Mack debuts mDRIVE HD in TerraPro concrete pumpers

Mack Trucks will offer the Mack mDRIVE HD automated manual transmission (AMT) in Mack TerraPro concrete pumper models beginning in 2019, marking the first time in the industry that an AMT has been available in a cabover concrete pumper. The fully integrated 13- and 14-speed mDRIVE HD AMTs give concrete pumper customers improved performance, proven durability and maximized uptime in an easy-to-operate package. Mack made the announcement at World of Concrete 2019 in Las Vegas.

"The mDRIVE HD is the only AMT available with split-shaft PTO functionality, which enables us to offer concrete pumper customers all the benefits of the mDRIVE HD and our fully integrated powertrain," said John Walsh, vice president of marketing for Mack Trucks. "In addition to improved performance and productivity, the mDRIVE HD helps increase jobsite safety. Eliminating traditional shifting allows drivers to focus on safely operating their equipment."

All Mack mDRIVE HD AMTs come standard with split-shaft PTO functionality. Instead of taking power from a transmission- or engine-mounted PTO, split-shaft PTOs receive output directly from the transmission, supplying higher torque for large auxiliary equipment including concrete pumps.

The Mack mDRIVE HD is fully integrated with Mack's legendary engines and axles, providing additional performance and efficiency benefits for customers. In TerraPro concrete pumpers, the mDRIVE HD will be paired exclusively with the 11-litre Mack MP7 engine, and will be available with higher horsepower and torque ratings than equivalent models with conventional automatic transmissions. That includes the MP7's top rating of 425 horsepower and 1,560 lb.-ft. of torque, which packs 13-litre power in an 11-litre engine. The mDRIVE HD for TerraPro concrete pumper models is available as a 13-speed direct drive or overdrive, as well as a 14-speed direct drive.

"For more than 100 years, Mack has held firm to the belief that components designed work together simply work better," said Tim Wrinkle, Mack construction product manager. "Not only do our integrated components deliver higher performance, they also help maximize uptime for our customers."

Like all Mack mDRIVE AMTs, the mDRIVE HD in TerraPro concrete pumper customers will be monitored by Mack's GuardDog Connect telematics solution. GuardDog Connect, which comes standard on all Mack models powered by Mack engines, provides proactive monitoring and repair planning, real-time diagnosis of issues, repair scheduling and confirmation that needed parts are in stock and ready to install. Together with Mack ASIST and Mack's OneCall uptime experts, GuardDog Connect delivers decision-critical information to maximize customer uptime.

The mDRIVE HD offers customers simplified maintenance compared to conventional automatic transmissions, with service intervals of up to 500,000 miles. If the mDRIVE HD does require service, customers can simply visit any authorized Mack dealer, eliminating the additional time and hassle of visiting a third party service location.

Mack's mDRIVE HD is based on the proven design of the mDRIVE, which has been standard in Mack highway models since 2014. With ruggedized internal components, including stronger gears and synchros, the mDRIVE HD is built to withstand the frequent shifting often found in construction applications. The 13- and 14-speed variants also feature low-ratio creeper gears, enabling the mDRIVE HD improved startability and ultra-low speed maneuverability.

All mDRIVE HD AMTs feature a transmission-mounted oil cooler to help maintain optimal operating temperatures, even in the face of repeated, heat-generating shifts commonly found at jobsites. The mDRIVE HD also includes advanced standard features like Rock Free, which allows drivers to free stuck vehicles by rocking the truck back and forth simply by pumping the accelerator, and Auto Neutral, which improves jobsite safety by automatically putting the mDRIVE into neutral when the parking brake is set. Additional features like Grade Gripper, which helps prevent rolling backward on an incline, are also included, as well as MaxBrake, Performance Mode and more.

The Mack mDRIVE HD in Mack TerraPro concrete pumper models will be available for order in February 2019. For more information, visit Mack Trucks at World of Concrete 2019 in booth C5103.