Mack Trucks showed the latest mDRIVE transmission with rolling start and auto neutral, two new features designed to improve the jobsite performance and safety of trucks equipped with Mack’s mDRIVE and mDRIVE HD automated manual transmissions. Both features are standard on all Mack mDRIVE and mDRIVE HD transmissions. Mack made the announcement at World of Concrete 2017 running January 17-20 in Las Vegas NV.
“Mack’s mDRIVE transmissions serve a wide range of customers, including those with demanding paving and concrete applications,” said Tim Wrinkle, Mack construction product manager. “Now updated with rolling start and auto neutral, mDRIVE transmissions are even better suited to those tasks.”
Mack mDRIVE rolling start allows drivers to shift the transmission into drive without pressing the truck’s service brakes. This eliminates the possibility of creating a bump in the paving surface, which is a critical benefit for paving applications.
Several construction applications, including concrete mixers, rely on remote throttle controls. By automatically shifting the mDRIVE into neutral when the parking brake is set, Mack mDRIVE auto neutral helps improve jobsite safety by reducing the possibility of the truck moving due to throttle application.
Engineered to work exclusively with Mack’s MP-series engines, mDRIVE and mDRIVE HD automated manual transmissions are a key component of the Mack integrated powertrain, boosting efficiency, productivity and performance.
In 2016, mDRIVE transmissions were spec’d in a record percentage of Mack models, making mDRIVE the most dominant transmission across Mack’s complete lineup of heavy-duty trucks for the first time ever.
Mack mDRIVE and mDRIVE HD penetration reached record levels in Mack Pinnacle Axle Back and Mack Granite models sold in the United States and Canada, with 80% and 20% penetration respectively. With the new low-ratio creeper gears and these new features added, Mack is on track to double mDRIVE HD penetration in Granite models in 2017.