transport-engineer
Home Advertise Magazine Events Jobs Login
Search     


Twin Countershaft gearbox improves tractor fuel efficiency across drive cycle
June 2011 Email to a friend   Comment on this article
A pioneering 10-speed fully automatic transmission that incorporates Allison's torque converter and twin countershaft design is promising optimised acceleration and higher fuel economy across a range of tractor unit duty cycles.

Twin Countershaft gearbox improves tractor fuel efficiency across drive cycleLaunched at the 2011 Mid-America Trucking Show, in Louisville, Kentucky, it is destined for availability, initially in North America, in late 2012.

Lou Gilbert, Allison Transmission's director of North American market development, says it has been designed to maximise productivity and fuel efficiency during cruising and stop-start operation.

This is the first power-shifting, twin countershaft design for commercial vehicles, incorporating Allison's torque converter to deliver uninterrupted power to the wheels, he explains.

Coupled with the smooth shifting and ease of operation that go with a fully-automatic box, this new technology provides OEMs and operators with a competitive and fuel efficient alternative to automated manuals.

"Initial in-vehicle tests have shown worthwhile gains in fuel economy, and we achieved increases in vehicle miles-per-workday," states Gilbert.

"Our testing has also shown this new transmission offers better fuel economy than an automated manual in the targeted duty cycle markets for which it was developed," he adds.

The new transmission will also incorporate Allison's existing intelligent features, including load based shift schedules (LBSS) and reduced engine load at stop (RELS).
 
Author
Brian Tinham
 
 
This material is protected by SOE copyright 2012.
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.
 
Bookmark this article using:
 
Del.icio.us digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon
 
 
Your comments / feedback
Do you have any comments or feedback on this article? Please contact us by filling in the form below.
NameHide name
Your Email Address
Comments
Send
Your comments/feedback may be edited prior to publishing. Not all entries will be published.
Terms and Conditions
Related Companies
Allison Transmission
 
 
Related News
Traffic Commissioner and VOSA to keynote at IRTE 2012 conference
 
Iveco prepares ultimate fuel saving heavy truck combo
 
International status arrives for 2013 CV Show
 
Stress relief with new Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks
 
Transmission system breakthrough debuted by Wabco
 
 
Related Library Articles
Turning the toroid
 
Iveco Le Dakar
 
Safety in numbers
 
Automatic choice
 
Double shift
 
 
Related Products
Transmission system breakthrough debuted by Wabco
 
Volvo Trucks goes for one fitted parts price UK-wide
 
Auto transmissions to slash motor sizes in electric hybrids
 
Allison expands range of bus transmissions
 
Electrics’ drivetrain ramps up power