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When John Mack and his brother Augustus started the company in Brooklyn in 1893, trucks were largely assembled from surplus or obsolete car parts. Jack Mack saw the need for a better design and pioneered the production of custom-built trucks using durable Mack-built components rather than discarded auto parts.
The Depression caused a severe drop in demand and Mack’s sales fell 75%. But it fought back and introduced new cab-over-engine models, which were the forerunners of modern cabs.
History
Mack was one of the leading manufacturers of heavy-duty trucks, dump units, buses and fire trucks. It also pioneered the use of diesel engines in the truck industry.
In 1893, Jack Mack and his brother Augustus purchased the carriage and wagon firm of Fallesen & Berry in Brooklyn, New York. The two brothers shifted their focus from carriages to cars and started making steam and electric motor cars.
During World War I, the Macks helped haul heavy artillery pieces through muddy battlefields. This led to the nickname “bulldog,” which the company subsequently adopted as its mascot.
A British officer, seeing a Mack driver try to free an artillery piece that was stuck in mud, yelled out “Bring that bulldog over here.” The square-shouldered, grimly determined bulldog quickly became the symbol of Mack trucks and is still used today on their hoods.
While many other truck manufacturers struggled with cash flow problems and near collapses, Mack was able to maintain a steady production volume. However, during the 1950s and 1960s a finance-oriented management style drained their profits. In addition, a series of work stoppages and strikes led to reduced sales.
In order to remain competitive, Mack was forced to modernize its plants and introduce innovative engine technology. It was even able to produce an air-to-air intercooled diesel engine in 1973, the ENDT 676 “Maxidyne.”
Although they had a difficult time maintaining their position as a leader in the truck industry during the 1970s, Mack continued to develop and manufacture quality vehicles. It also introduced new models including the Cruise-Liner, Super-Liner and low-cab-forward urban MC/MR series.
Models
Mack Car Parts produces a number of vehicles, including pickup trucks and fire trucks. Their products are sold in the United States and abroad. Their main production plant is in Macungie, Pennsylvania. The company also has a remanufacturing center in Middletown, Pennsylvania.
Currently, Mack manufactures a wide range of light-duty and heavy-duty trucks. Its light-duty trucks include the R Series, RD, and DM models for highway use. Its medium-duty trucks are the MR and MC models. The heavy-duty trucks include the RB and DMM models for construction applications.
The company also manufactures fire apparatuses, including hook and ladder trucks, rescue trucks, and aerial ladder trucks. These trucks are used by fire departments worldwide.
Mack has had a long history with the fire service, producing hook and ladder trucks since 1911. They were one of the first manufacturers of hook and ladder trucks, and they are still in use today.
In the 1950s, Mack introduced the B Model truck series. This series was a popular choice among consumers due to its stylish design and durability. It was also the first model to use Mack’s Thermodyne engine, which is a diesel inline six.
The company also produced a line of military trucks during World War II. These vehicles were adapted to military needs and used a variety of engines.
Some of these trucks were exported to Europe under Lend-Lease. Others were built for US Army use.
Mack also manufactured a number of heavy-duty dump trucks during World War II. These trucks were designed for military use and were powered by Mack ED diesel engines.
Engines
The Mack Car Parts engine line is impressive, ranging from a venerable 7.3L V8 in the classic Mack cab to modern 6.7L turbodiesel inline sixes that offer fuel efficiency, power and economy. The REMACK remanufactured engine delivers like-new performance to your truck, and mDRIVE(tm) transmissions work seamlessly with your Mack.
The company is proud of their fire engines too, with a number of models and variants to choose from. The C Model cab forward design was an Ahrens-Fox first and still stands as the gold standard in cab forward fire trucks.
Among its gasoline engines, the Mack 3.5L V6 with an intercooled direct injection system is one of their best selling units. The 6.0L V8 in the Mack cab is another, but the real show stopper has to be the 672 cu in (11.07 L) I6 diesel that’s available with an END or turbocharged ENDT motor. The engine was introduced in 1938, and it remains in production today as a popular choice for truckers. The REMACK and Pure Mack parts lines are also worth checking out. The REMACK engine remanufactured to like-new condition with new bearings, seals and gaskets. The REMACK mDRIVE(tm) transmission is the most advanced in its class, delivering a more cost-effective alternative to an OEM rebuild with enhanced performance and longer life.
Transmissions
Mack Car Parts offers a variety of transmissions that can be used in both light and heavy duty vehicles. They offer a wide range of automatic, manual and clutch-less transmissions that are built to meet the needs of both commercial and private customers. They also have a complete line of remanufactured transmissions that are backed by a 3 Year | 100,000 Mile Nationwide Warranty (Parts & Labor) from JASPER Engines & Transmissions, the leader in transmission remanufacturing.
All JASPER remanufactured transmissions are dynamometer tested for stall, lockup, fluid leak and park operations to ensure proper function before being installed into your vehicle. Tests are made at varying RPM’s and full and closed throttle positions to determine shift patterns and pressures.
In addition to standard parts replacement, JASPER remanufactured automatic transmissions are thoroughly disassembled, cleaned and inspected for cleanliness and surface finishes. All components are carefully hand washed to remove dirt, corrosion and other contaminants that can cause premature wear to the gears, bearings, shafts and valve bodies of the transmission.
A complete remanufactured transmission from JASPER Engines & Transmissions is backed by a 3 Year | 100,000 mile warranty that’s transferable. It’s the perfect way to get your vehicle back on the road with peace of mind knowing you can count on it for years to come. Stop by Mack’s Auto Repair, LLC in Harahan today to learn more about the remanufactured transmission options we have available for your truck, van or SUV.
Accessories
Mack Car Parts produces a full line of aftermarket accessories for truck owners looking to customize and enhance their vehicle. Shop online for a wide selection of genuine Pure Mack parts, painted accessories and REMACK remanufactured truck parts to keep your vehicle functioning at top performance levels. Browse for new, used or remanufactured parts by make and model to find the right Mack truck accessories for your truck or SUV. You’ll also find a wide variety of mDRIVE ™ transmissions that work seamlessly with your engine and axle systems to give you maximum performance. Choose from a comprehensive range of replacement parts, oils and chemicals to keep your vehicle in peak condition.