab also easily fits three, so work crews can get to and from their routes comfortably. Our raked windshield provides exceptional visibility for safety. And the interior uses authentic materials like a full steel structure inside the dashboard and aluminum sheets as dash panels. Even the interior door handles are aluminum tubes, not plastic. The totally new cab structure is built from a combination of steel, judiciously chosen aluminum components, and corner castings to withstand years of refuse abuse.”
The Autocar DC-64R is the first truck ever built with frame rails made from ultra-high-strength 160,000 PSI steel. According to the company, this design is 24% stronger and lighter than the rails of other trucks on the market. This is extremely important even for a garbage truck, because losing weight can increase the loading capacity.
“One of the things we’re proudest of is our totally upgraded electric system to resist the worst the garbage business can dish out," Johnston said. “The DC also brings our customers the Autocar Always Up display, with one-touch diagnostics. It actually tells the operator or technician what fault has occurred and shows them how to fix it.”
The DC-64R is offered in a wide range of modifications. The standard version has a 6x4 three-axle chassis, it is equipped with a 9.0-liter Cummins L9 turbodiesel (260 to 450 hp). The top version has an additional axle in front of the leading axles. It is equipped with a 12.0-liter Cummins X12 (500 hp). Transmission is Allison automatic.
