Truck powertrain downspeeding—how low can you go?
It’s been part of the specification vernacular for many years. As a powertrain-focused strategy for improving fuel economy, downspeeding has been of interest to fleets looking to lower fuel costs. For manufacturers, it is also a means of meeting efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions regulations. The concept itself is simple. With downspeeding, the rear axle
International’s plan for supporting its new powertrain after the sale
It’s one thing to launch a new product and another to support it after the sale, but that’s when the true “total cost of ownership” is realized. At some point in any piece of equipment’s lifecycle, there are maintenance needs. How quickly the component is fixed and back on the road generating revenue can make
International preps dealers ahead of S13 integrated powertrain rollout
Navistar and the International dealer network are preparing to support customers with comprehensive ownership solutions for the International S13 Integrated Powertrain. Ownership solutions will include dealer integrated software, built-in service products, repair maintenance contracts and preventive maintenance programs, the OEM noted in an announcement during ATA’s MCE. International on-highway models specified with the S13 Integrated
Freightliner M2, SD Plus Series launch updates its medium-duty truck offering
Freightliner introduced the new Plus Series–enhanced versions of its M2 and SD models, including the M2 106 Plus, M2 112 Plus, 108SD Plus, and 114SD Plus. The enhanced models provide a major update to the interior and electrical systems of the M2 and SD models. The OEM noted that the Plus Series is designed to
Kenworth announces PACCAR TX-18, TX-18 Pro automated transmissions available for order
Kenworth announced that the new PACCAR TX-18 and PACCAR TX-18 Pro automated transmissions for Class 8 heavy on-highway and select off-highway vocational applications are now available for order. Both 18-speed transmissions build upon the efficiency of the PACCAR TX-12. The PACCAR TX-18 offers additional capability for heavy on-highway use for applications, such as heavy haul transport. The PACCAR TX-18 Pro adds enhanced capabilities and unique features
How to relieve pain at the diesel pump right now
Diesel prices are soaring with no sign of slowing down. The increased cost hits your fleet’s bottom line hard. Here’s what you can do about it: start by spec’ing the right truck features to make sure every drop of diesel goes as far as it can. Mack Trucks on-highway Class 8 Mack Anthem® offers a
Shifting to sustainability: The International S13 integrated powertrain strategy
You’ve probably heard the old adage “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” It was most likely in regard to a slow but steady climb towards a bigger picture. The paradigm is especially relevant to the commercial trucking industry, as ambitious sustainability initiatives are on the forefront for every manufacturer. Due to the plethora of different
International pulls the sheet off of its S13 integrated powertrain
At a press event at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, International introduced its S13 integrated powertrain. Developed in collaboration with the TRATON Group, the S13 integrated powertrain was created from a clean sheet design and consists of three distinct components–an engine, a transmission and an aftertreatment system–all designed and developed concurrently to ensure maximized compatibility
Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies introduces online transmission selector
Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies announced it has a new online selector tool, which helps users choose the optimal transmission from its portfolio. To guide customers to the ideal transmission choice, the online selector asks a series of questions, such as how the vehicle is used, its maximum gross weight rating, the type of terrain on
Volvo on Volvo: The Complete Series
“Act now.” That was the Volvo Trucks mantra at ACT Expo in the back half of 2021, when we were still (and currently are) facing uncertainty and change in nearly all aspects of life. But one thing it didn’t change, was progress. The trucking industry was moving forward with advanced diesel engine technology, electric powertrains,
The need for speed (and fuel efficiency): Minimizing powertrain choice tradeoffs
The powertrain trade-off has always been: When do you want your fuel efficiency? Or more accurately: At what speeds? With increasing fast axle ratios enabled by downspeeding, there has always been talk of the operational “sweet spot”–that magical RPM, MPH balance that wasn’t burning too much fuel, but wasn’t underpowered. Just right. The reality is
Volvo Trucks touts I-Shift transmission with dual power take-off
Volvo Trucks North America upgrades its I-Shift that now offers a dual power take-off (PTO). The new dual PTO allows I-Shift to incorporate two independently clutched DIN 5462 drives, or one SAE 1410 flange and one DIN 5462 drive, separated by the vehicle’s centerline. By separating the two drives, space is created to allow for the
