Mack Defense and Crysteel Manufacturing partner on heavy dump trucks for the U.S. Army

Mack Defense is partnering with Crysteel Manufacturing on the U.S. Army M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck (HDT) contract to provide specialized dump bodies that provide several key safety and functionality features to meet the specialized needs of the U.S. Army.

"We needed partners that could engineer and build components tough enough to pair with the Mack Defense M917A3 and meet the U.S. Army's demanding applications," said David Hartzell, president, Mack Defense. "Crysteel Manufacturing fits the bill, thanks to their decades of leadership in their industry, and we're proud to have them as a partner on this project."

Developed in close collaboration with Mack Defense, the Crysteel dump body for the M917A3 provides maximum durability, safety and functionality in the field. Crysteel engineers developed an integrated touchscreen control module, which gives the operator key safety and functionality information at their fingertips. From this integrated hub, the driver is able to control the hoist, tailgate, tarp, thermostatic body heater system, material control system, the inclinometer and the on-board weigh scale.

"Developing the dump body for the M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck for our country's military is a project Crysteel is proud to be a part of," said Brett Hart, general manager, Crysteel Manufacturing. "Our team has worked with Mack Defense to bring the highest level of innovation in durability, safety and functionality in order to develop a dump truck that supports and exceeds the U.S. Army's requirements."

The Mack Defense M917A3 HDT is based on the commercial Mack Granite model and has been optimized to meet the current needs of the U.S. Army. Mack Defense added heavier-duty rear axles, all-wheel drive, increased suspension ride height and other rugged features to ensure the M917A3 is capable of meeting the demanding payload and mobility requirements set by the U.S. Army HDT program.