October 9, 2025
Power and Precision: Driving Fleet Success with PACCAR Engines
By Anna Grabowski, PACCAR Leasing Company (PacLease)
PACCAR MX Engine: Driving Your Fleet to New Heights
Unleash the power and reliability your fleet deserves with an engine designed to exceed expectations. The PACCAR MX-13 leverages advanced prognostics technology that helps fleets avoid downtime by identifying maintenance needs before a failure occurs and preventing costly over-the-road breakdowns and tows in many circumstances. Backed by rigorous testing and trusted by leading fleets like Athens Paper, the MX-13 delivers the dependable performance your fleet needs to keep moving forward mile after mile.
The Engine Lineup: Finding the Right Power for Your Fleet
Every fleet has unique needs, and PACCAR offers MX engines designed to meet those requirements.
PACCAR MX-13
The powerhouse of the lineup, the MX-13 produces up to 510 horsepower and 1,850 lb-ft of torque engineered to conquer the toughest routes and heaviest loads with ease. Whether you need a CARB-compliant engine with redesigned injectors for better fuel efficiency or an EPA-certified version with flexible horsepower options, the MX-13 adapts to your operational demands. Building on this legacy, the latest EPA 24-compliant MX engine—the best engine PACCAR has ever produced—offers improved emissions, enhanced fuel efficiency, and superior uptime compared to competitors without compromising the reliability and power that is the hallmark of PACCAR engines.
Integration with advanced prognostics technology is of one of the standout features of the MX-13. By continuously collecting and analyzing engine data across the entire PACCAR fleet, this system identifies potential maintenance issues before they escalate into costly repairs or downtime. This proactive approach enables fleets to schedule maintenance efficiently, reduce unexpected breakdowns, and maximize uptime.
PACCAR MX-11
While the MX-13 is built for heavy-duty, long-haul applications, we also offer the MX-11 for weight-conscious users who need a lighter engine without sacrificing power. Producing up to 430 horsepower and 1,700 lb-ft of torque, it is well-suited for regional and vocational operations requiring agility and optimal fuel economy.
From Rigorous Testing to Real-World Success: The PACCAR MX Engine Difference
Built to perform and tested to endure, the PACCAR MX engines are put through extensive evaluation at PACCAR’s Technical Center in Mount Vernon, Washington. The facility features two specialized tracks—a 1.6-mile oval for high-speed testing and an interior course that simulates a variety of challenging terrains. Beyond the tracks, the facility uses multiple dynamometers and a climate chamber that replicates extreme temperatures and altitudes up to 14,000 feet. Together, these tools provide thorough testing to ensure the engines perform dependably under the harshest real-world conditions.
Behind this cutting-edge testing facility is a dedicated team of over 400 engineers, materials scientists, and powertrain specialists who bring decades of expertise to every phase of engine development. Their mission is to guarantee every PACCAR MX engine provides fleets with exceptional dependability, consistent reliability, and superior fuel efficiency.
From Virtual Testing to Validating for Real-World Roads
Each PACCAR MX engine undergoes rigorous field-testing in Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks, operated in demanding routes and varied climates to prove they perform flawlessly on the road. The MX-13 alone has logged over 1.1 million miles on public roads, enduring everything from the bitter cold of Yellowknife at -30°F to the intense heat of Death Valley, which can reach 120°F. These engines have also demonstrated reliability at high altitudes, climbing over 12,000 feet on Eisenhower and Loveland Passes. This comprehensive two-step approach ensures that your fleet receives powertrains that don’t just promise—they perform.
Crafted with Precision in Columbus, Mississippi
Every PACCAR MX engine is assembled at PACCAR’s 450,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Columbus, Mississippi. Recognized as the 2017 Quality Magazine Plant of the Year, this facility embodies manufacturing excellence, ensuring that each engine meets the highest standards of quality and reliability before it is shipped to the assembly line. This meticulous attention to detail in both testing and manufacturing guarantees that fleets receive powertrains built for exceptional performance and durability.
Real Results: Athens Paper’s Fleet Success Story
Don’t just take our word for it—Athens Paper, a leading paper distributor based in Nashville, Tennessee, operates a fleet covering over 3 million miles annually across 16 states. With more than 10,000 products in their portfolio, Athens Paper relies on a fleet of 70 medium-and heavy-duty trucks—nearly all Kenworths leased through PacLease—to keep their supply chain running smoothly and efficiently.
When Athens Paper transitioned to Kenworth T680 trucks powered by the PACCAR MX-13 engine through PacLease, the benefits became immediately clear. According to Scott Loomis, Corporate Operations Manager at Athens Paper, “We’re getting anywhere from 1 to 1.5 miles per gallon better fuel economy compared to the brand we were running [before]. When you consider the miles we run, that’s huge.”
Engineered for Excellence: The PACCAR MX Advantage
PACCAR MX engines represent a winning formula of power, efficiency, and longevity. Supported by comprehensive testing, advanced manufacturing, and proven real-world performance, these engines provide fleets with durable and fuel-efficient powertrains that lower operating costs and enhance productivity.
For heavy-duty long-haul applications, the PACCAR MX-13 stands out with its high performance and advanced technology. The MX-11 offers a cutting-edge, lighter-weight engine designed for regional and vocational operations that require agility and fuel efficiency without compromising power. Together, the PACCAR MX engine lineup delivers the reliability and innovation your fleet needs to achieve lasting success on the road.
Discover everything you need to know about MX Engines.
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