Breaking News
Mack Defense Confirms Its Role as a Key Partner to US Army with Delivery of 500th M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck.
On March 24, 2025, Mack Defense announced on March 19, 2025 a milestone in its partnership with the U.S. Army by marking the production of the 500th M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck. This military vehicle, based on the commercial Mack Granite model, is assembled in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where Mack Defense, a subsidiary of Mack Trucks, has established a dedicated production line.
Three heavy dump trucks were staged for transfer to the 289th Engineer Company at the Logistics Readiness Center, Camp Shelby Joint Force Training Center in Mississippi, on April 13, 2022. (Picture source: US DoD)
This achievement falls under a firm-fixed-price contract awarded in 2018, valued at $296 million over seven years, covering the delivery of up to 683 vehicles. To date, the U.S. Armed Forces have ordered a total of 549 units, including 74 funded through the presidential budget in summer 2024 and 29 intended for the National Guard. The delivery of the 500th unit reflects the steady expansion of the program and underlines Mack Defense’s central role in the modernization of the U.S. Army’s heavy tactical vehicle fleet.
The M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck (HDT) from Mack Defense is a tactical truck derived from the Mack Granite commercial platform, tailored to meet the operational demands of the U.S. Army. It offers a payload capacity of up to 27 tons and a dump volume of up to 18 cubic yards. The vehicle is optimized for demanding logistics and engineering missions and is available in 6x6 or 8x8 configurations, with all-wheel drive, a central tire inflation system (CTIS), and a high-stability PRIMAAX EX rear suspension. It is compatible with JP8 fuel and powered by a 13-liter Mack MP 8 engine delivering up to 520 horsepower and 1,860 lb-ft of torque, paired with an Allison 4500 Gen5 six-speed transmission. The Cornerstone chassis, reinforced with full-length frame liners and eight crossmembers, ensures optimal rigidity and endurance in off-road environments.
Designed to perform under extreme conditions, the M917A3 has passed a series of rigorous mobility, stability, obstacle, and endurance tests, including evaluations at the Nevada Automotive Test Center. Its cab, available in standard or armored configurations, incorporates active safety systems, a digital interface for dump body control, an onboard weighing system, and a heated dump body. Due to its modularity, the vehicle can also be adapted for other military uses such as troop transport, radar systems, fuel or water tankers, cranes, and more. Its versatility and technical design position the M917A3 as a comprehensive logistics solution for modern armed forces.
Mack Defense President David Hartzell acknowledged the importance of this milestone, highlighting the company’s commitment to addressing the operational needs of the military. According to Hartzell, the M917A3 trucks play an essential role in supporting logistics and engineering missions, particularly in the construction and maintenance of critical infrastructure such as airstrips, military roads, supply depots, and motor pools.
The M917A3 stands out through its reinforced technical specifications, including higher-capacity rear axles, increased ground clearance, and additional ruggedized components. In addition to its mechanical design, it integrates modern features such as anti-lock braking systems (ABS), an intuitive user interface, and various active safety systems. These attributes were key considerations in the Army’s selection process, which emphasized performance, safety, and sustainability.
The dedicated production line for the M917A3 has been operational since the first quarter of 2021, following an initial investment of $6.5 million. The facility has been subject to strict quality inspections by government auditors to ensure compliance with military standards. This setup also enables Mack Defense to manufacture vehicle variants according to specific institutional requirements.
Mack Defense is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mack Trucks, itself part of the Volvo Group. The company specializes in supplying heavy-duty trucks to government and ministerial customers worldwide. Leveraging the industrial capacity and expertise of the Volvo Group, Mack Defense continues to strengthen its presence in the field of tactical mobility and logistics solutions for military forces.
The Volvo Group, headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, employs approximately 104,000 people across nearly 190 countries. In 2024, it recorded net sales of $50 billion. Its involvement in transportation, construction equipment, and marine and industrial solutions reflects its commitment to providing sustainable and resilient infrastructure for both civilian and military applications.
The production of the 500th M917A3 heavy dump truck marks an important step in the collaboration between Mack Defense and the U.S. Army. This milestone highlights the company’s industrial capabilities in meeting military standards and its growing role in supporting land force logistics. With its integration of modern technology and durable specifications, the M917A3 is positioned to play a continued role in future U.S. military engineering and deployment operations.