Mack Adds Heavy-Duty Transmission: mDRIVE HD
Called the mDRIVE HD, the 12-speed automated manual transmission monitors changes in vehicle grade, speed, throttle position, acceleration, torque demand and gross vehicle weight, and automatically selects gears based on conditions, Mack said. It will be matched exclusively to Mack MP7 and MP8 engines.
The transmission has reinforced gears and synchronizers to accommodate the frequent shifting that takes place on construction sites, along with a transmission-mounted oil cooler to help maintain operating temperatures.
Software packages specific to customer application are available, including an “enhanced construction” option designed for improved on/off-road capability. And if the truck gets stuck, a “rock-free” feature allows the driver to rock the truck back and forth by pumping the accelerator.
A “grade gripper” feature holds the vehicle momentarily on a hill to give the driver time to shift from the brake to the accelerator pedal.
The transmission will be offered in overdrive and direct drive variants. It will be available as standard equipment on orders for the Mack Granite model starting in March.
“Our construction customers told us they wanted a heavy-duty version of the mDRIVE designed specifically to handle rough jobs in tough conditions,” said Stephen Roy, president of Mack Trucks North American Sales and Marketing. “We listened to them and developed a reinforced rugged transmission.”
