In this article, we’ll delve into a variety of engine brands to discover what lies beneath their robust exterior.
A short answer to What Size Engines Semi Trucks have:
Semi truck engines come in a variety of sizes. Small engines range from 6L to 8L, such as the Paccar PX-7 6.7-liter engine. Medium-sized engines are found between 9L and 11L; an example is the Cummins L9 8.9-liter engine. Lastly, heavy-duty engines are 12L or larger, like the Volvo D16G750 16.1-liter engine.
Table of Contents
Why Semi Truck Engine Size Matters?
Popular semi truck manufacturers include Peterbilt, Kenworth, Volvo, Mack, Freightliner, International, and Western Star.
Each one offers different engine sizes and configurations to cater to the various needs of truck drivers and their loads.
Drivers should consider several factors when choosing an engine for their semi truck.
Fuel economy is essential for keeping operational costs low – trucks with more fuel-efficient engines can be more cost-effective over time.
An average class 8 engine typically has a size of 14.8 liters weighing 2,880 pounds. These engines provide a torque of 1,850 pounds and boast an impressive 550 horsepower.
Most semi trucks are designed to carry a maximum weight of 80,000 pounds; therefore, engines should provide sufficient power to move the cargo effectively.
What Size Engines do Peterbilt Semi Trucks Have?
Peterbilt semi trucks offer a variety of engine sizes to cater to different purposes and preferences.
For instance, the Peterbilt 389 can be equipped with either a Cummins ISX15 engine (15 liters) or a Paccar MX-13 engine (12.9 liters).
The 579 and 589 models provide options for the Paccar MX-13, MX-11 (10.8 liters), or the PX-9 (8.9 liters).
Smaller models like the 220 and 330 utilize the Paccar PX-7, a 6.7-liter engine, while the 325 has the PX-6 (6.7 liters) under its hood.
The 337 features the PX-6 and PX-8 engines, with the latter having an 8.3-liter capacity, and the 348 opts for Paccar PX-7 and PX-9.
The versatile 379 model offers a broad range of options, such as the Detroit Diesel series 60 (11.1 liters), Cummins ISX (15 liters), N14 (14 liters), ISM (10.2 liters), and an assortment of Caterpillar engines, including the C11 (11.1 liters), C12 (12 liters), C13 (12.5 liters), C16 (15.8 liters), C15 (15.2 liters), and C156NZ (15.2 liters).
With so many options to choose from, Peterbilt semi trucks have the versatility to meet various requirements and preferences in terms of engine capacity and performance.
What Size Engines do Kenworth Semi Trucks Have?
Kenworth semi trucks offer various engine sizes and options depending on the truck model.
The T800 model can be powered by either a Detroit 60 series (11.1L), Cummins N14 (14L), or a Caterpillar C15 (15.2L) engine.
On the other hand, the T880 model is equipped with a choice of Paccar MX13, MX11, PX-9, or a Cummins ISX12 engine.
For the T660 model, drivers can select from a Detroit Diesel 60 series or a Cummins X15 engine, while the T400 presents options such as Paccar MX13 or Cummins ISX12 and ISX15.
The T680 model comes with a Paccar MX13, MX11, or PX-9 engine and also offers Cummins ISX12, ISX12G (both 11.9 Liters), or an X15 (14.9L).
Lastly, the popular Kenworth W900 model, specifically the W900L, is available with either a Cummins ISX15 or a Caterpillar C15 engine.
These powerful engines certainly garner respect for their robust capabilities in the semi-truck industry.
What Size Engines do Volvo Semi Trucks have?
Volvo semi trucks come with various engine sizes to cater to different models and requirements.
Their FMX model is equipped with a D13 engine, featuring a 12.7-liter inline 6. The powerful FH16 750 boasts a 16.1-liter engine, while the versatile FL and FE models possess a 7.2-liter engine.
The FM is outfitted with a 12.8-liter engine.
Volvo collaborates with Germany’s Deutz AG, a trusted partner for years, to produce some of the engines, including the B36, D36, D39, D12, and D13 models.
Continuously striving for perfection, Volvo aims to provide exceptional engines as part of its advancements.
What Size Engines do Mack Semi Trucks have?
Mack semi trucks, a part of the Volvo family, are known for their powerful engines that come from the same production line.
Their engine sizes vary depending on the model.
The Mack Anthem features a 13-liter engine in the MP7, MP8, and MP8TC models, while the Pinnacle CXU613 also utilizes the 13L MP8 engine.
The MD series comes equipped with a 6.7L Cummins B6.7 engine.
Other models like the LR series, TerraPro, and Granite utilize an 11L MP7 engine.
These diverse engine sizes make Mack trucks versatile and one of the best in the industry.
What Size Engine do Freightliner Semi Trucks have?
Freightliner semi trucks are equipped with a variety of engine sizes to suit different applications.
