The Kenworth T480: The Versatile Medium-Duty Truck Your Business Needs
August 07, 2025 - 8:12:33 am

In the demanding world of medium-duty trucking, one-size-fits-all solutions rarely work. Businesses need a truck that is more than just capable; it must be a versatile and reliable partner, able to adapt to a wide array of jobs, from multi-stop urban delivery routes to rugged vocational job sites. This is the challenge that Kenworth answers with the formidable Kenworth T480.

The T480 isn't just a truck; it's a highly adaptable business tool engineered to deliver maximum productivity, driver comfort, and a low total cost of ownership. At Wallwork Truck Center, we consistently see the T480 become the go-to chassis for businesses that require a vehicle that can do it all without compromise. This is a closer look at why the versatile Kenworth T480 might be the exact truck your business needs to thrive.

"Baby 8" DNA: Heavy-Duty Attitude in a Medium-Duty Package

One of the most significant advantages of the Kenworth T480 is its core design philosophy. This is not a light-duty truck scaled up; it is a heavy-duty Class 8 truck thoughtfully scaled down. This "Baby 8" DNA is evident in every aspect of its construction.

From its robust, single-channel steel frame rails to its durable aluminum cab structure shared with its larger Class 8 cousins, the T480 is built for longevity. This heavy-duty foundation means it can handle the punishing cycles of daily vocational work far better than lighter-spec vehicles, leading to increased durability, a longer service life, and greater driver confidence. When you invest in a T480, you are investing in Kenworth's legendary reputation for building trucks that last.

The Power to Perform: Tailored Powertrain Options

The versatility of the T480 begins under the hood, with a choice of powerful and efficient PACCAR PX engines designed to match your specific application and performance requirements.

• The PACCAR PX-7 Engine: This 6.7-liter engine is a marvel of efficiency and reliability. It's the ideal choice for weight-sensitive applications like pickup and delivery (P&D) and other regional routes where maximizing fuel economy is a top priority. With a range of horsepower and torque ratings, the PX-7 delivers responsive power while keeping operating costs low.
• The PACCAR PX-9 Engine: When the job demands more muscle, the 8.9-liter PACCAR PX-9 steps up. This engine provides a significant increase in horsepower and torque, making it the perfect powerhouse for more demanding vocational applications. Whether you're upfitting a heavy service crane, a fully loaded dump body, or a tanker, the PX-9 offers the brute strength to get the job done without breaking a sweat.

These robust engines are paired with a selection of industry-leading transmissions, including the smooth and efficient PACCAR TX-8 automatic and a range of Allison automatic transmissions. This allows for a powertrain combination that is perfectly optimized for your specific duty cycle, ensuring both performance and ease of operation for your drivers.

A Master of Versatility: Built for Your Application

This is where the Kenworth T480 truly shines. It was designed from the ground up to be a chameleon, capable of being configured for an incredible spectrum of jobs. Its broad Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) range, from a nimble Class 6 to a heavy Class 7, is just the beginning.

Configuration is Key:

• Standard Hood (T480): The standard T480 configuration offers a shorter Bumper-to-Back-of-Cab (BBC) measurement and excellent forward visibility. This makes it an ideal choice for navigating tight city streets and congested loading docks, perfect for P&D fleets.
• Vocational Hood (T480V): The T480V model is the vocational champion. It features a distinct sloped hood and a set-back front axle. This configuration is essential for accommodating a Front Engine Power Take Off (FEPTO), which is required to power equipment like snowplows, utility cranes, and mixers.

A Truck for Every Trade:

• Pickup and Delivery: With its excellent maneuverability, comfortable cab, and efficient PX-7 engine, the T480 is a premium vehicle for P&D drivers. It turns tight corners with ease and provides a safe, productive mobile office for drivers making multiple stops a day.
• Utility and Municipal Services: The T480V is a favorite among utility fleets and municipalities. Its robust frame provides a stable platform for mounting heavy service bodies and aerial cranes, while its FEPTO capability allows it to run a wide range of essential hydraulic equipment.
• Construction (Dump and Mixer): Equipped with the powerful PX-9 engine, the T480 can be configured as a durable dump truck or concrete mixer, ready to handle the demanding environment of any construction site.
• Tanker Applications: The stable chassis and available axle configurations make the T480 an excellent choice for safely hauling liquid loads, including fuel, water, or propane.

The Modern Cab: A Driver's Office, Reimagined

A productive driver is a comfortable driver. Kenworth has engineered the T480's cab to be a modern, ergonomic, and comfortable workspace that helps reduce fatigue and improve focus.

The centerpiece of the updated interior is the 7-inch high-definition digital display. This crystal-clear screen replaces traditional gauges and provides a clean, customizable layout of critical information. From a pre-trip systems check and real-time trip data to advanced vehicle diagnostics, the display puts vital information right in the driver's line of sight. This technology not only looks modern but also actively contributes to safer and more efficient operation.

Your Partner in Productivity: Wallwork Truck Center

Choosing the right truck is only the first step. Building it to perfectly match your needs requires expertise. The team at Wallwork Truck Center specializes in consulting with businesses to spec the ideal Kenworth T480. We dive deep into your operational requirements to help you select the right engine, frame length, axle ratings, and cab configuration.

Furthermore, we work closely with the region's top upfitters to ensure that your chosen body—whether it's a van, a dump body, a crane, or a tanker—is seamlessly integrated with the Kenworth chassis. Our commitment extends throughout the life of your truck with comprehensive parts and service support from our factory-trained technicians, all dedicated to maximizing your uptime.

The Kenworth T480 is more than just a medium-duty truck; it's a flexible, powerful, and reliable business asset. If you’re looking for a vehicle that can adapt and grow with your business, look no further.

Is the Kenworth T480 the versatile workhorse your business has been looking for? Contact the medium-duty experts at Wallwork Truck Center today. Let's build the perfect truck for your job.