This week we’re on the road again, as Mack Defense recently invited us out to experience the delivery of the first production M917A3 Heavy Dump Trucks, or HDTs, to the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army Reserve. They were the first to roll off the company’s new production line at the Mack Experience Center in Allentown, Pa.

Mack should feel right at home producing vehicles for the Army because the company’s trademark bulldog nickname was earned in 1917 during World War I. Mack delivered several thousand trucks in Europe at that time, and the British soldiers, when facing daunting terrain, would yell to “Send in the Mack Bulldogs” because of the trucks’ blunt-nosed hood and reputation for durability. It reminded them of their country’s mascot, the British Bulldog.

These new HDTs are a big deal for both the Army and for Mack, as these HDTs are actually the first new Heavy Tactical Wheeled Vehicles the U.S. Army has added to its portfolio in 12 years. In fact, according to Army officials during the event, the Army's current dump truck fleet includes some variants that are nearly 50 years old, so these trucks are quite a welcome addition to the fleet.

Fleet Equipment: https://www.fleetequipmentmag.com/
D-A Lubricant Co.: https://www.dalube.com/