Peterbilt Designs Lightest Automated Transmission

Peterbilt is bringing a proprietary automated transmission to the market with a 12-speed, twin countershaft. It’s the lightest heavy-duty transmission currently in production at just 657 pounds, making it 105 pounds lighter than the comparable Eaton UltraShift Plus AMT.
 

IT’S NOT AN AUTOMATED MANUAL TRANSMISSION

Unlike Automated Manual Transmissions (AMTs), which are typically converted manual transmissions, Peterbilt’s proprietary transmission is designed from the ground up to function as purely automated from start to finish.

“The transmission is engineered to work seamlessly with MX engines and axles and provide industry-leading performance,” says Landon Sproull, Vice President, PACCAR. “Together, powertrain components deliver superior fuel economy, uptime, and driver satisfaction — top priorities for our customers.”

The Peterbilt transmission seamlessly integrates with the MX-13 engine and enables Peterbilt models 579 and 567 to offer a new level of driver-friendly performance with industry-leading low speed maneuverability and smooth, intuitive shifting.
   

IT’S A GAME-CHANGER

With the new proprietary automated transmission, Peterbilt has taken the wraps off a suite of features to enhance driver comfort, improve fuel economy, maximize uptime and positively impact the bottom line of fleet managers and owner operators.

Optimized gear selection chooses appropriate starting gears and makes improved shift decisions based on vehicle weight, engine torque, grade and throttle position.

Predictive Cruise Control brings fuel savings by continuously referencing GPS maps of upcoming roads to make minor truck speed adjustments and take advantage of vehicle momentum. This can reduce the number of gear changes by as much as 20%.

The fluid pressure detection system provides advance warning of low oil conditions while an oil-coalescing air filter protects the transmission from contamination. The industry-exclusive pressure sensor enables Peterbilt to offer an industry-leading five-year, 750,000 mile-warranty. The 750,000-mile oil change interval is the longest available for line-haul applications, reducing maintenance cost and increasing uptime.

Peterbilt’s new column-mounted shifter puts gear selection and engine brake controls at the driver’s fingertips for better ergonomics and improved performance.

EXPERIENCE THE INDUSTRY’S LIGHTEST AUTOMATED TRANSMISSION

Peterbilt’s proprietary automated transmission is now available for order beginning October 2017. The new transmission is compatible with models 579 and 567. It will be paired with the MX-13 engine at first and will be available with the MX-11 engine in early 2018. To experience the industry’s lightest and most advanced proprietary transmission, contact your local Brandt Truck & Trailer.