ThE S13 IntEgratEd PowErtraIn PowErS REady-MIx SuccESS

This pressing need for efficiency led Speer to a decision that's substantially improving their operation across several measures. Last year, they piloted International's HX trucks with the S13 Integrated Powertrain and T14 Transmission, a combination delivering performance that's setting new standards in the concrete industry.

Speer's journey to the International HX Series with S13 Integrated began through their established relationship with Grooms Equipment, a specialized integrator for the concrete mixer industry.

“David told us he'd been talking to [our salesperson] Tod at Grooms Equipment, and said they had this new motor, new transmission in the International, and he wanted to try it," recalls Mike Gatti.

What makes the S13 Integrated Powertrain with T14 Transmission particularly suited for the ready-mix industry is how it addresses specific challenges these vehicles face. Tod Godlewski, Regional Sales Manager for Grooms Heavy Truck Sales, elaborates: “It excited us on the mixer side to really give our customers an advantage in the market."

Speer driver Eric Zinnerman appreciates how the turtle button slows the truck down during concrete pours. “It doesn’t jerk around as much, which helps me as a driver. But it also helps the finisher.”

Another feature drivers love is the hill hold feature.

“When the driver gets on the hill, instead of the truck rolling backwards like some other transmissions would, the T14 will actually grip and hold on the hill and he doesn't have to worry about rolling back into traffic,” he says.

But the most dramatic benefit Speer has experienced is unprecedented fuel economy.

“S13 Integrated is really doing well on fuel savings compared to the other trucks we’ve had," says Foley. "We’re getting 7.2 miles a gallon, which I’ve never seen before in a mixer.

Kyle Gatti, CFO at Speer Concrete, says those fuel savings provide a strategic advantage: “In the ready-mix business, you're always trying to produce a yard of concrete at the lowest amount, and the fuel savings from the S13 allows you just that little extra wiggle room to compete with some of the largest companies."

A big contributor to the success of Speer's experience with the International HX S13 Integrated stems from the integrated approach Grooms Equipment brings to outfitting vehicles.

“We're one stop shop. We work with the truck, and we work with the mixer," explains Rickie Grooms. “Our customer walks in, and we make the process seamless. It’s our goal to always be innovative, always on the cutting edge."

This integration means tailoring the entire package—from chassis to mixer—to the specific needs of ready-mix operator customer like Speer. Tod Godlewski notes, “We're able to integrate our mixer package into the actual chassis, which provides some great back and forth learnings for everyone. And we take those learnings and build the best possible product.

To add to the seamless integration with the TEM, the S13 Integrated comes with several PTO options, including a dual option installed at the factory, plus REPTO and FEPTO options available without horsepower restrictions.

The simplified design of the S13 Engine also contributes to significant maintenance advantages. The elimination of the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) cooler in the S13 engine proved particularly valuable for the demanding stop-and-go nature of concrete delivery. It also addresses a major pain point in the industry, reducing carbon buildup that historically caused numerous maintenance issues.

“Eliminating that EGR is a game changer. That's the biggest fight we have on the market today," Tod explains. “To remove that buildup inside the engine by removing components, we're simplifying this for the mechanics."

For busy operations like Speer, this translates into more uptime and reduced service costs. “When the fleets can produce 90-95% readiness, that's huge," Tod adds. “We're going back to simple but still getting better results," Godlewski says.