CLASSIC TRUCK CANADIAN SUPER-HEAVIES
82 TRUCKING Summer 2019 http://www.truckingmag.co.uk
was the P-16, the model designation
reflecting the 16-inch deep frame rails
of the 40-inch wide chassis. Introduced
in 1965, P-16s are readily identifiable
by the all-welded chassis with I-beam
rails angled upwards towards the rear.
The configuration has the advantage
of accommodating high capacity rear
suspension packs without having to
raise the height of the engine, cab and
front suspension, which would have
been necessary with conventional
straight chassis rails.
New-build P-16s were available with
Allison automatics, Clark Powershift
or Spicer five-speed plus four-speed
auxiliary transmissions. The 14-ton
capacity front axle was suspended on a
slipper spring and torque rod system.
The standard 50-ton capacity bogie was
suspended on 5-inch wide, 1-inch thick
leaves, with 11 leaves per pack.
Prime movers
Between 1972 and 1977, Pacific built
a fleet of 23 12-inch frame depth
P-12 prime movers for South African
Railways & Harbours (SAR&H). Most
had a 650 bhp Cummins K19, some
de-rated to 500 bhp. Five, weighing in
at around 45 tonnes and dubbed ‘Ultra
Pacifics’, were powered by 800 bhp
Cummins 1710C V12s, driving through
a Clark eight-speed transmission and
torque converter system. Fuel tank
capacity was 2000 litres to feed a 2.2
litres per mile thirst. Powershift/torque
converter transmission systems were
One of four 700 bhp Cummins
engined Hayes WHDX 6x6 prime
movers built for Spanish heavylift
specialist Arbegui
The size of these gargantuan muscle
trucks is conveyed by the Peterbilt
parked next to the last new-build Pacific
ABOVE Photographed some years back, this heavy-
haul Hayes found its way to Iran. Its 800 bhp Cummins
V12 might be a retrofit