Mack Defense has secured a significant contract with the US Army to produce up to 450 M917A3 Heavy Dump Trucks (HDTs), a deal valued at up to $221.8 million. This contract is aimed at enhancing the mobility and versatility of the Army’s active force, reserve force, and National Guard operations across various mission scenarios.
Manufacturing of the M917A3 HDTs will take place at Mack’s Experience Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania, which has been dedicated to HDT production since a $6.5 million facility expansion in 2021. Additionally, production will be supported at the older Lehigh Valley plant located in Macungie, Pennsylvania. Once delivered, the fleet of dump trucks will play a vital role in the construction and maintenance of essential infrastructure such as airfields, roadways, landing strips, supply facilities, motor pools, and disaster relief efforts during severe weather conditions.
The M917A3 HDT is recognized as a critical platform for the Army’s Engineer Regiment, providing the mobility and durability necessary for a range of construction and infrastructure missions in diverse and challenging environments. This latest contract follows an initial award from 2018 for up to 683 trucks, valued at $296 million, of which 549 M917A3 HDTs have already been ordered by the military. Just this February, the Army placed an order for an additional 103 trucks under the existing framework—74 funded through the presidential budget, while the National Guard will acquire the remaining 29.
Derik Beck, senior director of sales, marketing, and business development at Mack Defense, expressed confidence in the long-standing collaboration with the Army. “From day one, we’ve worked hard to foster a transparent, collaborative relationship—one that has helped ensure this program remains on track, on time, and aligned with the Army’s evolving needs,” he stated. Looking ahead, Beck emphasized the importance of maintaining this engagement and seeking continued support from Congressional stakeholders, underscoring the program’s significance not only for Army readiness but also for preserving critical manufacturing jobs and capabilities within the US industrial base.
The M917A3 HDT boasts a ruggedized design, based on Mack’s commercially available Granite model, tailored to meet unique military specifications. It is equipped with heavy-duty rear axles, an all-wheel drive system, increased suspension ride height, and a diesel engine that operates on JP8 fuel, commonly used by the military. The truck can achieve a top speed of 65 miles per hour (105 kilometers) and has a range of approximately 400 miles (640 kilometers). Specifically designed for operational efficiency, the M917A3 features a Mack MP8 engine that delivers 520 horsepower, allowing it to carry a payload of up to 27 tons (54,000 pounds) or 18 cubic yards (14 cubic meters) of materials. Advanced technological elements such as anti-lock braking systems, user-friendly control interfaces, and active safety features are incorporated to enhance overall operational performance and crew safety.
