Mack Trucks said its mDrive HD 13-speed automated manual transmission is now standard on Mack Granite model trucks. The transmission features a low ratio creeper gear.
The mDrive HD will be available on Granite models with a 2017 MP8 engine. It is also available on Pinnacle and Titan models.
“Making the mDrive HD 13-speed standard on the Granite is a natural evolution of our industry leadership,” said Dennis Slagle, president of Mack Trucks. “Since its introduction, the mDrive has become incredibly popular – starting first with highway and more recently with many heavy-duty vocational applications. The introduction of the 13- and 14-speed gears expands the range and performance in vocational applications so much so that it is only natural for it to become our standard offering in the Granite model.”
Available in direct or overdrive configurations, the transmission’s low reduction 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. The faster ratio decreases engine rpm at highway speeds, saving fuel as the truck travels between job sites.
The mDrive HD 13-speed is monitored by Mack GuardDog® Connect and serviceable at more than 400 Mack dealers. GuardDog Connect is Mack’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 13-speed shares its architecture with the standard mDrive HD, including reinforced internal components and the same gear ratios for the 12 forward speeds.
Mack also announced in March the availability of the mDrive HD 14-speed. The addition of the two transmissions with creeper gears enables Mack to meet the needs of a wider range of customer applications with the power and performance that only a fully integrated powertrain can offer.
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.
