Mack customers gained more options and increased space on their chassis frame rail with Mack Trucks’ launch of ClearTech One, its single package Exhaust Aftertreatment System (EATS), at The NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis IN. Mack also gave customers more automated transmission choices.
With Mack ClearTech One, the diesel particulate filter (DPF), selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology, and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) dosing system are all combined into one unit. Bringing the systems together into one package enables customer flexibility and allows for increased space for chassis-mounted equipment, which is often needed on work trucks and short-wheelbase tractors. Customers also can opt for larger fuel tanks without the need to lengthen the wheelbase.
ClearTech One is more compact than a two-component system, allowing for a shorter wheelbase for improved maneuverability. The smaller package also is about 15 pounds lighter than the current two-unit EATS.
ClearTech One is optimized for passive regeneration and SCR performance. The SCR catalyst is mounted downstream of the DPF, preventing hydrocarbon, ash or soot from entering the system. There is also no need for a second Diesel Oxidation Catalyst to be located before the SCR system.
ClearTech One will be available for order in August 2016 in Mack Pinnacle and Mack Granite models. Mack also will continue to offer the two-unit ClearTech EATS for specific applications such as tandem steering.
Mack also announced two new versions of the mDRIVE HD automated manual transmission (AMT). As the first truck manufacturer in North America to offer low reduction gear ratios in a proprietary automated manual transmission, Mack’s mDRIVE HD 13-speed and mDRIVE HD 14-speed meet the needs of an even wider range of customer applications with the power and performance that only a fully integrated powertrain can offer.
Available in direct or overdrive configurations, the new Mack mDRIVE HD 13-speed offers a low reduction gear ratio designed for easier starting on steep grades or when the truck is under heavy load. The Mack mDRIVE HD 14-speed, available only in an overdrive configuration, adds a second ultra-low-speed reduction gear designed for curb pouring applications or low-speed, heavy-haul maneuvering. Both transmissions offer up to four reverse gear ratios.
The new Mack mDRIVE HD models share their architecture with the standard mDRIVE HD, including reinforced internal components and the same gear ratios for the 12 forward speeds. The addition of the low reduction and multispeed reverse gears is made possible by a short extension added to the front of the transmission case. Despite the additional capabilities, the new mDRIVE HD models are less than five inches longer and only 90 pounds heavier than the standard mDRIVE HD, maintaining a weight advantage of nearly 150 pounds compared with automatic transmissions.
For the first time, customers will also now have the option to spec the mDRIVE HD in Mack Pinnacle models. The new low reduction gears not only improve performance in off-road, heavy haul and construction applications, they enable as well the use of a faster rear axle ratio to improve on-road fuel economy while maintaining startability.
“The mDRIVE HD is just as at home on the highway as it is on the job site,” said Stu Russoli, Mack highway and powertrain products marketing manager. “Highway customers with challenging loads will appreciate the extra flexibility provided by the low reduction gear ratios.”
In addition to the two new models, all Mack mDRIVE transmissions, including the standard mDRIVE and mDRIVE HD, also received numerous updates for improved performance and durability. The transmissions are controlled by a redesigned gearbox control unit, while a new clutch with a larger torsional damper helps reduce driveline vibration. Component wear monitors were also added to enable predictive maintenance.
Demonstrating confidence in the durability of its AMTs, Mack also extended warranty coverage on all mDRIVE transmissions and clutches used in heavy- or severe-duty applications. Warranty coverage now extends to 36 months with unlimited miles for heavy-duty applications for both the mDRIVE and mDRIVE HD. For severe-duty applications, warranty coverage is extended to 12 months and unlimited miles for the mDRIVE, and 24 months, unlimited miles for the mDRIVE HD.
The mDRIVE updates also included several improvements to power take-off (PTO) controls, including new main cab harnesses for all mDRIVE models, a reinforced range housing to handle higher PTO bending torque and an all-new cab-mounted Body Builder Module. The Body Builder Module is customizable, with user-configured software parameters to control engine speed and block reverse gears when the PTO is engaged. In addition, dual PTOs are now supported.
Available exclusively with Mack’s MP series engines, the Mack mDRIVE HD 13- and 14-speed AMTs will be available for order in August on Mack Pinnacle, Granite, and Titan by Mack models.