The Century Class models often feature engines such as Caterpillar C13, Cat C15 (15.2L), Cummins ISX (15L), Cummins N14 (14L), Detroit series 60 (11.1L), Detroit DD13 (12.8L), DD15 (14.8L), and DD16 (15.6L).
Meanwhile, the Columbia uses either the Detroit 60 series (11.1L) or a Cummins ISLe5 (8.5L) euro II engine.
For the Coronado SD 122, you can find the DD15 or the series 60 engines in action.
Moving to the Cascadia and Cascadia Evolution, they commonly house a DD13 or DD15 engine.
Lastly, the Freightliner SD series embraces an array of engines, including the Cummins B6.7, Cummins L9 (8.9L), or the Detroit Diesel DD8 (7.7L).
This flexibility in engine size allows Freightliner trucks to cater to various needs in the trucking industry.
What Size Engines do International Semi Trucks Feature?
International semi trucks come with various engine sizes to cater to different needs.
The LoneStar offers options like the Cummins ISX15 (14.9L), Cummins X15 (14.9L), or the MaxxForce 13 (12.4L).
On the other hand, the ProStar can be equipped with a Navistar N13 (12.4L) engine, a Cummins ISX15, a MaxxForce 11 (8.9L), or a MaxxForce 13.
For the DuraStar, available engines include the Cummins B6.7 (6.7L), Cummins L9, or the Navistar N9 (9.3L).
The WorkStar can be powered by a Cummins ISL9 (8.9L), the Navistar N9, Navistar 10 (9.3L), or Navistar 13 (13L).
What Size Engines do Western Star Semi Trucks have?
Western Star semi trucks feature a range of engine options to suit various needs and requirements.
The 5700XE model can be equipped with Detroit DD15, DD13, or DD16 engines, while the 4900 model offers choices between Detroit DD13, DD15, DD16, or Cummins ISX15 (15L) engines.
The 49x model comes with several engine possibilities, including the Detroit DD15, DD16, Cummins X12 (11L), Cummins X15 (14.9L), or 60 series engines.
Furthermore, the 4700 model can be fitted with a DD13, Cummins L9, or Cummins X12 (11.9L) engine.
For those in need of a more robust option, the 6900XD model is available with a Detroit Diesel DD15, DD16, or a Series 60 Tier III (14L) engine.
Finally, the 4964FXT model can be powered by a Detroit DD15 or a Cummins X15 engine.
This variety of engine choices showcases the flexibility and adaptability of Western Star semi trucks to cater to different demands in the trucking industry.
What is the Most Powerful Semi Truck Engine?
When discussing the most powerful semi truck engines, a few standout models come to mind.
The Volvo FH16 with 700hp delivers efficient performance, while its sibling, the Volvo FH16 750, boasts 750hp.
Another strong contender is the Scania 770s, featuring a remarkable 770hp V8 engine. Lastly, the Iveco FPT V20 model impresses with its massive 910hp.
These engines are renowned for their horsepower, torque, and overall top-notch performance in the trucking world, making them among the best truck engines on the market.
Most Popular Semi Truck Engines and their Sizes:
- Caterpillar 3408: 18-liter V8 Diesel engine with a weight of 1814 kg, producing 600-800 hp and 2000 lb torque.
- Detroit Diesel DD15: 14.8-liter inline-6 engine with a weight of 1306 kg, generating 400-505 hp and 1550-1750 lb torque.
- Paccar MX 13: 12.9-liter inline-6 engine weighing 2600 lbs, offering 405-510 hp and 1850 lb torque.
- Mercedes Actros OM 473: 15.6-liter inline-6 engine with a weight of 2640 lbs, providing 625 hp and 3000 lb torque.
- Cummins ISX15: 14.9-liter inline-6 engine weighing 1344 kg, delivering 600 hp and 2050 lb torque.
- Volvo FH16 750 (D16G750): 16.1-liter inline-6 engine with a weight of 3134 lbs, producing 750 hp and 2618 lb torque.
- Scania R730 (DC16-21): 16-liter V8 engine, generating 730 hp and 3500 lb torque.
These engines are popular choices for semi-truck operators due to their power, performance, and reliability.
Each one brings a unique combination of horsepower and torque to enable efficient and effective hauling capabilities.
Semi Truck Engine Type, Sizes & Specs: Top Takeaways
Semi truck engine sizes can be categorized into small, medium, and large. Some popular engine sizes below:
- Paccar PX-7: 6.7 liters, small
- Cummins L9: 8.9 liters, medium
- Volvo D16G750: 16.1 liters, heavy-duty
Ultimately, the choice of engine size depends on the work the truck will be performing.
Smaller engines may be more fuel-efficient, while larger engines offer more power to haul heavy cargo.
Drivers must weigh factors such as fuel economy, hauling capacity, and the truck’s intended usage to select the best engine size for their specific needs.
