US Army orders 135 heavy dump trucks from Mack Defense
US forces may eventually receive as many as 683 Mack Defense M917A3 Heavy Dump Trucks. (Photo: Mack Defense)
Mack Defense has won an order for 135 additional M917A3 Heavy Dump Trucks (HDTs) for the US Army with the vehicles largely conducting construction and maintenance missions for infrastructure assets, such as airfields, roadways, landing strips, supply facilities and motor pools
The additional vehicles are part of the previously announced firm-fixed price $296 million contract for up to 683 vehicles over seven years that the army awarded Mack Defense in 2018. The value of the contract has not been revealed but it may be around $60 million.
For this new order, 60 HDTs are being purchased by the US Army Reserve, 74 are being funded by the Presidential Budget and one is being purchased by the USN. With this tranche, a total of 446 HDTs have been ordered to date.
The vehicle is based on the commercially available Mack Granite model but with heavier-duty rear axles, all-wheel drive, increased suspension ride height and other ruggedised features to meet the requirements of US forces.
Related Articles
US Army receives first production M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck
US Army orders more 144 Mack Defense M917A3 Heavy Dump Trucks
Production of the HDTs began in early 2021, following an investment of $6.5 million to create a dedicated production line at the facility in Allentown, Pennsylvania, which allows Mack Defense to also produce other vehicle variants.
The M917A3s are powered by 13l Mack MP8 engines, delivering 440hp and 1,660lb-ft of torque.
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![Tulpar firing trials expand Hitfact Mk II platform options]()
Tulpar firing trials expand Hitfact Mk II platform options
Firing trials of the Tulpar and Leonardo Hitfact Mk II combination follow an integration programme covering mechanical, electrical, electronic and software interfaces.
-
![How to breach a minefield: from traditional systems to modern techniques in action]()
How to breach a minefield: from traditional systems to modern techniques in action
The news from Ukraine has again shown that antitank minefields and other obstacles on the battlefield, such as deep trenches, can play a key role in both offensive and defensive operations. Given this, there will always be a need to clear them, both during and after a conflict.
-
![British Army's open plan draws diverse offerings for Land Rover replacement]()
British Army's open plan draws diverse offerings for Land Rover replacement
The UK Ministry of Defence has avoided being prescriptive in its search to replace the British Army’s Land Rover, meaning vehicle types being offered range from Land Rover Defender Wolf II and Humvee to the hybrid series Fering Pioneer. What does this mean for the procurement process?
-
![DVD 2026: British Army’s Ajax back in the hands of users as part of a gradual return]()
DVD 2026: British Army’s Ajax back in the hands of users as part of a gradual return
The introduction of Ajax vehicles into British Army service was stopped after operator health issues were reported during an exercise, but manufacturer General Dynamics Land Systems UK believes work over the past 10 months has dealt with the problems.
-
![Europe commits to long-range fires but countries move in different directions]()
Europe commits to long-range fires but countries move in different directions
Sweden, Croatia and France are pursuing different rocket artillery solutions as European armies seek greater reach, survivability and industrial resilience.
