Granite gets mDrive HD

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Mack Trucks says increasing customer demand has led it to make its mDrive HD 13-speed automated manual transmission (AMT), introduced in March, standard on Mack Granite models. Featuring a low-ratio creeper gear, the transmission is said to help boost customer productivity thanks to improved performance and reduced weight.

Mack also says it’s the first truck maker in North America to offer low-reduction creeper-gear ratios in a proprietary AMT. Mack will make the 13-speed AMT standard on the Granite model starting with production of the 2017 MP8 engine. The gearbox is also available on Mack Pinnacle and Titan models.

Available in direct or overdrive configurations, the mDrive HD 13-speed’s creeper-gear ratio is designed for easier startability on steep grades or when the truck is carrying a heavy load. This improved startability also allows customers to select a faster rear axle ratio, which decreases engine rpm at highway speeds and thus saves fuel.

The transmission is monitored by Mack GuardDog Connect, the company’s proactive diagnostic and repair-planning system. It monitors fault codes that could potentially shut down a truck or lead to an unplanned visit to the dealer. GuardDog Connect enables quick diagnosis of issues, proactive scheduling for repairs and confirmation that needed parts are in stock and ready to install, all while the truck is still on the job.

The mDrive HD 13- and 14-speed models are available exclusively with Mack MP engines. Both transmissions offer up to four reverse gear ratios.

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Rolf Lockwood is editor emeritus of Today's Trucking and a regular contributor to Trucknews.com.


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