Mack Trucks Upgrades mDrive HD Transmission
Some types of vehicles may be equipped with special devices, such as lifts, tipping mechanisms or pumps that need additional power. This is the case when a power take-off mechanisms are crucial for proper operation of this onboard equipment. Mack Trucks has recently released a new split shaft feature for its mDRIVE HD automated manual transmission.
The most common power take-offs (PTOs) are engine-, flywheel- or gearbox-driven. Instead of getting power from an engine- or gearbox-adjusted PTOs, split-shaft PTO mechanisms are installed in the middle of the driveline to take the power directly from the gearbox, providing more torque for supporting units. When this type of PTO is activated, power is not transmitted to the axles.
The new split-shaft feature is compatible with 12-, 13- and 14-speed mDRIVE HD gearboxes. With this feature the manufacturer brings out the best in mDrive gearboxes and provides more efficient solution for customers who need higher PTO power and torque. The PTO mechanism is a link between the engine and different on-board devices, such as compressors and hydraulic pumps. Proper selection of the PTO mechanism and its installation may be crucial for trouble-free operation of the vehicle.
Info on
mDrive transmissions
Mack Truck
offers transmission solutions developed for excellent performance of
powertrains. The 12-speed mDRIVE gearbox is a standard unit for all Mack Anthem
trucks. With this gearbox there is no clutch pedal, and change of gears is
implemented by means of special software and engine integration. This
sophisticated gearbox technology reduces wear of spare parts and requires
minimal services. Mack also designed 13- and 14-speed mDrive options with one
or two crawling gears. The mDrive gearboxes are equipped with Mack Predictive
Cruise, an intelligent system, which keeps track of the route topography and
uses this data to reduce fuel consumption up to 1%. The system with activated
cruise control can store coordinates of up to 4,500 hills encountered on the
route. Next time when driving on the same road Mack Predictive Cruise optimizes
the selection of gears for better fuel efficiency.
The mDrive gearbox has an impressive parameter of input torque equal to 2603 Nm. This transmission is available in two variants (with direct drive or with overdirve). The upgraded mDrive HD system weights 107.5 kg less than the original mDrive and it is easily integrated with the engine and transmission to improve efficiency, enhance durability, and reduce costs.
About Mack Trucks
Mack Trucks
is a major North American manufacturer of heavy vehicles of Class 8, axles,
suspensions, engines and transmissions. The company was established in 1900
under the name Mack Brothers Company, the 1-st truck was built in 1907, and
later, in 1922, the company's name was changed to Mack Trucks. In 2000, Mack
Trucks together with Renault Trucks became a subsidiary of Volvo Group. Most its
products Mack produces at its plant in Pennsylvania, as well as at additional
assembly plants in Maryland (USA), Venezuela and Australia. Mack trucks,
transmissions and suspension systems are sold in more than 45 countries around
the world through the network of more than 670 dealers and service centers.
