Mack announced in December (2012) that JOST International, a global manufacturer of fifth wheels, landing gears and kingpins, will supply fifth wheel coupling devices as a standard feature on MACK® Pinnacle™, Titan by Mack and MACK Granite® model trucks. Manufactured in Greeneville, Tenn., JOST fifth wheels have been a value-added option for Mack dealers and customers for more than a decade.
“As a U.S.-born brand, still assembling all of our trucks for the North American market in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania, we welcome the opportunity to use high-quality American-made components in our vehicles,” said John Walsh, Mack Trucks vice president of marketing. “Partnering with JOST International to offer their fifth wheel product standard on Mack trucks is consistent with our commitment to offering customers the best total value proposition in the industry.”
JOST fifth wheels are manufactured with only four moving parts, making them one of the simplest and safest coupling devices on the market. The fifth wheels utilize a spring-loaded steel locking bar that slides into position securing the kingpin automatically. Because the steel locking bar is supported equally on both sides of the coupling, the trailer load is distributed evenly for increased surface contact and reduced wear. The JOST fifth wheel is also easy to operate, including disconnecting it, using a low 60-pound pull force handle.
“We’re extremely pleased that Mack Trucks has selected JOST as a partner,” said Lee Brace, president of JOST International. “Mack has a reputation for bringing exceptional value to their customers, and we believe the inclusion of JOST fifth wheels will only enhance that.”
