Hall selects Volvo FM480 and Allison combo 11 November 2010

Improved productivity and cost reductions are being reported by Hall Brothers, since specifying a "sensational" Volvo FM480 truck with Allison automatic transmission – the first such unit in Europe.

It was previous experience with an Allison-equipped Scania truck that brought the transmission to the Swedish aggregates company's attention, according to Peter Hansson, who drives that Scania. "We'd been running with Volvo trucks for as long as we can remember, but when we bought a Scania G480 we wanted to test an Allison fully automatic transmission," he explains.

Kent Hall, Hall's finance manager, explains that, when it was time for another Volvo, the firm chose the 13-litre FM480 and went for a seven-speed Allison 4700R gearbox, equipped with integral retarder for its claimed improvement in traction, as well as VEB+ – Volvo's intelligent engine braking device.

"Thanks to the torque converter and the full power-shifting, engine power is transmitted to the wheels very smoothly and without jerks," comments Hall. "This allows you to start a fully loaded gravel truck on a gradient of 14% with no fuss. The extra planetary gear module and a 4.5 rear axle ratio ensure optimum performance for our duty cycle," he adds.

Hall also says that performance is just as good on highway, "with low revs for optimum fuel economy". And he adds that the ride is much smoother, "which protects the entire drivetrain". He believes that this will lead directly to money and time saving in the workshop, as well as less downtime with the truck out of service.

Lars Andersson, who drives the new Volvo is equally impressed: "It is so comfortable driving a fully automatic transmission," he says. "The Volvo starts smoothly and [doesn't] slip its wheels, even in the gravel pit."

Andersson says he also notices benefits compared to automated manuals. "With an AMT, the engine loses power in every gear change, while the Allison transmission delivers traction without interruption to the power." he says.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Downloads
29174\Eng_to_Eng.pdf

Related Companies
Allison Transmission Europe BV
Volvo Group UK Ltd

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