Kenworth T2 Series – specifications

The six-cylinder engine of 15,000 cc powers a tractor unit with a gross vehicle weight of 11,030 kg and an unladen weight of 8,850 kg, leaving around 2,180 kg of permissible fifth-wheel load on the coupling. At 8,710 mm long, 2,480 mm wide and with a long 6,600 mm wheelbase, the cab is built for a sleeper berth, as is usual for long-distance driving. Top speed is 90 km/h.

With ten wheels on three axles and dual tyres on both rear axles, the T2000 is built as a 6x4 tractor, where an extra drive axle delivers more pulling power for heavy trailers than a single drive axle. Vehicles of this weight class fall into EU class N3 and, when registered in Europe as here, are limited to 90 km/h; North American tractor units such as the T2000 are regularly imported into Europe by collectors and specialist haulage firms and re-registered there.

For a used example of such an imported American tractor with a long wheelbase, the condition of the frame behind the cab matters, since a stretched wheelbase is prone to twisting, along with the cab's vibration mounts and the condition of the fifth-wheel pin and plate. Parts availability is another factor, being more limited for imported American vehicles in Europe than for domestic makes.